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Neenah Creek Regional Park Master Plan
St. Cloud, Minnesota

Overview

The City of St. Cloud is developing a Master Plan for Neenah Creek Regional Park. This 243 +/- acre park, located in the southwest corner of St. Cloud, will be one of three regional parks in the City’s community recreational facility system. The master plan will support the vision and goals stated in the St. Cloud 2003 Comprehensive Plan Update.

Realizing the unique characteristics of the site and the park’s potential to attract both local residents and visitors to the area, the City is looking for to provide a range of educational, passive and active recreational opportunities. Along with a new park maintenance facility, the park will be constructed in phases as funding becomes available.

The recently completed study of the City’s central maintenance facility and potential satellite facility, the St. Cloud 2003 Comprehensive Plan Update, the 2001 Neenah Creek Regional Park Plant Community Inventory & Land Cover Classification, and the St. Cloud Natural Areas Inventory and Planning Framework will be used to guide the planning process.

Defining the ‘vision’ will entail a deliberate planning process to explore issues and answer questions that need addressing, such as:

• How should the City broaden and diversify recreational opportunities to those parts of the community not currently served?
• What infrastructure will be designed for Neenah Creek? Currently, the only utilities in the vicinity exist on the east side of the park at Quarry Woods.
• Where is the most reasonable site within the park situated for the maintenance facility?
• How does a community measure the passive recreational value to active recreation?
• What are the passive and active recreational amenities needed to create Neenah Creek?
• How will managing existing natural communities and habitat restoration affect the budget?

The City believes that parks and open space provide opportunity for recreation and scenic views that are essential for a strong ‘quality of life.’ This park is an important shaping element and provides opportunities for experiencing the sites historical and natural resources while integrating passive and active recreation features. Our team understands that this park is an investment, which plays an important role for the City by reinforcing a positive living environment.

Community Vision

Overview

Goals and Strategies

Concepts/Maps/Graphics

Project Photos

Project Schedule

Public Involvement

• Task Force Meeting
  October 25, 2006
• Task Force Meeting
  November 15, 2006
• Task Force Meeting
  December 20, 2006
• Task Force Meeting
  February 6, 2007
• Park and Recreation Advisory Board Public Hearing
  February 28, 2007

Contacts