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BOOK 97 PAGE 4.39 The +298 acre Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area property, owned by Indian River County and the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), is located north of Oslo Road and includes impounded wetlands east of Vista Royale. The Vista Royale Association is requesting that the County (and District) allow an "out and back" walking trail along an impoundment dike, whereby the trail would be accessed from behind Vista Royale's Lake View Clubhouse and extend along a dike to the Indian River Lagoon (see attached map). The dike on which the trail is proposed is already walkable and, maintained by the Indian River Mosquito Control District (IRMCD) for purposes of mosquito control access. The Association's proposal is to enhance the dike as a walking trail for Vista Royale residents, including minor improvements such as benches and trail signs. ANALYSIS The County has obtained a Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) grant for public access improvements on the Oslo Riverfront property. Construction of these improvements, including a limited parking area off Oslo Road, and nature trails.with boardwalks, is expected to begin this summer. The proposed Vista Royale dike trail would be discontinuous from the Oslo Road accessed improvements, with the Vista trail's access being from the Lake View Clubhouse. For this reason, the Vista Royale trail, if allowed, would be largely limited to Vista Royale residents. County planning staff has informally discussed the proposed trial with SJRWMD staff which generally supports the allowance, provided _that the Vista Royale Association contributes to trail maintenance. Mr. Alia has spoken with Indian River Mosquito Control District (IRMCD) staff, which reportedly has no objection to the trail as long any proposed minor trail improvements do not interfere with necessary mosquito control access. County planning staff's viewpoint is that the trail allowance is reasonable, particularly if the Vista Royale Association maintains the trail in coordination with the IRMCD and if the trail does not conflict with mosquito control access needs. Risk Management staff, however, has indicated that a legal agreement may be in order to address the issue of County liability, whereby the agreement would hold the County harmless for insurance reasons. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners allow the Vista Royale Condominium Owners Association to enhance an existing impoundment dike access east of Vista Royale's Lake View Clubhouse, for purposes of establishing a walking trail with minor improvements such as benches and trail signs. Staff recommends that this allowance be subject to SJRWMD and IRMCD concurrence, and subject to the Association maintaining its improvements and executing a legally sufficient agreement holding the County harmless. ATTACHMENT 1. General location map of proposed trail. 15 March 5, 1996