University of Iowa to give University Heights access to Finkbine-adjacent land for new 36-acre trail system

University Heights is primed to begin building a new recreational trail system across 36 acres of forested land north of Melrose Avenue — near the Finkbine commuter lot — after the Board of Regents on Wednesday flagged support for its use of the University of Iowa-owned portion of the property.

By granting an easement allowing the City of University Heights to build trails across 24 acres of UI land near its Finkbine Golf Course and commuter lot off Melrose Avenue, the regents will enable the full 36-acre project to proceed — charting trails across the mature wooded land characterized by steep ravines and deciduous trees.

“The university property is not suitable for a university building on the site, and the university’s long-term master plan calls for this property to remain as a natural wooded area,” according to the request for an easement, approved by the regents’ property and facilities committee Wednesday. “There is no distinctive boundary between the university and city properties within this area.”

The full board will consider approval Thursday.

Planning for the project has been months in the making, with Think Iowa City leading the charge by engaging a civil engineering firm with experience developing recreational trail systems and by holding an open house to gather community feedback.

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Preliminary concepts include both paved and unpaved trails, including novice to more advanced routes, with several overlooks and entry points. The total project cost is estimated at more than $800,000.

“The trail would be a recreational benefit to the entire university community and would connect with other nearby trail systems,” UI officials said in pitching the project to regents, committing University Heights to pay “all design and construction costs of creating the trail, and for all ongoing maintenance once the trail has been established.”

The trail system, once it receives final approval, will be built in phases as funding becomes available — with an agreement calling for the city and UI to convene annually to discuss “ongoing operational and maintenance issues with the overall trail system.”

University Heights, to pay for the project, intends to launch community fundraising efforts — while also applying for grants, according to City Administrator Troy Kelsay.

In boasting the project’s potential benefits, Think Iowa City pointed to sustainability — environmentally, socially and economically.

“A socially sustainable trail provides visitors the opportunity to achieve their recreation objectives while protecting land resources; increasing the capacity of the land for enjoyment while minimizing negative impacts,” according to Think Iowa City, noting a trail system allows for access to “better manage the landscape through removal of invasive species and erosion control measures.”

Fiscally, single-track trails and mountain bike facilities “are a value proposition similar to other parks infrastructure, such as ball fields and playgrounds,” according to Think Iowa City, characterizing the system “as an economically sustainable and fiscally sound form of public recreation with benefits outweighing costs.”

In addition to all costs, University Heights would be responsible for maintaining insurance on the trail, including the part of the trail on UI property.

“The city would indemnify and hold the university, Iowa Board of Regents, and the State of Iowa harmless from and against all claims arising and resulting from the negligent acts or omissions of the City in the design, construction and maintenance of the trail system,” according to regent documents.

Vanessa Miller covers higher education for The Gazette.

Comments: (319) 339-3158; vanessa.miller@thegazette.com