I promised to invest in Arden Hills parks, trails and recreation—and I delivered.
During my leadership, Arden Hills added two new parks and 7.2 miles of trails, with over three more miles planned over the next three years. I also supported additional recreation staff so our programs can better serve residents.
I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I’m not finished. I will continue to make parks and trails a priority in the Cities budget, long-term planning, redevelopment and new development.
Connecting our community
Trails are more than a place to walk or bike. They connect our neighborhoods, improve safety and give residents another way to get where they need to go.
Arden Hills is divided by lakes, wetlands, highways and freeways, thoughtful trail planning is especially important.
By following the Parks Master Plan, we have planned and have partnered with the county, state, and developers on expansion and maintenance of many trails.
I am working to add five more trails over the next three years, including the important and challenging Old Snelling/Old 10 trail as well as the Lake Johanna Boulevard trail.
Trails cost on average of $2 million per mile to construct. I believe we need to be smart about how we invest, coordinating trail construction with road projects and partnering with other levels of government whenever possible.
I have been successful working with the County in adding safer island style pedestrian crossings on county roads, and with MnDOT on better trail connections adjacent to major roads. Our trails connect Arden Hills with Shoreview, New Brighton, Roseville and the regional system. I see bikeways and trails as a genuine transportation option for our community.
Recreation for everyone
I support expanding City recreation opportunities, particularly during the summer when programs can provide children with a structured, low-cost, safe, positive place to spend their time.
I also recognize that our trails are changing. As e-bikes and increasingly powerful e-motos become more common, pedestrian safety is an increasing concern. I am advocating for clearer rules, practical rider education and wider trails where it is possible to make our shared paths safer and more enjoyable for everyone. I am also working with the County to extend our 10-foot-wide trails to better accommodate pedestrians and reduce conflicts.
I enjoy talking and listening to residents at open houses when reviewing plans for park improvements and reviewing trail designs to capture their input. I believe strong leadership means listening to residents, proactive planning, and accomplishments that exceed the expectations of the residents. I will continue working to make Arden Hills an active community where people can safely walk, bike, enjoy our parks and trails, and have exceptional recreation and transportation choices that improve everyday life.
Safer streets and more transportation choices
Residents have told me that traffic and vehicle speeds are a major concern. I championed lowering residential speed limits to 25 mph to make our streets safer for pedestrians.
In 2025 I worked with the Metropolitan Council and Roseville to bring to Arden Hills, Metro Micro which is an on-demand shared ride service offered in many Twin Cities communities giving residents another transportation option. I will continue working to expand the program so that it serves all of Arden Hills. https://www.metrotransit.org/metro-micro/micro/