Edina residents who worry that a regional biking and walking trail would come too close to their homes have organized to fight the plan.
Opponents have started a website and a Facebook page to make their case against the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail, which would run 17 miles from Hopkins through Edina to Richfield. People who oppose the path say it would be too close to homes and schools, could hurt wildlife and would bring crime to quiet neighborhoods.
"People are realizing that it really is going to be right in their back yard and in the back yard of their schools," said Pam Johnson, who lives on Valley Lane and set up the anti-trail website. "The more people think about it, the more difficult it is for them to embrace this giant thing."
John Keprios, director of Edina parks and recreation, said the city and Three Rivers Park District, which will own and maintain the trail, have "no interest in putting a trail on private property or building on private property."
"These things are always a great idea in somebody else's back yard," he said. "We will look at all the alternatives and take the least-worst route."
The trail, which would link to other bike routes to the west and south, has strong support from groups like the Bike Edina Task Force. In a 2006 survey, Edina residents said their top recreational priority was more outdoor trails.
Alice Hulbert, a former City Council member and a member of the bike task force, said if Edina wants to be a progressive city, it needs transportation options and amenities.
"If Edina wants to be attractive to young families who want to be active, this is an important thing," she said. "You have to weigh the public good. When you buy property that borders park land, you need to understand that the purpose of that public land could change in the future."