HomeMy WebLinkAbout09(B) - Lakefront Park Master Plan Adoption ReportLAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN
PRIOR LAKE, MN
DRAFT - DECEMBER 2022
2 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
• CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
-KIRT BRIGGS, MAYOR
-ZACH BRAID, COUNCIL MEMBER
-KEVIN BURKART, COUNCIL MEMBER
-KIMBERLY CHURCHILL, COUNCIL MEMBER
-ANNETTE THOMPSON, COUNCIL MEMBER
• ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS
-ANDY BROTZLER, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
-STEVE HART, PARK & RECREATION MANAGER
-AVERY FOWBLE, STUDENT REP
-CHRIS FLEEK, P.L.A.Y.
-DOUG GESME, ROTARY
-JAMES SPEIKER, OPTIMIST CLUB
-JENECE DIEDRICH, RESIDENT
-KIM CLAUSON, CEC
-KIMBERLY CHURCHILL
-LUCY KENDER, CEC
-MIKE STAPF, RESIDENT
-OWEN BAUM, STUDENT REP
-PAT HEANEY, RESIDENT
-KELSEY COY, RECREATION SUPERVISOR
-JAKE THEISEN, MAINTENANCE SUPERINTENDENT
-LORI OLSON, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
-GABRIELLE GRINDE, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, HKGI
-PAUL PAIGE, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT/PRINCIPAL,
HKGI
THANK YOU TO ALL THE COMMUNITY RESIDENTS WHO PROVIDED INPUT THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS PLAN!
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
PROCESS OVERVIEW 4
BACKGROUND INFORMATION 6
ROUND 1 ENGAGEMENT AND INPUT 10
SUMMARY OF CONCEPTS 12
ROUND 2 ENGAGEMENT AND INPUT 14
PREFERRED CONCEPT 18
IMPLEMENTATION AND COST ESTIMATES 32
APPENDIX 42
Project Website
A website was created at the start of the master planning process to keep community members informed and engaged throughout the project. The site gave a description of the project, a project timeline, site context, background information, and directed visitors to participate in and view the online community engagement materials.
To view the project website scan the QR code below or visit:
https://hkgi.mysocialpinpoint.com/prior-lake-lakefront-park-master-plan
PROJECT TIMELINE
4 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
PROCESS OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Lakefront Park is home to many community events and activities due to its size and proximity to
downtown Prior Lake and Lower Prior Lake. Despite being roughly 30 years old, the park has not had any
major investments in several years. Because of this, the City of Prior Lake has created this master plan
document to guide improvements and develop a community vision for the future of Lakefront Park.
An advisory committee of 18 people representing a variety of perspectives was assembled to kick off the
development of the master plan document. The purpose of the advisory committee was to review project
deliverables, offer input, and listen to other stakeholders. Multiple meetings were held with the advisory
committee to discuss park issues and opportunities, provide input on high level concepts, and review the
draft master plan.
In addition to receiving feedback from an advisory committee, the city also sought input from the
public through various forms of community engagement. In-person events and online engagement
opportunities were used to provide project information to the public, solicit and obtain feedback
from the public and stakeholders, discover potential partners that may be involved with project
implementation, and engage the public and stakeholders to comment on issues and opportunities
related to priorities for implementation.
This master plan is meant to be used as a guide to a phased approach to development in the park over
the next 10 to 20 years. This guide also identifies costs and potential phasing of the improvements and
identifies funding sources to act as an estimate for future financial needs and sources.
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 5
Pop-Up Event at Chalkfest
December Advisory Committee Meeting
May 25, 2022, Open House
PURPOSE & GOALS OF THE MASTER PLAN
Guide future park improvements and investments with regard to
circulation and access, recreation, facilities, and programming
GUIDE FUTURE PARK IMPROVEMENTS & INVESTMENTS
COMMUNITY CONSENSUS
PHASED IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
ESTIMATE FUTURE COSTS
Establish and build community consensus for the future plan of the park
Determine a phased implementation strategy for the next 10 years
Estimate future costs and identify potential funding sources
6 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
ABOUT THE PARK
Lakefront Park is a 126-acre park developed in the mid-1990s to serve as a primary community park for Prior
Lake. The park is located between Prior Lake’s downtown business district and the shores of Lower Prior Lake.
The current site serves a multitude of different purposes such as:
• ACTIVE RECREATION: Geared toward informal and some programmed uses
• PASSIVE RECREATION: Provides ample opportunity for passive uses such as trails and overlooks
• NATURAL RESOURCE PRESERVATION: Focuses on preserving and enhancing the site’s natural
characteristics
• LAKEFRONT ACCESS: Provides public access to the lakefront
PAST PLANNING EFFORTS
DRAFT CITY OF PRIOR LAKE PARKS AND TRAILS MASTER PLAN (2019)
This city-wide master plan identified overarching recommendations and improvements to the city’s park
system for the next several years. For Lakefront Park, the plan includes high level recommendations:
replacement of virtually all trails, drives, parking lots and developed amenities, reorganization of some of the
amenities, and the consideration of new recreational elements to better meet the needs of the community.
Some specific considerations include:
• New playground with inclusive design
• Memorial climbing boulder
• Improved skate park either in its current location or moved to the tennis court location. Alternatively, this
may move to a different site entirely
• Improved tennis courts in current location or the location could swap with the existing skate park
• Phase out the ballfield to remain as turf lawn space with drainage improvements
• Consider an additional parking lot for improved access to Watzl’s Beach
• New, separate, smaller warming house room, also used for programming
• Separate permanent restrooms suitable for daily park users not in conflict with other park uses
• Improvements to existing buildings and rental spaces to include wifi, technology, improved acoustics, code
compliance & general improvements
• Consideration of refrigerated ice rink with covered seating and potentially a pleasure skating loop
• Ensure drive and parking lot designs and construction accommodate heavy trucks
• Potential splash pad
• Look at potential to get 2 improved volleyball courts together
It should be noted that some previous improvements and developments were made with grant funding and as
such, have specific conditions that the City of Prior Lake is obligated to adhere.
Pavilion with Restrooms
Skate Park
Playground
Beach
Gazebo
Basketball Court
Tennis Court
Trail Overlook
Drive Entry
Pedestrian Entry
Woodland
Woodland
Tennis Courts
• Need resurfaced
• Many pickleball users
Open Pavilion
Soccer Fields
• No ADA path to soccer elds
• Grass is routinely wet
Baseball Field
• No dugouts
• Not used for competitive play
• Overlaps with soccer elds
Parks and Recreation Building
Community Gardens
Memorial Hill
Public Fishing
• Dock is located in an area that is quickly
lled by weeds making it hard to sh from
• Potential to add shing bump out on
walking bridge
Parking Lot
• High demand in the winter-time during
sledding season
• Request for additional parking
Potential for cross-country ski
trails or mountain biking trails
Trail dead end
Lower Prior Lake
Downtown Prior Lake
Bandshell
• Free concerts held weekly in the summer
Sand Volleyball Court
• Low visibility
Restrooms
• Not currently operating
• Low visibility
Beach
• Hard to access from parking lot
• Add more programming here
Ice Skating Rink
• Takes up a lot of space / eye-sore
• Needs updated
Improved waynding signage
throughout woodland trails
Sledding Hill
• Request for conveyor lift for sledders
Wooded Area
• Currently no programming here
• Could be frisbee golf course or
natural surface trail
Playground
• Needs updated
• No shade in this area
Skatepark
• Needs updated
• Place in an area of high visibility
Diculty getting equipment
on ice due to slopes
Event Building
• No public restrooms
• Potential to turn into a warming house
Gazebo
• Doesn’t get much use
Basketball Courts
• Desire for lights that can be turned
on by community members
Underutilized Area
• Additional parking could go here
Figure 1. Park Analysis
N
0 400’ 800’
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 7
Figure 2. Slope Analysis
0-5%
5-10%
10-15%
15-20%
Over 20%
8 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
Figure 3. Utilities Analysis
Legend
Stormwater Main Water Hydrant
Water Main
Water Laterals
Water Valve
SS Manhole
ST Manhole
Storm Inlet
Storm Outlet
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 9
7,579
Total Site Visits
2,723
Unique Stakeholders
122
Map Comments
1,097
Survey
Responses
10 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
ROUND 1 ENGAGEMENT AND INPUT
IN-PERSON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Our first community engagement event took place September 10th, 2021, at Prior Lake’s Chalk Fest. Here
we displayed a map of the park and asked residents to tell us their likes, concerns, and ideas for Lakefront
Park. We received lots of input from young people (under 18) and heard a lot of interest in adding a splash
pad and creating better access to the beach.
Another pop-up took place Saturday September 25th, 2021, at the Prior Lake Farmers Market where we
asked those passing by to give us their input on the park. Many people commented that they loved the
park today. Several people expressed interested in adding a splash pad as well as additional amenities to
Watzl’s Beach.Engagement with Community Members at Chalkfest
Chalkfest Engagement Boards
Farmers Market Engagement
CHALK FEST INPUT
• Create better access to the beach
• Add shade to the beach
• Like the fishing pier at Watzl’s
• Add a splash pad
• Add a pool
• Add a zip-line
• Improve pedestrian access between the
park and downtown
FARMERS MARKET INPUT
• Add a splash pad
• Add a dog park
• Create better access through the park
• Upgrade the skate park
• Improve/add tennis courts
• It’s a great park already!
ONLINE ENGAGEMENT
The following is a summary of the community feedback received from the first round of
community engagement. Residents were asked to leave comments about how they use and
experience the park today, as well as what they’d like to see in the future.
What is your age?
What is your gender?
What is your ethnicity?
53%
27%
9%9%
1%1%1%
2%
Under 12
13-18
19-30
31-45
46-60
61-75
75+
Prefer not to answer
Female Male Prefer to self-describe
66%29%5%
White or Caucasian
93%
2%
2%
1.5%
1%
0.5%
Asian or Asian American
Another race
Hispanic or Latino
American Indian or Alaska Native
Black or African American
Respondent Demographics
To view the full summary visit: https://hkgi.sharefile.com/share/view/sf31c4185367a4c608e90bab6e29077f8
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 11
INPUT HIGHLIGHTS
• 71% of respondents say nothing keeps them from visiting the park; reasons people don’t visit:
parking/access; too busy; outdated equipment and facilities
• 73% of respondents have attended Music Fest; 43% attended private events; 41% Music in the Park
concerts; 39% youth athletics practices and games
• Reasons people visit other parks: nature, loop trails, accessibility; picnic areas; rental equipment; dog
parks, better skate parks
• 70% say Permanent Public Restrooms are a high priority; 51% say splash pad is high priority; 47% -
improved access to Watzl’s Beach; 37% - new inclusive/accessible playground
• Other comments: improve warming house; enhance play equipment; add splash pad; leave areas
natural; clean up beach and add amenities; address crime; improve tennis courts; add more music
events and food opportunities
• As part of the process, there was interest in more lakefront interaction and features
INTERACTIVE MAP COMMENTS SUMMARY
RESTROOMS
SPLASH PAD
WALKING TRAILS
SKATE PARK
WOODED AREA
BEACH AMENITIES
PLAYGROUND
PARKING
Include permanent
restrooms in the park
and/or full access
to existing pavilion
restrooms.
Participants would like
to see a splash pad in
the park
Many comments asked
that the walking trails
remain in and around
the park.
Improve skate park and
move it to a visible spot
Maintain wooded areas
and add educational/
sustainable efforts in
this area.
Add beach amenities:
pavilion, restrooms,
concessions; improve
access to the beach
Update playground with
shade, new equipment,
inclusive design, rubber
surface
Improve/add parking
near sledding hill and in
the park
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Rutledge St SERed Oaks Rd SELakeview Cir SEMain Ave SECambridge CirPLAYGROUNDBEACH
EVENT LAWN
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Enhanced beach amenities
Remove parking lot and expand playground
Cul-de-sac
Adventure playground
Splash pad area
Keep existing building, add public restrooms
Added parking lot, closer to beach
Skating loop for rollerblading in the summer and ice skating in the winter
New warming house with restrooms, concessions, and hockey maintenance equipment
General stage location
Relocated skate park
Transition trails to soft surface, enhance woods, and add waynding
Enhance memorial area
Legend:
Icons:
Program feature
Wetlands
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Rutledge St SERed Oaks Rd SELakeview Cir SEMain Ave SECambridge CirPLAYGROUND
PLAZA
EVENT LAWN
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PRAIRIE / DETENTION BASIN
SKATE PARK
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HOCKEY
COMMUNITYGARDEN
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Enhanced beach amenities
Restroom building
Stairway from parking lot to beach
New road construction
Expanded playground
Splash pad
Keep existing pavilion
General stage area
Relocated skate park
Transition trails to soft surface, enhance woods, and add waynding
Enhance memorial area
Legend:
Icons:
Program feature
Wetlands
12 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
SUMMARY OF CONCEPTS
OVERVIEW
The input received during the first round of community
engagement was used to create three program
diagrams. These diagrams were used to study the
optimal locations for the desired programs in the park.
Below are the highlights of each concept:
CONCEPT 1
• Park programs remain in a similar location to what is existing
• Proposed stairway from upper parking lot to beach
• A second road entry/exit is proposed on the north side of the park
• Relocated skate park
CONCEPT 2
• Replace upper parking lot with an expanded playground
• Added parking lot, closer to beach
• Cul-de-sac to replace upper parking lot and provide an easy turn around
• Proposed skating loop next to hockey rinks
• Relocated skate park
CONCEPT 3 (PREFERRED)
• Proposed vehicular access and ADA parking near beach area
• Added entry/exit on east side of park
• Relocated hockey rinks
• Relocated tennis courts and skate park
After presenting these concepts to the advisory
committee, the committee decided that concept
3 aligned the closest with their ideas for the park’s
development.
Figure 4. Programming - Concept 1
Figure 5. Programming - Concept 2
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St Paul AveLakeside Ave SEWest Ave SEJordan Ave SEFranklin Trail SEFranklin Trail SEMemorial Trail SEGateway St SE
Rutledge St SERed Oaks Rd SELakeview Cir SEMain Ave SECambridge CirEVENT LAWN
PLAZA
COMMUNITYGARDEN
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PRAIRIE / DETENTION BASIN
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Enhanced beach amenities
To be evaluated for
potential future access
Vehicular access, drop o, and ADA parking
Relocate tennis court to be at existing skate park
location
Keep existing building, add public restrooms, build out plaza area
Splash pad
Relocate playground to
more central location in park
Disc golf course along edge of woods
Transition trails to soft
surface, enhance woods, and add waynding
Enhance memorial area
General stage area
Soccer elds
Relocated hockey rink
Program feature
Wetlands
Legend:
Icons:
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Figure 6. Programming - Concept 3
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 13
Project Story Map
An online project story map was created to give residents a deeper understanding of the proposed concept. This website included a(n):
• Overview of the project
• Video explaining the draft concept
• Project timeline• Background information
• Existing site photos
• Past planning efforts
• Previous community engagement
• Draft concept
• Precedent photos• Link to give feedback
The video created for the website had several zoom-in images of the propoesd master plan with narration over these images explaining the proposed design initiatives.
Side by side maps of the existing park aerial and the proposed master plan were also shown on the website. A sliding bar could be used to compare existing vs. proposed changes in plan view.
At the bottom of the website, a link was provided to prompt residents to give their feedback via an online survey and interactive map.
14 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
ROUND 2 ENGAGEMENT AND INPUT
ONLINE ENGAGEMENT
During the second round of engagement, community members were
informed of the proposed draft concept through an online story map
which included a video and precedent images walking residents
through the proposed draft concept. Residents were then asked to
give their feedback on the draft concept for the park through an online
survey and interactive mapping tool. This round of engagement lasted
for nearly a month from April to May 2022.
What we heard from the engagement process was excitement around
enhancing the beach area, adding a splash pad, and upgrading the
playground. There was concern about the addition of new roads to the
park, as well as the removal of the existing hockey rinks.
8,226
Total Site Visits
2,333
Unique Stakeholders
337
Map Comments
268
Survey
Responses
Figure 7. Social Pinpoint Interactive Map and Survey for Draft Concept
Scan the QR code to view
the online story map or
visit
https://arcg.is/Lmaa
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 15
SURVEY SUMMARY
1 2
3
What are two proposed features in the concept that you are most
excited about?(268 Responses)
Top 10 Results
What are you most concerned about in the concept?(268 Responses)
Do you have any other thoughts regarding the concept plan?(268 Responses)
Enhanced Beach Amenities
Hockey Rink Removal
Additional AmphitheaterAddition of Road / Traffic Preserving Nature Cost
Splash Pad
Warming House/Summer Event
New Playground
Skating Ribbon
House Patio with Shade Structure, Fire Pits & Seating
Lakefront Amphitheater
New Road with Drop Off Near Beach
Disc Golf
Skate Park
0 20 40 60 80 100 Votes
85
80
42
35
32
31
30
23
20
18
The results above are the top 10 features. Other features listed were:
• Stairway Connection to Beach Area (17 Votes)
• Existing Pavilion (Possible Exterior Bathroom
Expansion) (16 Votes)
• Boardwalk between Watzl’s and proposed
amphitheater (16 Votes)
• Bridge with Fishing Pier / Overlook on Little
Prior (13 Votes)
• Overlooks (12 Votes)
• Tennis Courts (11 Votes)
• Possible Amphitheater (7 Votes)
• Relocated, Expanded Parking Lot (6 Votes)
• Handicap Parking Near Lakefront (6 Votes)
• New Road with Parallel Street Parking (5
Votes)
• Covered Shelters (5 Votes)
• Additional Parking Near Fishing Pier (3 Votes)
• Basketball Courts (2 Votes)
“I'd love to see some pickleball
courts and a warming house
for the sledding hill/skating
expanded. Also more beach
amenities and access road”
“I love this plan! It’s all great! We will
be there sooo much - even in the
winter now if this all works out, it’s
going to be the cool place to gather
on Friday and Saturday nights!”
“Please add a couple
tetherballs to the plan. Lots
of kids love tetherball!”
“Like the ways that
access to the lake is
trying to be better
utilized. Like that
many of the trails in
the wooded area will
be kept.”
“Parking is tough when there are activities
like soccer tournaments. There are lots of neat
enhancements which will draw more people.
Ample parking will need to be figured out.”
“Leave as much nature as possible. Add attractions
for older kids (gaga ball pit, better tennis courts,
ice rink improvements and large zipline) Cleaner
swimming beach with some shade and more sand.”
“Add pickleball lines to tennis courts”
N
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Figure 8. Interactive Map Comments ###
Rutledge
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AmphitheaterAmphitheater
Sledding HillSledding Hill
Community Community GardenGarden
MemorialMemorial Kop BuildingKop Building
VolleyballVolleyball
Park ShelterPark Shelter Mitchell Cir SELakeview Cir SERidgemont Ave SEFranklin Trail SEFranklin Trail SEBounty St SE
Crossandra St SE
Gateway St SE
160th St SE
Jordan Ave SESt Paul AveOak St
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Duluth Ave SEArcadia AveWest Ave SEWest Ave SEWest Ave SE
Sunfish Trail SEQuincy St SE
Bass St SE
Birch Ave SELakeside Ave SELakeside Ave SEEvanstone Ave SEKop
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LEGENDLakefront amphitheaterStormwater basinBoardwalkOverlookHandicap parking
New road with drop off near beach
Enhanced beach amenities (restroom
building, beach canopies, picnic tables,
fire pit, fishing pier)
Stairway connection to beach area
Tennis courts
Covered shelter
Playground
Splash pad
Existing pavilion (possible exterior
bathroom expansion)
Basketball courts
New road with parallel street parking
Skate park
Warming house patio with shade
structure, fire pits, and seating
Expanded parking lot
Winter warming house /
summer event building
Skating ribbon
Possible amphitheater location
Relocated, expanded parking lot
Additional parking near fishing pier
Disc golf
Bridge with fishing pier/overlook
113
114
115
120
1
3 4
2
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5 6
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= I Like This = Ideas & Suggestions = This Concerns Me
16 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
INTERACTIVE MAP COMMENTS (see list of comments in Appendix on page 54)
MASTER PLAN PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE
DATE: MAY 25TH, 2022 FROM 4-7 P.M.
LOCATION: LAKEFRONT PARK
An open house was held on May 25th at Lakefront Park’s enclosed pavilion. The event lasted three
hours and had nearly 60 attendees. The purpose of the open house was to inform community
members of the proposed concept for Lakefront Park. It also was used to highlight a summary of the
community comments (to date) along with planned next steps.
The open house gave members from the community the opportunity to voice their questions and
concerns to city staff. They also were given the option to fill out a comment card with their thoughts.
Overall, 22 comment cards were collected. What we heard from both verbal discussions and the
comment cards are as follows:
• Support for splash pad and new playground
• Excitement around overlooks
• Favor towards additional parking
• Request for pickleball courts
• Some opposition to the proposed roads
• Concern about the potential loss of the hockey rinks
• Noise concern with the addition of an amphitheater
• Desire to preserve trees/nature in park
• Support for open pavilion year round for warming house and summer use
The design team then used these comments and the comments from the interactive map and survey
to modify the design accordingly and create a preferred concept plan.
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 17
Open House Community Engagement
Open House Community Engagement
Open House Sign-in Sheet and Comment Cards
18 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
PREFERRED CONCEPT
OVERVIEW
The final concept shown in Figure 9 was created to identify improvements for the future of Lakefront
Park. The concept plan was developed over several months following input from city staff, advisory
committee members, residents, and City Council. This concept plan emphasizes the value that Lakefront
is a park for Prior Lake families. Opportunities for snowshoeing, events, recreational programming, beach
improvements, a potential skate ribbon, picnicking, a new inclusive and accessible playground, and a
potential parade loop, are all geared toward families.
The following pages will explore six key areas within the proposed plan as well as discuss the overall
circulation improvements. The key areas include the Prior Lake shoreline, Watzl’s Beach, north and south
play areas, east park/winter use area, and the woodland and trails area.
CIRCULATION IMPROVEMENTS
One of the main improvements in the park includes the addition of new east-west road circulation that
will connect Ridgemont Avenue SE to the lakefront. Currently road circulation within the park includes
one main road, Kop Parkway, that connects to Main Avenue SE on the south and ends at a parking lot on
the north side of the park.
One of the roads being proposed in the plan comes off of Ridgemont Avenue SE and travels west
toward the heart of the site. This roadway provides a short route into the heart of the park. It also gives
emergency vehicles an additional point to enter/exit the site in the case that one of the entries is blocked
(i.e. during MusicFest or other large events). The new road will not only enhance circulation, but also
provide additional, parallel parking near the skate park and open fields.
A limited-use road, with a drop-off and handicap parking, is proposed near Watzl’s Beach. This road is
meant to increase ADA accessibility in the park. Currently, beach goers have to walk a long distance
from the parking lot to the beach. This can be especially cumbersome when hauling items to and from
the beach. The addition of a drop off would allow guests to unload their belongings closer to their
destination. This road would also provide handicap parking for those who are unable to make the trek
from the centrally located parking lots in the park.
The enhancement to the park’s circulation system helps to make the park a safer, more inclusive place for
community members.
Considerations that were integral to
the planning process:
• Accessible connection to the beach area
• Added entry/exit from the park
• Year-round permanent restrooms
• Space for popular community events such
as MusicFest
Rutledge
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Hope St SE
AmphitheaterAmphitheater
Sledding HillSledding Hill
Community Community GardenGarden
MemorialMemorial
Kop BuildingKop Building
VolleyballVolleyball
Park ShelterPark Shelter Mitchell Cir SELakeview Cir SERidgemont Ave SEFranklin Trail SEFranklin Trail SEBounty St SE
Crossandra St SE
Gateway St SE
160th St SE
Jordan Ave SESt Paul AveOak St
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Colorado St SE
Duluth Ave SEArcadia AveWest Ave SEWest Ave SEWest Ave SE
Sunfish Trail SEQuincy St SE
Bass St SE
Birch Ave SELakeside Ave SELakeside Ave SEEvanstone Ave SEKop
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Main Ave SEErie Ave SEArcadia AveHsatings Ave SEBreezy Point Rd SEStefan Cir SERed Oaks Rd SE13
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LEGEND
ALTERNATIVE: SKATING RIBBON
Overlook
Stormwater basin
Handicap parking
New road with drop off near beach
Public access day docks
Enhanced beach amenities (restroom
building, beach canopies, picnic tables,
fire pit, fishing pier, outdoor showers)
Stairway connection to beach area
Tennis/pickleball courts
Covered shelter
Playground
Splash pad
Existing pavilion (possible exterior
bathroom expansion)
Basketball courts
New road with parallel street parking
Skate park
Warming house patio with shade
structure, fire pits, and seating
Expanded parking lot
Winter warming house /
summer event building
Hockey rinks (2) or skating ribbon
Possible amphitheater location
Relocated, expanded parking lot
Additional parking near fishing pier
Disc golf
Bridge with fishing pier/overlook
N
0 300’ 600’
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 19
Figure 9. Preferred Concept
Rutledge St SE Hope St SE
AmphitheaterAmphitheater
Sledding HillSledding Hill
Community Community GardenGarden
MemorialMemorial
Kop BuildingKop Building
VolleyballVolleyball
Park ShelterPark Shelter Mitchell Cir SELakeview Cir SERidgemont Ave SEFranklin Trail SEFranklin Trail SEBounty St SE
Crossandra St SE
Gateway St SE
160th St SE
Jordan Ave SESt Paul AveOak St
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Grainwood Cir NEGrainwood Cir NEEau Claire Trail NECalmut Ave NEEau Claire Trail NE
Colorado St SE
Duluth Ave SEArcadia AveWest Ave SEWest Ave SEWest Ave SE
Sunfish Trail SEQuincy St SE
Bass St SE
Birch Ave SELakeside Ave SELakeside Ave SEEvanstone Ave SEKop
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Main Ave SEErie Ave SEArcadia AveHsatings Ave SEBreezy Point Rd SEStefan Cir SERed Oaks Rd SE13
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C a m bridge Cir SELower Prior LakeLower Prior Lake
Little Prior LakeLittle Prior Lake
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20 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
PRIOR LAKE SHORELINE
• A new overlook with a bench and potential interpretive signage is
shown to provide a view of the lake with selective tree clearing
• A limited use road with a drop off would be added to provide ADA
accessibility and handicap parking to the lakefront area
• Stormwater basin shown near the new road to collect stormwater
runoff from the new paved surface
Overlook
Stormwater Basin
Limited Use Road
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Overlook
Stormwater basin
Handicap parking
New road with drop off
near beach
LEGEND
KEY MAP
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 21
Existing Site Entry
Parkway Example
Handicap Parking Near Trail
Rutledge St SE Hope St SE
AmphitheaterAmphitheater
Sledding HillSledding Hill
Community Community GardenGarden
MemorialMemorial
Kop BuildingKop Building
VolleyballVolleyball
Park ShelterPark Shelter Mitchell Cir SELakeview Cir SERidgemont Ave SEFranklin Trail SEFranklin Trail SEBounty St SE
Crossandra St SE
Gateway St SE
160th St SE
Jordan Ave SESt Paul AveOak St
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Colorado St SE
Duluth Ave SEArcadia AveWest Ave SEWest Ave SEWest Ave SE
Sunfish Trail SEQuincy St SE
Bass St SE
Birch Ave SELakeside Ave SELakeside Ave SEEvanstone Ave SEKop
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Main Ave SEErie Ave SEArcadia AveHsatings Ave SEBreezy Point Rd SEStefan Cir SERed Oaks Rd SE13
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Little Prior LakeLittle Prior Lake
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22 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
Restroom Structure
Public Dock / Fishing Platform
Beach with Umbrellas
WATZL’S BEACH
• Amenities such as beach canopies, picnic tables, outdoor showers, and
a fire pit to be added to the beach
• Public day slips are being brought back to the north side of the beach
(6 slips)
• A fishing pier is shown at the end of the new boat day slips
• A new small restroom building is shown on the beach, vending
machines will be included
• There is space to accommodate a food truck at the beach during peak
use times, with included electrical access; the food trucks would access
the beach along the walking trails
• A new road with a drop off and ADA parking stalls will provide better
access to the beach
• Widened sidewalk from drop off to beach to allow for limited use
access for vehicles such as security and food trucks
• A new stairway will provide direct access from the upper parking lot to
the beach
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Overlook
New road with drop off
near beach
Public access day docks
Enhanced beach
amenities (restroom
building, beach
canopies, picnic tables,
fire pit, fishing pier)
Stairway connection to
beach area
Tennis/pickleball courts
LEGEND
KEY MAP
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 23
Potential view of beach improvements with new restroom building, space for food trucks, beach umbrellas, and docks
Rutledge St SE Hope St SE
AmphitheaterAmphitheater
Sledding HillSledding Hill
Community Community GardenGarden
MemorialMemorial
Kop BuildingKop Building
VolleyballVolleyball
Park ShelterPark Shelter Mitchell Cir SELakeview Cir SERidgemont Ave SEFranklin Trail SEFranklin Trail SEBounty St SE
Crossandra St SE
Gateway St SE
160th St SE
Jordan Ave SESt Paul AveOak St
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EEau Claire Trail NECalmut Ave NEEau Claire Trail NE
Colorado St SE
Duluth Ave SEArcadia AveWest Ave SEWest Ave SEWest Ave SE
Sunfish Trail SEQuincy St SE
Bass St SE
Birch Ave SELakeside Ave SELakeside Ave SEEvanstone Ave SEKop
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Main Ave SEErie Ave SEArcadia AveHsatings Ave SEBreezy Point Rd SEStefan Cir SERed Oaks Rd SE13
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Little Prior LakeLittle Prior Lake
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24 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
NORTH PLAY AREA
• 1 new tennis court with 4 pickleball courts are placed at the top of the
hill adjacent to the upper parking lot (location of current skate park);
the new courts will be sheltered from wind by the surrounding trees
• The existing trail connection from the north parking lot to Rutledge
Street SE will be widened for emergency vehicle access
• Convert large areas of turf grass/lawn to prairie grasses, primarily on
slopes that are not conducive to other uses.
• Replace existing playground with new Inclusive and accessible
adventure playground built into the slope
• Remove gazebo to allow room for splash pad
• Construct a new, nature-themed splash pad, which is currently shown
as an approximately 3,000 square foot footprint
• Seating and shade for parents and caregivers around the splash pad
and playground. Add a new picnic shelter between the playground
and splash pad.
Tennis/Pickleball Courts
Playground Utilizing Grade Change
Natural themed Splash Pad
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Overlook
Stairway connection to
beach area
Tennis/pickleball courts
Covered shelter
Inclusive and accessible
playground
Splash pad
Existing pavilion
(possible exterior
bathroom expansion)
LEGEND
KEY MAP
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 25
Potential views of new tennis and pickleball courts, adventure playground, and splash pad
Rutledge St SE Hope St SE
AmphitheaterAmphitheater
Sledding HillSledding Hill
Community Community GardenGarden
MemorialMemorial
Kop BuildingKop Building
VolleyballVolleyball
Park ShelterPark Shelter Mitchell Cir SELakeview Cir SERidgemont Ave SEFranklin Trail SEFranklin Trail SEBounty St SE
Crossandra St SE
Gateway St SE
160th St SE
Jordan Ave SESt Paul AveOak St
S
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Grainwood Cir NEEau Claire Trail NECalmut Ave NEEau Claire Trail NE
Colorado St SE
Duluth Ave SEArcadia AveWest Ave SEWest Ave SEWest Ave SE
Sunfish Trail SEQuincy St SE
Bass St SE
Birch Ave SELakeside Ave SELakeside Ave SEEvanstone Ave SEKop
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Main Ave SEErie Ave SEArcadia AveHsatings Ave SEBreezy Point Rd SEStefan Cir SERed Oaks Rd SE13
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Little Prior LakeLittle Prior Lake
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26 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
Existing Pavilion
Basketball Courts
Skate Park
SOUTH PLAY AREA
• Pavilion modifications:
-Alternative 1: Maintain Pavilion as is. Restrooms are only available to
those who rent the pavilion for meetings or events. Construct a new
restroom/changing room building near the splash pad and playground
-Alternative 2: Modify the existing pavilion to add on publicly accessible
restrooms from the outside of the building that will serve the
playground, splash pad, and other general park users
• Develop a new skate park with bowl and high-level features permanently
located centrally in the park
• Develop new basketball courts centrally located in the park, two full courts
• New road access from the central area of the park to the east, with
connection to Ridgemont Ave SE. Parallel parking is added along a portion
of the road
• A new stormwater detention basin is located between the parking lots in
order to manage stormwater from the new road
• The hockey rinks will be removed from their current location. This master
plan identifies the importance to keep hockey in the city’s park system. This
plan shows relocated rinks at a location up the hill, or potentially at other
sites in the city where a Zamboni can be stored nearby.
2
9
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Stormwater basin
Covered shelter
Existing pavilion
(possible exterior
bathroom
expansion)
Basketball courts
(2)
New road with
parallel street
parking
Skate park
LEGEND
KEY MAP
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 27
Potential views of
proposed skate park and
basketball courts
Rutledge St SE Hope St SE
AmphitheaterAmphitheater
Sledding HillSledding Hill
Community Community GardenGarden
MemorialMemorial
Kop BuildingKop Building
VolleyballVolleyball
Park ShelterPark Shelter Mitchell Cir SELakeview Cir SERidgemont Ave SEFranklin Trail SEFranklin Trail SEBounty St SE
Crossandra St SE
Gateway St SE
160th St SE
Jordan Ave SESt Paul AveOak St
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Grainwood Cir NEGrainwood Cir NEEau Claire Trail NECalmut Ave NEEau Claire Trail NE
Colorado St SE
Duluth Ave SEArcadia AveWest Ave SEWest Ave SEWest Ave SE
Sunfish Trail SEQuincy St SE
Bass St SE
Birch Ave SELakeside Ave SELakeside Ave SEEvanstone Ave SEKop
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Main Ave SEErie Ave SEArcadia AveHsatings Ave SEBreezy Point Rd SEStefan Cir SERed Oaks Rd SE13
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Little Prior LakeLittle Prior Lake
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KEY MAP
Rutledge St SE Hope St SEAmphitheaterAmphitheaterSledding HillSledding Hill
Community Community GardenGarden
MemorialMemorial
Kop BuildingKop Building
VolleyballVolleyballPark ShelterPark Shelter Mitchell Cir SELakeview Cir SERidgemont Ave SEFranklin Trail SEFranklin Trail SEBounty St SE
Crossandra St SE
Gateway St SE
160th St SE
Jordan Ave SESt Paul AveOak St
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Grainwood Cir NEGrainwood Cir NEEau Claire Trail NECalmut Ave NEEau Claire Trail NE
Colorado St SE
Duluth Ave SEArcadia AveWest Ave SEWest Ave SEWest Ave SE
Sunfish Trail SEQuincy St SE
Bass St SE
Birch Ave SELakeside Ave SELakeside Ave SEEvanstone Ave SEKop
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Main Ave SEErie Ave SEArcadia AveHsatings Ave SEBreezy Point Rd SEStefan Cir SERed Oaks Rd SE13
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Kop Pkwy
Cambridge Cir SELower Prior LakeLower Prior Lake
Little Prior LakeLittle Prior Lake
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LEGEND
ALTERNATIVE: SKATING RIBBON
OverlookStormwater basinHandicap parkingNew road with drop off near beachPublic access day docksEnhanced beach amenities (restroom building, beach canopies, picnic tables, fire pit, fishing pier, outdoor showers)Stairway connection to beach areaTennis/pickleball courtsCovered shelterPlaygroundSplash padExisting pavilion (possible exterior bathroom expansion)Basketball courtsNew road with parallel street parkingSkate parkWarming house patio with shade structure, fire pits, and seatingExpanded parking lotWinter warming house / summer event building
Hockey rinks (2) or skating ribbon
Possible amphitheater location
Relocated, expanded parking lot
Additional parking near fishing pier
Disc golf
Bridge with fishing pier/overlook
Alternative: Skating ribbon
28 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
EAST PARK / WINTER USE AREA
• A new park building will be constructed along Ridgemont Ave SE,
which will provide an outdoor patio space to be used for both winter
and summer gatherings with fire pits and seating, and an indoor
warming house to support the sledding and ice skating/hockey uses
at the park. This building could be used for the general public in the
winter and rented out for events in the summer time.
• The parking lot along Ridgemont Ave SE will be relocated to the north
and expanded to serve a larger recreation program.
• Ice skating / hockey:
-Alternative 1: One or two hockey rinks will be relocated from the
bottom of the sledding hill to the top
-Alternative 2: A new ice-skating ribbon will be constructed in
place of the tennis courts and parking lot to provide a formal
pleasure skating feature.
• The sledding hill will remain in place with a slight modification to
the slope and direction of the hill due to the new road and slightly
rerouted trails.
Warming House with Patio, Fire Pits, and Seating
Sledding Hill
Skating Ribbon
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21
Stormwater basin
Covered shelter
Basketball courts
New road with parallel
street parking
Skate park
Warming house patio
with shade structure,
fire pits, and seating
Expanded parking lot
Winter warming house /
summer event building
Hockey rinks (2) or
skating ribbon
Relocated, expanded
parking lot
LEGEND
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 29
Potential winter and
summer views of hockey rinks, new
winter warming house/summer event building,
event patio, and open air shelter
Rutledge St SE Hope St SEAmphitheaterAmphitheaterSledding HillSledding Hill
Community Community GardenGarden
MemorialMemorial
Kop BuildingKop Building
VolleyballVolleyballPark ShelterPark Shelter Mitchell Cir SELakeview Cir SERidgemont Ave SEFranklin Trail SEFranklin Trail SEBounty St SE
Crossandra St SE
Gateway St SE
160th St SE
Jordan Ave SESt Paul AveOak St
S
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Grainwood Cir NEGrainwood Cir NEEau Claire Trail NECalmut Ave NEEau Claire Trail NE
Colorado St SE
Duluth Ave SEArcadia AveWest Ave SEWest Ave SEWest Ave SE
Sunfish Trail SEQuincy St SE
Bass St SE
Birch Ave SELakeside Ave SELakeside Ave SEEvanstone Ave SEKop
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Main Ave SEErie Ave SEArcadia AveHsatings Ave SEBreezy Point Rd SEStefan Cir SERed Oaks Rd SE13
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K o p P k wy
C a m bridge Cir SELower Prior LakeLower Prior Lake
Little Prior LakeLittle Prior Lake
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KEY MAP
30 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
WOODLAND AND TRAILS
• The southernmost parking lot, centrally located in the park would be
expanded with a second drive aisle and two rows of parking stalls,
which would more than double the parking stalls in that lot.
• The existing baseball diamond will be removed and replaced with
lawn open space that may be used for events or potentially a future
amphitheater or performance space. The large lawn will continue to
be programmed for youth soccer.
• Consider removal of the existing picnic shelter near the baseball
diamond.
• Add a disc golf course along the edge of the woods
• Trails through the woods: Include one main paved trail loop or spine
through the woods, and transform the rest to natural surface. The
natural surface trails would not be plowed. Consider winter trail uses
(cross country skiing, snowshoeing, etc.)
• Update the boardwalk across Little Prior Lake, potentially enhance to
a bridge rather than a floating boardwalk. Add overlook in the middle
of the bridge, to be used as a fishing/overlook area (shown as number
24 on overall map on page 19)
Disc Golf
Parallel Parking
Bridge with Fishing Pier / Overlook
2
20
21
22
23
Stormwater basin
Possible band shell
location for large events
Relocated, expanded
parking lot
Additional parking near
fishing pier
Disc golf
LEGEND
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 31
Rendering of potential parking lot expansion
Project Priorities
The following projects emerged at the top of the list during the public and stakeholder engagement.
Watzl’s Beach improvements
The popularity of Watzl’s Beach along with many comments heard about the current inaccessibility and lack of amenities leads improvements at the beach as a top priority for implementation.
Playground and Splash Pad
The input received during the first and second rounds of public engagement indicated a strong desire for an updated playground and a new splash pad in the city. These elements were viewed as features that would draw families to the community and prevent local residents from driving to other communities to use similar facilities.
Winter Warming House / Summer Event Center and Hockey Rinks
There was a strong desire during the second round of engagement to keep the existing hockey rinks in Lakefront Park and to upgrade them. The addition of the warming house was also seen as a desired facility as the current Lakefront Pavilion is a very popular facility and the existing winter warming house (temporary trailer) was viewed as in need of improvements.
Skate Park
The existing skate park has many challenges with its location, outdated equipment, and size. There was a strong desire indicated for a new, modern skate park in a better, more visible location in Lakefront Park.
32 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
IMPLEMENTATION AND COST ESTIMATES
PROJECT PHASING
Recommended park improvement projects have been grouped and organized according to areas
within the park that would be potentially feasible as separately phased projects. The projects could
be implemented as opportunities arise based on community and elected official input and funding
availability. Of the areas listed below, Watzl’s Beach improvements have been identified as the highest
priority project for implementation.
The project areas are listed below and shown on the map diagram on the following page:
A Circulation Improvements
B Lake Shoreline Area Improvements
C Watzl’s Beach
D North Play Area and Splash Pad
E Main Pavilion Updates, Skate Park, and Court Games
F East Park / Winter Use - Summer Program / Rental Venue
G Central Park / Woodland and Trails
PROGRAMMING AND ACTIVATION IDEAS
In order to promote new park investments as they are developed, it is recommended that the city provide
programming and event opportunities that will engage Prior Lake residents, especially families in the
community. Potential program and event opportunities include:
• Provide snowshoeing classes or limited times to rent snowshoes in the park.
• Consider developing a tow rope on the sledding hill.
• Plan family-themed events, such as holiday gatherings, egg hunts, 4th of July parade and fireworks,
food truck days or evenings, arts events, scavenger hunts, and ice skating and sledding events with fire
pits and hot chocolate.
• Utilize new park shelters for youth and family welcome activities. Promote new playground and splash
pad features with face painting, arts activities, and food trucks.
• Promote beach improvements with food trucks on weekends and holidays. Enlist the DNR to assist with
family fishing days at the new fishing pier.
• Consider identifying a parade loop with new road circulation and working with local organizations to
plan community-focused parades during holidays.
0 300’ 600’
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 33
Figure 10. Project Area Phasing Diagram
N
A
B
C D
E
F
G
34 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
COST ESTIMATE
The cost estimates are organized by project areas and are listed in 2022 dollars. The costs are high level, planning estimates, which include a 15%
construction contingency and 15% for design and engineering. Each project will need to be designed in detail to determine existing conditions,
exact quantities, and address project details.
DESCRIPTION QTY. UNIT UNIT PRICE TOTALS SUB TOTALS NOTES
New Road to Beach 1,100 LF $400.00 $440,000.00 24ft wide
Handicap Parking on New Road to
Beach
1,200 SF $6.00 $7,200.00
New Road off of Ridgemont 1,200 LF $475.00 $570,000.00 24ft wide
Parallel Parking Along New Road
off of Ridgemont
5,600 SF $6.00 $33,600.00
Parallel Parking Along Kop Pkwy 2,200 SF $6.00 $13,200.00
Parking Lot Expansion (Bituminous
as base bid)
25,200 SF $6.00 $151,200.00 Assumes bituminous as the base estimate
number--there is an option for concrete
at the end of the estimate (in order to
accommodate Music Fest)
Additional Excavation and Grading 75,000 CY $9.00 $675,000.00
Stormwater Improvements 1 LS $120,000.00 $120,000.00
Lighting replacement along Kop
Parkway
13 EA $15,000.00 $195,000.00
General park lighting upgrades 10 EA $10,000.00 $100,000.00
Lighting Along New Road off of
Ridgemont
4 EA $15,000.00 $60,000.00 Match pedestrian scale lights along Kop
Parkway @ aprox. 250 ft spacing
Fiber conduit and Security
Cameras
1 LS $40,000.00 $40,000.00
Subtotal $2,405,200.00
Contingency (15%) $360,780.00 on the subtotal
Mobilization (5%) $138,299.00 on 2 above
Design and Engineering (15%) $435,641.85 on all 3 above
Total $3,339,920.85
CIRCULATION IMPROVEMENTS
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 35
DESCRIPTION QTY. UNIT UNIT PRICE TOTALS SUB TOTALS NOTES
Overlook 1 EA $125,000.00 $125,000.00
Natural Surface Trails 4,350 SF $3.00 $13,050.00
Remove Existing Bituminous Trails 500 LF $10.00 $5,000.00
Subtotal $143,050.00
Contingency (15%) $21,457.50
Mobilization (5%) $8,225.38
Design and Engineering (15%) $25,909.93
Total $198,642.81
LAKE SHORELINE AREA IMPROVEMENTS
DESCRIPTION QTY. UNIT UNIT PRICE TOTALS SUB TOTALS NOTES
Shade Canopies 5 EA $40,000.00 $200,000.00
Restroom Building 1 EA $300,000.00 $300,000.00
Picnic Tables w/ Paved Pads 5 EA $5,000.00 $25,000.00
Fire Pit 1 EA $4,000.00 $4,000.00
Outdoor Shower 1 EA $50,000.00 $50,000.00
Fishing Pier 1 EA $125,000.00 $125,000.00
Overlook 1 EA $30,000.00 $30,000.00 10x10 concrete pad with bench, railing, and
sign
Stairway Connection to Beach 320 LF $900.00 $288,000.00
Concrete Sidewalk - 6' width 2,200 SF $11.00 $24,200.00
Bituminous Trails - 8' width 1,000 LF $90.00 $90,000.00
Concrete Trails - 12' width 12,000 SF $11.00 $132,000.00
Subtotal $1,268,200.00
Contingency (15%) $190,230.00
Mobilization (5%) $72,921.50
Design and Engineering (15%) $229,702.73
Total $1,761,054.23
WATZL’S BEACH
36 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
DESCRIPTION QTY. UNIT UNIT PRICE TOTALS SUB TOTALS NOTES
Tennis Courts and Pickleball Courts 1 LS $275,000.00 $275,000.00
Covered Shelter 2 EA $75,000.00 $150,000.00
Adventure Playground 1 LS $750,000.00 $750,000.00 Includes removal of existing playground
Splash Pad 3,000 SF $240.00 $720,000.00 assumes recirculation
Removal of Skate Park 1 LS $15,000.00 $15,000.00
Removal of Gazebo 1 LS $25,000.00 $25,000.00 consider relocation
Excavation and Grading 20000 CY $9.00 $180,000.00
Concrete 11,900 SF $11.00 $130,900.00 new
Bituminous Trails - 8' width 600 LF $90.00 $54,000.00 new
Bituminous Trails - 12' width 430 LF $120.00 $51,600.00 new
Subtotal $2,351,500.00
Contingency (15%) $352,725.00
Mobilization (5%) $135,211.25
Design and Engineering (15%) $425,915.44
Total $3,265,351.69
NORTH PLAY AREA AND SPLASH PAD
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 37
DESCRIPTION QTY. UNIT UNIT PRICE TOTALS SUB TOTALS NOTES
Pavilion Updates 1 LS $300,000.00 $300,000.00 restroom updates, ADA accessibility,
changing rooms
Basketball Courts 2 EA $100,000.00 $200,000.00
Skate Park 1 LS $850,000.00 $850,000.00
Concrete 12,000 SF $11.00 $132,000.00
Bituminous Trails - 8' width 950 LF $90.00 $85,500.00 new
Subtotal $1,567,500.00
Contingency (15%) $235,125.00
Mobilization (5%) $90,131.25
Design and Engineering (15%) $283,913.44
Total $2,176,669.69
MAIN PAVILION UPDATES, SKATE PARK, AND COURT GAMES
38 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
DESCRIPTION QTY. UNIT UNIT PRICE TOTALS SUB TOTALS NOTES
Winter Warming House/Summer
Rental Pavilion on the Hill
5,200 SF $550.00 $2,860,000.00
Warming House Patio 11,500 SF $15.00 $172,500.00
Removal of Tennis Court 1 LS $25,000.00 $25,000.00
Excavation and Earthwork 40,000 CY $9.00 $360,000.00
Warming House Parking Lot 31,000 SF $10.00 $310,000.00
Warming House and Parking Lot
Outdoor Lighting
1 LS $50,000.00 $50,000.00
Hockey Rinks (concrete surface) 2 EA $200,000.00 $400,000.00
Hockey Rink Lighting 1 LS $100,000.00 $100,000.00
Stormwater allowance 1 LS $60,000.00 $60,000.00
Concrete Sidewalk - 8' width 6,700 SF $11.00 $73,700.00 new
Trails - 8' width 1,500 LF $90.00 $135,000.00 new
Subtotal $4,546,200.00
Contingency (15%) $681,930.00
Mobilization (5%) $261,406.50
Design and Engineering (15%) $823,430.48
Total $6,312,966.98
EAST PARK / WINTER USE - SUMMER PROGRAM/RENTAL VENUE
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 39
DESCRIPTION QTY. UNIT UNIT PRICE TOTALS SUB TOTALS NOTES
Disc Golf 1 LS $40,000.00 $40,000.00
Boardwalk replacement 200 LF $1,200.00 $240,000.00
Fishing Pier/Overlook/Shade
structure on Boardwalk
1 LS $150,000.00 $150,000.00
Remove Existing Bituminous trails 1,700 LF $10.00 $17,000.00
Natural Surface Trails 13,600 SF $3.00 $40,800.00 Does not include removal
Bituminous Trails - 8' width 17,800 LF $90.00 $1,602,000.00 In central park area (does not include
existing woodland asphalt trails)
Subtotal $2,089,800.00
Contingency (15%) $313,470.00
Mobilization (5%) $104,490.00
Design and Engineering (15%) $376,164.00
Total $2,883,924.00
OVERALL PROJECT
ESTIMATED TOTAL
$19,938,530.23
CENTRAL PARK / WOODLAND AND TRAILS
40 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
DESCRIPTION QTY. UNIT UNIT PRICE TOTALS SUB TOTALS NOTES
Existing Entry Drive Pavement
Replacement
71,000 SF $3.00 $213,000.00
Existing Parking Lot Pavement
Replacement
93,100 SF $3.00 $279,300.00
Existing Bituminous Trails
Throughout the Park (Not in the
Woodland) Replacement
7,960 LF $90.00 $716,400.00
Existing Woodland Trails
Bituminous Replacement
7,705 LF $90.00 $693,450.00
Subtotal $1,902,150.00
Contingency (15%) $285,322.50
Mobilization (5%) $109,373.63
Design and Engineering (15%) $344,526.92
Total $2,641,373.04
DESCRIPTION QTY. UNIT UNIT PRICE TOTALS SUB TOTALS NOTES
Skating Ribbon - Refrigerated 17,200 SF $300.00 $5,160,000.00
Skating Ribbon - Non Refrigerated 17,200 SF $11.00 $189,200.00
Upgraded parking lot to facilitate
MusicFest traffic
25,200 SF $6.00 $151,200.00 Represents the difference in SF cost
between the base project bituminous and
concrete
EXISTING PAVING IMPROVEMENTS
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
COST ESTIMATE ALTERNATIVES
Additional and alternative costs are identified below.
• Existing paving improvements includes estimated costs for replacing all existing paved driveways, parking
lots, and bituminous trails in the park.
• Alternative options represents cost estimates for the skating ribbon option in place of the hockey rinks, and
upgrading the central parking lot to concrete instead of bituminous to better facilitate MusicFest
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 41
FUNDING SOURCES
Potential funding sources include existing city funds as well as outside grant funding.
CITY GENERAL FUNDS
This is the primary source for on-going maintenance, operations, and amenities for the park system.
Capital improvements can also be funded through general funds. These are often used as a match for
grant funding.
DEDICATED TAX LEVY
A city can hold a referendum for a dedicated tax levy with proceeds directed specifically for community
parks. Funds can be used for capital projects as well as operations and maintenance, and may be in
place of or supplement general funds. The advantage of a dedicated tax levy is that parks and recreation
receives a more stable source of funding and does not have to compete with other city priorities for
funding on an annual basis.
BONDING
General Obligation Bonds and Revenue Bonds provide another source of implementation funding for new
facilities, and in some cases, can provide funding for repairs and upgrades of existing facilities.
Residents can decide to raise revenue through a permanent or temporary tax increase dedicated for
specific purposes such as park improvements and maintenance. These funds are usually provided through
bonds approved as part of a voter referendum.
PARTNERSHIPS
Public and private partnerships can provide funding opportunities beyond the traditional municipal
models. Existing partnerships with the Rotary/MusicFest, local athletic organizations, the School District,
and local businesses can help with implementation of events and programming, and can support
future grant writing efforts. Organizations with partner funding can also provide assistance with design,
outreach, or maintenance of facilities. Consider future partnerships with arts organizations, youth or
senior organizations, or other recreationally-oriented groups.
DONATIONS
Private donations may be from individuals or area corporations, or donations of labor from recreation
clubs or use agreements.
GRANTS
MN DNR Natural and Scenic Area Grants: Projects must align with the State Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). This
grant is typically available annually, with an application deadline in early spring.
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/land/natural-scenic-app-cycle.html
MN DNR Outdoor Recreation Grants: Projects must align with the State Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). This
grant is typically available annually, with an application deadline in early spring.
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/recreation/outdoor_rec.html
Other Funding Considerations
Previously received State DNR grant requirements
Future park improvements shall comply with previously received grant requirements. The DNR has identified several issues in the park that are in need of updates (as of 2019) based on requirements from previously received grants that state the park must be maintained as public outdoor recreation and open space areas into perpetuity. Some of these issues include:
• All areas of the park must have accessible
restrooms• Parking must be ADA compliant throughout
the park
• The park pavilion must have publicly
accessible restrooms available during
normal park hours
Operations & Maintenance Needs
With new capital investments in the park, the city will need to plan for increased operations and maintenance needs, such as:
• Updated equipment or staff skills may be
needed to maintain new park facilities, such
as a splash pad or skating ribbon• Permanent restrooms at the beach and
splash pad will need daily cleaning
• Consider where vandalism and graffiti may
occur in the park and plan for efficient
methods for removal and prevention
• New facilities may need new operations staff, such as the winter warming house and
potential concessions
APPENDIX: DETAILED PUBLIC INPUT
How often do you visit Lakefront Park?(1,097 Responses)1
2
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN
PHASE 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY
Trails
53%
38%
5%4%
RarelyNearly Every Day
Several Times/Month
A Few Times/Year
Which features have you used at the park? (1,097 Responses)
Children’s Play Area Sledding Hill Restrooms Watzl’s Beach Sand/Swimming Area
Lakefront Park Pavilion Soccer Fields/Open Play Area Bandshell/Outdoor Performing Arts Picnic Shelters Neighborhood Trail Access Points
Pleasure Skating Rink Hockey Rinks Gazebo Overlook Areas Basketball Court
Tennis/Pickleball Courts Fishing Pier Skate Park Boat Slips Baseball Field
Community Garden Hardcourt Play Area Other Volleyball Court Canoe/Kayak Storage Racks
80%58%55%51%51%
47%36%34%31%
25%24%23%22%
25%
19%
17%17%14%12%12%
8%7%4%3%2%
Top ‘other’ responses mentioned include:
• Boardwalk, wooded areas,
prairies
• Attended music events
• Dog sanitation station
• Volunteer at music fest
• Parking lot/Garbage cans
• Explore the woods off trail
• Snowmobile trails
• Event areas
1
42 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
2
3 Which events and activities have you attended
at the park?(1,097 Responses)
4 Which of the following factors keep
you from visiting Lakefront Park?(1,097 Responses)
Nothing keeps me from visiting
Other The park is not easy to access
There are no activities at the park that I enjoy
The park is too busy
71%16%
8%
7%6%
5 If you choose to visit another park instead of Lakefront Park, where do you visit and why?(809 Responses)
Lakefront Music Fest
Private Events
Music in the Park Summer Concert Series
Prior Lake Athletics for Youth Practices/Games
Soccer Tournaments/Practice
December Dazzle
City Recreation Camps/Classes
Coin Carnival
None
Other
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
‘Other’ Responses mentioned include:
‘Other’ Responses mentioned include:
73%
43%
41%
39%
29%
28%
23%
20%
8%
7%
• Quiet time/Pleasure time
• The community garden
• Fireworks
• Easter festivities
• Gathering w/ friends and family
• All season parades
• Full parking during
games and practice
• Lack of parking
during big events
• Facilities
unavailable
• Outdated play
equipment/courts
• Small, busy beach
• Lack of security
• Lack of splash pad
• Trails don’t loop
HIDDEN VALLEY(CREEK, NATURE, , ZIP LINE & NINJA COURSE)
LIONS PARK
(INCLUSIVE PLAY & SPLASH PAD
CLEARY
LAKE PARK
(TRAILS, EASY
ACCESS, RENTALS,
PICNICKING, DOG PARK, SKI TRAILS)
SPRING
LAKE PARK
(PICKLEBALL
COURTS)THOMAS AND RYAN POND
DOG PARKS
MURPHY HANRAHAN(NATURE/WILDERNESS, PLAYGROUNDS, MOUNTAIN BIKING COURSE)
LAKE CALHOUN
(CAFE, FOOD TRUCKS, WALKING
TRAILS, WATER VIEWS, RENTALS)
SUMMIT RIDGE PARK
VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK(NATURE, SHADE, QUIET)
ROUND LAKE
MCCOLL PARK
(SCHOOL PROGRAMS,
WALKING PATHS NEAR WATER)
SAND POINT BEACH PARK(CONVENIENT, NICE BEACH, PICNIC AREAS, ACCESSIBILITY)
SAVAGE COMMUNITY PARK(WALKING TRAILS, SKATE PARK, GARDENS, INDOOR DOME)
STEVE MICHAUD PARK
BURNSVILLE COMMONS
(WATER PLAY)
KING PARK
(MINI GOLF, POURED
SURFACE FOR SAFETY)
SHAKOPEE
COMMUNITY CENTER
(BETTER SKATE PARK)
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 43
3
6 Several improvements and additions have been suggested for Lakefront Park. Please provide
your feedback on how the City should prioritize these projects.(1,097 Responses)
Permanent Public Restrooms Splash Pad Improved Access to Watzl’s Beach
New Inclusive/AccessiblePlayground Recreational Ice-Skating Loop New Warming House
Climbing Boulder New Outdoor Ice Rinks Improvements to Park Building(Technology, acoustics, etc.)
New Skate Park New Tennis Courts Public Wifi
Public Art New Side-by-side Volleyball Courts Remove Baseball Field
2%4%
22% 70%
2% 10%10%
22% 51%
7% 10%11%
27% 47%
7%
9% 14%
30% 37%
9% 10%16%
33% 27%
14% 9% 16%
33% 26%
16%
17%
25% 33% 17%
8%11%
18% 31% 23% 17%
15%
23% 31%
13%
17%
22% 30% 22%
12%14%
17% 31% 23%
11%
18% 40% 21% 16%
15% 8%
32% 26% 22%
10%10%
18% 29% 24%
9%
20% 37% 19%
9%6%
29%
Not Necessary Low Priority Medium Priority High Priority No Opinion
44 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
4
7 Please describe any other features or improvements you think would help make Lakefront Park
a better community park.(649 Responses)
Increased police patrol to help prevent the vandalism and unsupervised youth causing
problems.
Pickleball is becoming very popular
nationally. Adding courts to Lakefront would be great but the tennis court with striping for pickleball is still better than nothing.
Creative, distinct elements and upgraded
playground that makes it stand out from other parks. Would love to see interactive public art. This park is so close to downtown Prior Lake- by making it a destination it was encourage visitors to also patronize nearby downtown businesses. An electronic kiosk at the busiest part of the park
that shares event info and nearby businesses
would be great too. And we REALLY need a
splash pad in this community!
RESPONDENT DEMOGRAPHICS
Re-do the warming house and
add permanent bathrooms for sure. Lots of things at lakefront are outdated.
More enhanced play area for kids with zip lines. Ideally it would not have sand/mulch and would include the soft
composite ground so it is easy
for kids to play on or if they fall
down it is a nice landing.
Adding a splash park would be AMAZING. There really isn’t a decent one in this area,
shakopee and
Burnsville. It would
be so good for the kids in summer.
More trails and lights on the basketball court that can be used when ever need. I hate that I want to play at night, but the lights are never on at the court.
Leave as much nature as
possible. Add attractions for older
kids (gaga ball pit, better tennis
courts, ice rink improvements and
large zipline) Cleaner swimming beach with some shade andmore sand.
If you switch the tennis and skate
park not only will it be out of the
wind but you will have plenty of room for parking so there is no parking hazard(have you ever driven up the hill when cars are parked on both sides of the street
for pickle ball?!?) and then the
skate park will be on top of the
hill, possibly reducing skateparks
crime and not as much parking is needed for it anyway, the skate park is pretty sad, our youth should have a safe usable place).New tennis courts, better warming house for ice skating, permanent bathrooms.
Perhaps more picnic tables, shelters and gazebos and spread them out (people like their privacy).
It would be nice to have a community pool
somewhere in
this town!
I’m not opposed to some improvements,
but I feel the park
overall is in great
condition and
isn’t necessarily in need of major overhauling.
Leash free dog exercise area.
Mountain
bike trail, repave trails, better access.
Tow rope for sledding hill.
It would be wonderful
if Lakefront had even more music/food/fun events in the summer and winter. Whatever needs to happen to
bring in the vendors/
musical talents to
host more events,
let’s do it.
Some more types of outdoor games. I know sand point has a corn hole setup. More stuff
like that.
What is your age?What is your gender?
What is your ethnicity?
53%
27%
9%9%
1%1% 1%
2%
Under 12
13-18
19-30
31-45
46-60
61-75
75+
Prefer not to answer
Female Male Non-binary
Prefer not to say Prefer to self-describe
66% 29% 0.1%
3% 2%
White or Caucasian
93%
2%
2%
1.5%
1%
0.5%
Asian or Asian American
Another race
Hispanic or Latino
American Indian or Alaska Native
Black or African American
0%Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 45
5
Public
Fishing
Public Beach
Public
Fishing
Public
Boat
Slip
Parking
Skate Park
Parking Basketball Basketball
Parking
Hockey/Ice
Skating Hockey/Ice
Skating
Ballfield
Soccer/Football
Tennis/Pickleball
Parking
Parking
Parking
Sledding
Volleyball Hockey/Ice
Skating
Parking
Parking
Basketball
Ballfield
0 200100US Feet ±
11
10
3 1
2
5
13
14
7
8
9 6
15
4
16
17
12
# Likes Dislikes Comment
1 40 - Please keep the walking trails.
2 20 1
Love the walking trails and ability to disappear into the woods. Would love to see sustainability efforts
and education better integrated into this area.
3 16 -
Highest priority should be to maintain the natural wooded area. There are many facilities for activities in
other parts of the park and in other places in Prior Lake. These woods are rare, valuable, and popular.
4 13 - Love the sledding hill.
5 9 -
I think people that are unfamiliar with skateboarding and scootering tend to think of it in negative
terms. Skateboarders get the wrong message from local authorities who limit or outlaw skateboarding
and ignore its benefits. SKATEPARKS ARE THE SOLUTION. Young people need to feel like they are
recognized and appreciated by their communities. Skateparks build healthy communities. For many of
the kids, the skatepark becomes a home-away-from-home.
6 7 - Community garden plots are great.
7 6 - Plenty of parking.
8 6 - Keep the baseball field in any case.
9 5 - Butterfly garden is awesome!
10 3 - Like that the park can be accessed by pedestrian walkways from numerous neighborhoods.
11 2 - Like that the park can be accessed by pedestrian walkways from numerous neighborhoods.
12 1 - Good police presence.
13 1 -Like that the park can be accessed by pedestrian walkways from numerous neighborhoods.
14 1 -
Parking is good.
15 1 -Like that the park can be accessed by pedestrian walkways from numerous neighborhoods.
16 - -Great hill/location.
17 - -Like that the park can be accessed by pedestrian walkways from numerous neighborhoods.
INTERACTIVE MAPPING TOOL SUMMARY
#I LIKE THIS
46 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
6
#IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS
Public
Fishing
Public Beach
Public
Fishing
Public
Boat
Slip
Parking
Skate Park
Parking Basketball Basketball
Parking
Hockey/Ice
Skating Hockey/Ice
Skating
Ballfield
Soccer/Football
Tennis/Pickleball
Parking
Parking
Parking
Sledding
Volleyball Hockey/Ice
Skating
Parking
Parking
Basketball
Ballfield
0 200100US Feet ±
78
40
33 38
70
6260 79
39 63 49
80
16
22
74
9
27
232
2921
43
73
71
67
6
34
47
30
31 53
4515 3
4 241
44 81 64
5 82 61
55
586566
51
35
14
75 5618
46
19
17
50 42
13
59
28
68 57
77
10 11
2532
8
36
7237
12
26
76 48
41
69
20
52
54
7
Likes Dislikes Comment
1 47 -
Sometimes I wish there was a little more shade near the playground, it can be really hot in the
summer. Also updated playground equipment, I know the zipline is a hit at the eagle ridge park,
would be great to add one of these here. Also I’ve been to a newer adventure park in Fairmont,
Minnesota (Gomsrud Park) that has a brand new inclusive playground. It would be awesome do have
something like this as well.
2 42 4 Add lake side access pavilion, restrooms, food, snacks.
3 37 -
Splash pad or other children’s water feature near or in close proximity to the park. Similar to other
neighboring towns.
4 34 -
Would love to see rubber instead of sand in the playground. More picnic benches around the
playground area would be great.
5 33 -
This has the potential to be a destination playground with equipment for all ages and abilities-
including older youth and those with disabilities. Would like to see Prior Lake look regionally to
see what playground elements could be introduced that are currently missing. Would also like to
see better seating options- it’s hard to keep an eye on kids from the current seating options. Some
additional shaded areas would be helpful as well.
6 30 4 Can we create more direct walking access to the beach?
7 30 10
Create a Disc Golf course through and around some of the wooded area. Great low impact activity for
kids and adults of all ages.
8 28 - More parking up here, it gets pretty full on winter weekend afternoons for sledding.
9 24 -
It would be nice if this paved trail didn’t dead end down here. How about connecting it to others-
paved or better yet some natural surface trails.
10 23 2 Tow rope or magic carpet for tubers and sledders.
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 47
7
11 23 8
Should install snow-making and a conveyor lift. And turn the hill into a winter tubing operation. You
already have lights, water source, and facilities.
12 22 -
Did not know this was part of the park. How about a natural surface trail loop here. Not everything
needs to be paved.
13 22 7 Splash pad!
14 20 2 Open a municipal or private cafe/food access.
15 17 1
Please swap out the sand for rubber or a solid base. The sand is beach-like, yes, but when I go to
the park, I’d prefer to not have to clean sand off myself and my kid. This goes for the parks in PL in
general, but especially Lake Front.
16 17 1 A ‘this is where you are’ sign along the trails.
17 17 3 Make it easy for food trucks to be here during events and at set times.
18 16 -
Add roof and chilling system for a high quality ice sheet. Does not need to be fully enclosed. Just
3-season style.
19 16 - Assess parking needs and layout to match the distribution of park users during peak hours.
20 16 2 Parking for fishing.
21 15 5
There is interest to add a Dinner Cruise Boat to the lake. Lakefront Park could support a dock and
already has the necessary parking and bathrooms needed to support such an amenity. Could be a
privately operated business that operates the boat, but they need a dock on Lower Prior (there are no
available Marinas on Lower Prior and Upper Prior is too small for a long enough dinner cruise).
22 15 9
Any interest in some of these natural areas, to have unpaved trails for all terrain biking (mountain or
fat tire) or even seasonal cross country skiing?
23 14 1
This trail too difficult to get to the beach as disabled or elderly. A path that you could push a
wheelchair etc to and from beach would be so nice.
24 14 1
Something similar to Wabun Park wading pool at Minnehaha Regional Park (google image pics)--
hybrid splash pad/zero-depth entry pool (not deep) with spray features near an inclusive playground.
25 14 1
Dedicated pickleball courts I see the tennis courts are used mostly for pickleball. Can we have
dedicated pickleball courts, preferably keeping the tennis courts as exclusive for tennis? If not,
converting them to exclusive tennis courts might help.
26 13 3
Could we have a disc golf course here? Maybe a nine-hole with long and short t-pads to make it an
18-hole after two rounds?
27 13 11
This larger area would be perfect for multi use similar to Wayzata or Excelsior lake front with shops
and walks and places to eat and interact with the beautiful lake.
28 11 -
This is 1 of only 4 full-sized baseball fields in Prior Lake. Add an outfield fence and some dugouts so it
can be used for tournaments and competitive play.
29 11 2 Also a covered picnic pavilion.
30 10 - Is there a trail map anywhere?
31 10 - Improve the volleyball courts for use in evening leagues and event opportunities.
32 10 1
Skatepark needs to go somewhere around here where kids can be monitored. The drug hangout at
the back of the park there it currently is needs to go. Please look at Shakopee’s skatepark for design
feedback or survey some teens and kids. We drive to Shakopee for my kids because their skatepark is
good for beginners like my 8 yr old, and great for advanced riders like my 14 yr old.
33 10 1
Have different Food Trucks/restaurants access this area with public docks to go in and out to access
food and drink for all.
34 10 1 Good spot for pickleball courts. Move skate park to a highly visible location in the park.
48 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
8
#IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS
Public
Fishing
Public Beach
Public
Fishing
Public
Boat
Slip
Parking
Skate Park
Parking Basketball Basketball
Parking
Hockey/Ice
Skating Hockey/Ice
Skating
Ballfield
Soccer/Football
Tennis/Pickleball
Parking
Parking
Parking
Sledding
Volleyball Hockey/Ice
Skating
Parking
Parking
Basketball
Ballfield
0 200100US Feet ±
78
40
33 38
70
6260 79
39 63 49
80
16
22
74
9
27
232
2921
43
73
71
67
6
34
47
30
31 53
4515 3
4 241
44 81 64
5 82 61
55
586566
51
35
14
75 56
18
46
19
17
50 42
13
59
28
68 57
77
10 11
2532
8
36
7237
12
26
76 49
41
69
20
52
54
7
# Likes Dislikes Comment
35 9 -
The skate board area needs major improvements! Many kids spend lots of hours there and get good
exercise! It should be upgraded. My 22 year old grandson spent lots of time there when he was 7 - 12
years old. It’s out dated & children want to skateboard, bike & use their scooters there. Please don’t
take it away! Thank you.
36 9 1
Add more parking here. This small current lot fills up quickly so everyone parks in the street. In the
winter it doesn’t leave enough room for two cars to pass each other on Ridgemont.
37 9 2
Could add a miniature golf course here. Either free like in Lakeville or similar to Links at Dred Scott in
Bloomington and charge a fee to maintain it.
38 8 - City should do something with this valuable lake access point here.
39 8 - Add parking for the fishing pier park.
40 8 1
Purchase the railroad right of way property and expand the fishing park. Also could be a public
marina or public dock for a Dinner Cruise Boat.
41 8 2 Frisbee golf course.
42 8 2
Consider a designated path from Parking lot to soccer fields - very hard for older individuals or those
with strollers or disabilities to easily get to soccer fields.
43 8 3 Create and maintain an ice rink on the lake in the winter season.
44 7 - This grassy hilly area is underutilized. Consider letting it revert to natural state so less turf to maintain.
45 7 1
How about a more natural playground here instead of a playground like all the others in the area?
Something similar to the Hanifl Family Wild Woods playground at the MN Zoo.
46 7 1 Install several visible security cameras to deter crime. Parking lot, entrances, etc.
47 7 2
Adding a better connection down to the back from this parking lot would increase usage by beach
goers and decrease vagrancy in the parking lot.
48 7 2 Adding a dog park here would be awesome!
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 49
9
49 7 7 This space is bigger to maybe have a small disc golf course.
50 6 5
Consider this space or space near current tennis courts for Mini Golf (similar to The links at Dred
Scott). A way to draw people from all over to our beautiful park and community!
51 5 -
Disc golf course. The PL high school has one but it’s not maintained. The layout is horrible and not
welcoming. Can’t play due to school in session either. Please move that to this park.
52 5 -
Allow fishing from this walking bridge or add a bump out section for more fishing opportunities
on either half of the pond. The dock on this pond is located in an area that’s quickly choked out by
weeds and un-fishable. Also need a small parking area closer to this spot.
53 5 - Install several visible security cameras to deter crime. Parking lot, entrances, etc.
54 5 3 Trail on this end needs better access to City hall.
55 4 - Install several visible security cameras to deter crime. Parking lot, entrances, etc.
56 4 -
Resurface the rinks so they can be used as roller hockey rinks during the summer. There aren’t many
options for roller hockey anywhere close.
57 4 13
I love baseball, and I grew up playing on a field like this one. Unfortunately, the Lakefront Park field is
used sparingly. I would like to see the area repurposed as a dedicated pickleball complex.
58 3 -Suggested Warming House
59 3 1
Have the Lakefront trail system be part of a longer system of interconnected trails. Also have defined
‘circuits’ or ‘challenges’ that people could complete (and maybe compete on). Like an app where folks
could say “I finished the LFP Outer Circuit in 30 minutes” or some such.
60 3 1
When this bridge next comes up for maintenance and upgrade, make it into something completely
iconic and picturesque. It’s such a common point of travel for both water and road. It needs to be so
beautiful that people smile when they see it. It’s a bit utilitarian right now. It could easily be a great
photo opportunity point.
61 3 1
Could we put some kind of dock/fishing pier/gazebo on this pond to make it more inviting/useful to
park patrons? Perhaps pond hockey in the winter too?
62 2 -
Please add a protected pedestrian sidewalk or separate pedestrian bridge here. It feels so close to
the road, especially with kids, and cars drive so fast. But it’s such a beautiful view of the lake!
63 2 - It would be nice if the park trail connection emerged closer down to Bass St.
64 2 - Would love a splash pad! We are always driving to other cities to play.
65 2 - Under used facility, let’s bring back weekly movie nights and summer concerts/shows.
66 2 -
How much usage DOES the band shell get? It may just be the times I’ve been there, but I’ve never
seen it in use. Could we have somewhat frequently scheduled performances by community bands,
school bands, or folk singers? If not, perhaps the space could be put to a better use.
67 2 14
Large beautiful log cabin with numerous areas and levels for seating that have beautiful views of
the lake. Real log burning fireplaces. Piano and live acoustic music. A grand historic feel. Small café
and/or coffee shop. Gift shop. Large multi level porches overlooking the lake. Built similar to grand
mountain lodges and chalets. Beautiful and safe walking path down to the lake with the ability to
have a six person electric golf cart to shuttle people to Prior Lake boat cruises. Events+
68 2 14 Maybe get rid of the ball diamond and add a little more parking here.
69 1 -
Please remember, this is Prior Lake, not Minnetonka, Wayzata, or Excelsior! There are a lot of good
ideas posted here, but please stop trying to make our town into something its not. My opinion is
maintain and beautify the park, but save the so-called improvements for a time when the majority
of taxpayers that enjoy the park have recovered from the “covid economy downturn” and can once
again afford the costs involved.
70 1 -
This access could be part of solving snowmobiles going over the open water under the bridge
problem.
71 1 -
Make the path level. It’s currently tilted toward the water and causes stress on knees and hips when
walking and running.
50 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
10
#IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS
Public
Fishing
Public Beach
Public
Fishing
Public
Boat
Slip
Parking
Skate Park
Parking Basketball Basketball
Parking
Hockey/Ice
Skating Hockey/Ice
Skating
Ballfield
Soccer/Football
Tennis/Pickleball
Parking
Parking
Parking
Sledding
Volleyball Hockey/Ice
Skating
Parking
Parking
Basketball
Ballfield
0 200100US Feet ±
78
40
33 38
70
6260 79
39 63 49
80
16
22
74
9
27
232
2921
43
73
71
67
6
34
47
30
31 53
4515 3
4 241
44 81 64
5 82 61
55
586566
51
35
14
75 56
18
46
19
17
50 42
13
59
28
68 57
77
10 11
2532
8
36
7237
12
26
76 49
41
69
20
52
54
7
# Likes Dislikes Comment
72 1 -
This grassy area is underutilized. Consider reverting to natural state to reduce the amount of turf to
maintain. At least until some amenity is built here.
73 1 1
Similar to the ‘food truck’ idea for concessions, could we have spots for ‘food barges’ (like the “pizza
boat” and “ice cream boat” that already ply the waters) to temporarily anchor and provide food or
other items?
74 1 2 Cable-tow wakeboard park could be built here.
75 1 2
Is there something we could use the rinks for in the non-frozen seasons? They take up quite a bit of
space, and much of the year are unused/unusable. Maybe there is a better location for them?
76 1 3
I like the dog park idea that someone else stated. Maybe add an agility course so people could train
their dogs and encourage those who don’t to try something new with their pets? That would be
something unique to pull people in from surrounding communities (more likely to spend money in
our town). Could also host dog agility competitions on a regional scale!
77 1 12
Phase out ball fields, switch soccer fields to opposite side, & pave current soccer fields for summer
series concerts & music fest.
78 - -
Comment 6360FF should have been placed in this location. Would make for a great pocket park with
some seating and public art!
79 - -
Please purchase this property for public use, would be great for a pocket park. There is such limited
lake access and viewing options.
80 - - Finish or continue paved trail access and build a nature play area.
81 - 1
Would love to see a sculpture park with unique interactive public art that is tough - pieces that kids
can play around or climb on.
82 - 2
I don’t ever see this pavilion being used. Consider other uses for this area? Interactive public art
would be a great element to make this a more interesting gathering place.
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 51
11
# Likes Dislikes Comment
1 53 -
Permanent bathroom access. My young kids struggle to use the porta potties and they don’t feel
clean or age appropriate for the kids/individuals with disabilities that use the park.
2 26 3
This area seems like a magnet for trouble. It’s high up and out of sight tucked in the back of the park.
Many times we’ve seen suspicious groups of vehicles parked there, cars doing donuts when kids are
at the playground, etc. Maybe it just needs monitored cameras and lighting to discourage trouble. It
makes us uneasy to be at the playground sometimes.
3 23 -
Make this a year round air conditioned/heated pavilion and warming house with concessions, lots
of tables and decent bathrooms. Would like to see food and beverages for sale or pop up food truck/
restaurants and Boathouse Brewery on the weekends (at least). Create the draw for families to come
there for fun for everyone! Lights and music at the skating rinks in the winter would be fun too.
4 19 -
Either re-open this building as a warming house for the winter or else create a fully heated, wifi
enabled warming house nearer to the rinks.
5 19 - Warming house needs to be a warming house. Please build a separate rental pavilion.
6 15 -
Need a new skatepark like Shakopee’s skatepark and PLEASE move it down by the road where the
tennis courts are. The kids need to be in a place where they can be monitored. I won’t even take my
8 yr old here anymore because of the kids smoking, drinking, doing drugs and their foul mouths. This
is a horrible location but we NEED a skatepark. Moving it out in the open near the road will certainly
help.
7 12 1
Tennis courts need improvement. They have been a mess for years with all the pickleball stuff left out
and in the way for tennis players to actually use the space. Surface needs to be redone too!
8 11 1
Cameras should be installed (with notices) at the pavilion and playground, with direct feed to the
police dept. For obvious reasons at the play ground and to ID any unauthorized activities at the
pavilion.
9 10 - More parking here please!!!
#THIS NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
Public
Fishing
Public Beach
Public
Fishing
Public
Boat
Slip
Parking
Skate Park
Parking Basketball Basketball
Parking
Hockey/Ice
Skating Hockey/Ice
Skating
Ballfield
Soccer/Football
Tennis/Pickleball
Parking
Parking
Parking
Sledding
Volleyball Hockey/Ice
Skating
Parking
Parking
Basketball
Ballfield
0 200100US Feet ±
22 19
15
206 16
11 2
23 8 14 4 35 1
21
12
1710
13
18
7
9
52 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
12
10 9 -
The “trailer warming house” is not safe. They had electrical wires buried under ice and partly exposed
last year. Let’s go back to using the original warming house so kids can enjoy the winter. Forget
about one or two wedding parties for revenue. It’s time to get kids back to the ice and off the video
games. The trailer is not cutting it.
11 8 2
The current condition of the skatepark is outdated and somewhat dangerous. The issues have been
outlined and presented to the City separately. We do the kids a great disservice if we don’t make
changes to this skatepark. We have the space to do it and we have the means to do it. Now, it is just a
matter of putting our heads together to get it done. Skateboarding and scootering has become VERY
popular with the young tweens and teens and this skatepark is a great place for kids to BE ACTIVE.
12 6 -
Ice Rink surface and boards need to be replaced/maintained surface has been abused by park
users (read driving semi’s on the ice rink base), need broken/missing boards fixed. Add ice making
machine for ice to hockey/pleasure rinks to extend usability from November to April. Partner with
Prior Lake Hockey Association to use the Zamboni for ice maintenance. Move the parking garage for
Zamboni nearer the rink, not at the other end of the park.
13 5 -
Would be helpful if there was some signage like “scenic overlook” or “viewing spot” where the path
leading to each of the dead-end “sitting spots” connects to the main paths.
14 4 -
Re-open the pavilion all year round. It should never been closed and only accessible if you pay for
exclusive use! Add staff (hire a student) on the evenings and weekends to sell drinks/snacks/answer
questions. Let’s make this a usable Pavilion for the people who paid for it. Expand to have change
rooms for teams if they come to the park to use it for sports, whether is be soccer, baseball, hockey,
or whatever.
15 4 1
Better signage or control to direct snowmobiles around the park and not through it. A little scary
when you are walking the trails and snow mobiles show up or seeing tracks.
16 4 2 Move skate park to baseball diamond area where more visible and near security camera.
17 3 - Grass is routinely soaking wet - maybe needs better drainage or less watering?
18 2 - Rough road.
19 1 -
Public beach has no running water! City torn down the facilities to replace with biffies. Docks were
moved to the back side of the beach, there is no way I will ever take my boat back there to park to
use the beach. The over-all beach condition is poor to horrible after they removed the facilities/wall.
20 1 1 Horrible location, dated setup. This should be closer to the pavilion/parking.
21 - - I never even knew there was a volleyball court here. Consider signage or park map kiosk?
22 - 1
Dock in picture is not where it now located, it is now in the back. Move it back to the front side of the
beach so casual boaters can enjoy the beach.
23 - 1 Unsafe road! Watch out for speeders with illegal exhausts.
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 53
#Likes Dislikes Comment
1 7 -
I love walking the trails through the natural wooded
areas of the park. Please keep this half of the park
peaceful and quiet.
2 15 2 Live music on the lakefront would be amazing!
3 4 2 We need something like this for the community.
Mankato has one and it’s so much fun. Great idea!
4 5 -This is a good idea if it has a means of scheduling and
publicizing the events.
5 5 2 Great idea
6 4 3 Love the idea of the lakeside amphitheater. Will be
another wonderful thing to enjoy on the lake.
7 13 1 Access and availability to more of the park.
8 3 -I like this. Hope there is a swing too!
9 Improving access to the beach is one of the biggest
needs for Lakefront Park
10 11 1 Great!
11 --
I like the idea of having more access for carry in. I would
like to be able to put my kayak or paddleboard in
without walking a long distance to and from my car if
I forget something or to put storage bags back. Dewit
does not allow parking without a trailer and sand point
has a long walk even if you pay for parking. I use my
kayak/boards on multiple lakes (they are cleaned and
dried between uses) so I don’t want to rent a spot and
let my boards sit in the sun.
12 6 -I love the idea of the boardwalk. The other one in the
park is one of my favorite places.
#Likes Dislikes Comment
13 4 Love this!
14 18 -We love Watzl’s beach because it is usually not busy but
it could definitely use a little face lift.
15 9 1 Nice enhancement
16 2 1
Beach needs so much improvement. Standpoint is
always packed and it would be amazing to have a
second beach where there is actual sand and not rocks
to lay on.
17 6 -Very good idea to add stairs to the lake. Much needed
and will be used by many. Thanks.
18 1 -Being able to see and access the beach/lake from the
park is a great improvement.
19 12 -Glad to see stairs being put in.
20 9 -Like this new location for the tennis courts
21 9 1 Thanks for adding tennis courts. Nice to have both
Tennis & Pickle Ball courts.
22 7 -
The splash pad would be a wonderful addition to the
park. Thank you for considering this to enhance the
variety in the park.
23 --Finally a splash pad in Prior Lake!! This will be most
welcoming to young children.
24 7 -
Love the splash pad, inclusive playground, and zipline!
It would be amazing (and attract visitors) to have it
themed like Teddy Bear Park, Stillwater; Robbins Island
Park, Willmar; Paul Bunyan Park, Bemidji.
25 10 -
Love the idea of a splash pad for our younger kids and
also updating the playground to something newer.
Would love to see it with the rubber turf over mulch/
rock for accessibility.
26 17 1 Love a local splash pad option!
27 15 1 Wonderful summer activity for the kids
ROUND 2 INTERACTIVE MAP COMMENTS
SEE MAP ON PAGE 16 FOR LOCATION OF COMMENTS
54 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
#Likes Dislikes Comment
28 2 1 Great idea, much needed for summer enjoyment with
small kids.
29 1 1 Love this idea!
30 4 1 Yes!
31 13 -
I LOVE the idea of a splash pad. Thank you for thinking
of the kids and updating the park FINALLY!! I feel Prior
Lake, does not have many great park options.
32 --Love a good splash pad!
33 1 -Love the splash pad idea!!
34 10 1 Splash pad idea would be amazing in the summer for
the kiddos!
35 6 1
100% we need a large splash Pad and picnic area! This
would be such a hit in town! So many towns have
splash pads and they are always packed.
36 11 -Yes, expand the bathrooms a bit.
37 4 -
Good location for the amphitheater. Hopefully there
would be regularly scheduled events for the people
to enjoy. I like the more central location with all of the
parking.
38 7 2 Like the skate park.
39 3 -Very excited to see another entrance/exit to the park.
This will be well used.
40 11 -The second entrance/exit is over due!
41 --
A second access in/out of the park is a smart move.
Adding parallel parking is smart, too, along the roads
that make sense.
42 6 1 Never enough parking, so this would help!
43 2 1 We use the sledding hill a lot and would appreciate a
warming house
44 13 1 Great parking and visible for skaters
#Likes Dislikes Comment
45 8 1
Great idea to add a warming house, fire pits and a
seating area to really bolster the use in the winter! A
tow rope would be nice, but not a deal breaker/budget
breaker.
46 9 1 Great idea for a gathering area for families
47 1 -Like the warming house, patio,
48 16 2 Great idea for a tow rope for the kiddos to get up the
hill. Great sledding hill.
49 14 -Best winter location for sledding!
50 6 -
Love the idea of a skating ribbon. Hopefully it can be
somewhat like the area in Centennial Lakes with lights
and music while one skates.
51 4 1
Love the addition of a skating loop. Not everyone in
town plays hockey and when trying to use the rinks in
the past was impossible if you weren’t there for to play
hockey. There should be both options though since this
comment loves hockey. Can the hockey rinks double
as pickle ball courts in the summer? Maybe the skating
ribbon could do a figure 8 around the two rinks and in
the summer could make a fun bike track for the kids.
52 --Like the idea - seems steep for a skating loop.
53 10 -I love the idea of a skating ribbon. Not everyone plays
hockey or wants to skate where others are playing
54 12 -Love this idea for leisure skating, enjoyment for all ages.
However, we shouldn’t omit skating rinks.
55 15 1 Love the idea of a skating ribbon (track) to just skate
around!!!
56 12 -
This is a cool idea and would be used a lot, but I would
suggest you associate it with a new warming house
and hockey rinks.
57 --Sledding hill tow rope is a GREAT idea! Would love to
see this!
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 55
#Likes Dislikes Comment
58 10 -Disc golf great addition!
59 2 Disc golf seems like a great addition to the park
60 8 -Love the idea of a disc golf in this area! Inexpensive, low
impact, fun activity for people of all ages!
61 18 -
A disk golf course would be a fantastic addition to
Lakefront Park. Disk golf is a great affordable way to get
outside.
#Likes Dislikes Comment
62 1 -
Lovely the trees and natural area of the park. So much
of the town if we are not careful could be built over a
bit at a time. Save what we can when we can.
63 3 1 Hopefully there is room for a “drop-off” turnaround for
non-handicapped park users.
64 1 2 Put a carry in launch here, clear a little of the shoreline
so its not complete muck.
65 15 3
Could more fishing pier opportunities be built into this
section of the boardwalk? It would be great to give kids
and those without boats a chance to get a little way
away from shore.
66 1 1
I like the amphitheater idea here and added dock in this
bay. I suggest cleaning the murkiness out of this bay.
It is currently shallow and full of algae. A water feature
would help as well
67 4 -Could there be a kayak launch added now that a road
comes close to the shore?
68 5 -
Most years boats can’t even get back into this bay
Should be moved to the other side adjacent to the
beach
69 -1 Sand volleyball?
#Likes Dislikes Comment
70 2 -
Boat slip rentals should be weekly not seasonal if the
park amenities and the improvements are seeking to be
accessible to more people.
71 2 6
Add dinner a cruise boat slip at the end of the pier. Find
a company to operate the dinner cruise boat. Cater the
food from local restaurants.
72 6 1
Make the lake area not only for bathing but relaxing on
swings for enjoyment of view. Cennntenial lakes has
swings all along like for people to sit and enjoy view.
73 1 1
We live a block from the park and walk thru it every day.
There are some great proposals in this plan! Currently,
there are two amenities that are glaringly almost never
used - the baseball field and the volleyball court. On
the flip side, the dilapidated tennis courts are used
almost every day (even in the winter) for pickleball.
It seems like it would make sense to turn one of the
unused areas into dedicated pickleball courts.
74 3 -Should create an overlook to prior lake
75 3 1 Please add a zip line to the playground
76 8 -
Please consider the older kids when designing the
playground. The playground currently there is one of
our favorites because it has something for such a wide
age of kids. We have enough playgrounds for just the
little ones. Making it inclusive and accessible for all is a
must.
77 12 -
Is this playground going to be updated? The current
one looks to be around 20 years old and needs to be
updated
78 1 -
Please consider big kids when designing a playground!
Very easy to find parks for the 6 and under crowd in
prior lake. There are no big kid parks anywhere in the
area!
56 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
#Likes Dislikes Comment
79 1 -
There should be easy access to the lakefront. The
original parking lot in the hill above the beach was
cumbersome but it was a reasonable distance and
access for many. There needs to be a way for people
to use the beach and have a way to get there in a
reasonable time and with ease. Who and how many
are willing and able to drag beach accessories for such
a distance. You lost the whole purpose of a beach if its
incredibly hard to get to.
80 2 -Add native flowers to pathways
81 29 -
Regular amphitheater events (weekly or every other
week) in the summer with concessions would be a nice
family activity. (Theater, comedian, bands, etc)
82 --
This is a nice feature that should be showcased more.
Not sure why the new plan has three amphitheaters,
though. Seems excessive.
83 6 -Bathrooms should be accessible when park is open.
84 3 -Added swings for teenagers and adults to hand out.
Enjoy view, journal talk
85 12 1
Can anything be done with this lovely pond? Another
boardwalk? Winter skating maintenance? I’m always
tempted to go paddling on it...
86 5 1 Could you possibly do one hockey rink and one
basketball court?
87 1 -
Why move basketball courts here? Keep bball courts
by playground and move splash pad here. Keep dry
activities and wet activities a little more separated.
88 26 1
Is there no longer going to be hockey rinks? I would
love to see two new rinks will smooth finished concrete
paving so they could be use in both the winter and
summer (roller hockey).
#Likes Dislikes Comment
89 -2 It seems like many area skate parks have been shown to
go unused. The hockey rinks, however, got a lot of use.
90 --
I agree that there needs to be hockey rinks but there
also needs to be a place for those that want to skate
that don’t play hockey.
91 1 -
Keep the ice rinks where they are rather than up on hill
where it is windy and less connected to the main area
of park. Rather than adding more, it would be a good
idea to invest time and money into the maintenance
of good quality ice throughout the skating season
and hiring a rink attendant for daily maintenance,
supervision, and crowd control.
92 6 -
The park REALLY needs restrooms! Especially in the
Spring/Summer/Fall with 100s of people attending for
events!
93 3 1 Maple grove has a ice skating area with pine trees and
lights. Ice skating paths
94 7 -
Why are we getting rid of the hockey rinks. Have has
anyone at the city ever been down to look at how busy
those rinks are in the winter on a evening, weather
dependent? A huge mistake not keeping hockey rinks
in this park. Also why have a skating ribbon without the
rinks? If you have the skating ribbon you have to have
rinks with it.
95 -1
There are many comments about hockey rinks. The
placement of hockey rinks do not need to be in THIS
park. This park has a specific location for lake access
and downtown. Hockey rinks are a seasonal/ high use
are that would be better served in another park. Focus
on the location of this park for “park”, rather than sport,
gatherings and lakeside/nature features.
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 57
#Likes Dislikes Comment
96 -1
Maybe this road is only open in May - Oct. due to steep
angle during winder conditions and sledding hill?
Other areas of park won’t be used much in winter so 2
access points likely not needed.
97 --
I like the tow rope idea. If implemented, it would be
nice to have one on each side of the hill, to prevent a
massive build-up on one end of the hill.
98 7 2
During sledding season, a temporary fenced off walk-
ways should be added so people going up the hill
have designated paths. Too many people get run over.
One on each side of the hill and maybe another in the
middle.
99 29 1
I love the idea of the skating ribbon, not everyone is a
hockey player. However I do also agree with the hockey
community that the loss of the rinks is a big loss and
there should also be a place for rinks at the park!
100 4 -Love the idea of the skating loop, but we can’t lose the
hockey rinks!
101 1 -
Bring back the hockey rink and pleasure skating
rinks. How could a city not have rinks at their main
community park. Very sad.
102 8 1 ADD more Community Garden Areas
103 3 -
I am not sure why we need three amphitheaters. We
have one today and while it is used, it is vacant most of
the time. I think you put one in by the water, leave the
current one in place and replace the baseball field with
hockey rinks for those that use them. Everything else is
great — too many amphitheaters that won’t be used
though.
104 -2 Add pickle ball courts
#Likes Dislikes Comment
105 1 -
Not sure of scale of map but if it works, place the
hockey rinks here and use the outside ‘ring’ as a skating
loop (not as steep as current location proposal). The
current location for concerts seems fine; the other
proposed site is too far away to carry chairs, etc and not
near a nice part of lake (unless you like algae). If that
doesn’t work, improve the baseball/softball field here
and ensure there is space for other sports practices.
106 2 -Would love a dog park here
107 2 -Add swings and walking paths
108 5 3
The entrance and sign to Lakefront should have more
eye candy to show people that this park is popular
and that artists and performers have events here. More
landscaping.
109 1 1
Why not widen Kop Parkway to include parallel or angle
parking? It would slow people down as they drive
through there and would be much safer than the new
proposed road off Ridgemont and it’s related parking.
110 3 -
What about hosting a farmers market here? It would
attract people to the park, and park people to the
farmers market. Maybe a place to Get coffee here that
could be rented out to on Saturdays and Sundays
in the summer and could support local fundraising.
Something that brings people together.
111 2 3 Need trail connection to City Hall
112 --
Please consider addition of a mountain bike trail thru
the wooded areas of the park. This space is big and
obviously low density (just trees). A mountain bike
trail could be designed to minimize bikers and walkers
interaction (i.e. no paved biking trails). While Murphy-
Hanrahan was a trail, the beginner section is quite small
and not a destination for families.
58 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
#Likes Dislikes Comment
113 19 3
Agree that this bay is not attractive. Green and scummy.
Also mosquito infested during summer. Not worth cost
to put another amphitheater here.
114 14 3
What does this offer that the other amphitheater does
not? Guests would have to walk farther and bring their
stuff farther... it’s not really visible by boat... that bay is
not motor accessible really... Are there entertainment
options that cannot be accommodated at the existing
amphitheater? That is near parking and just lovely. I’m
on the fence about this one. Would we really support
two?
115 5 -
An amphitheater would disrupt what is otherwise a
serene natural setting for observing eagles, red tail
hawks, horned owls, deer, etc. What this park needs is
more quiet space not more noise pollution. We need to
preserve some of the wonderful natural settings that
this park offers.
116 6 1 Not really accessible by boat. Too close to residential for
loud music.
117 --
A fun idea, but like the current amphitheaters, the
reality is this would likely get very little use. Considering
the expense involved in something like this (not to
mention it being a mosquito hot bed, and potential for
flooding as the lake rises) it seems like this wouldn’t be
the best use of funds.
118 5 1
No park needs more than one amphitheater. A place for
community Ed type classes maybe, but sound carries
over water and holding concerts on the shore of the
lake is noise pollution.
119 4 -
Nice idea in theory, but the city only host 3 concerts per
summer as of now at the existing amphitheater. Seems
like a huge waste of funds for a new amphitheater.
And also seems like a hot bed for mosquitos, near the
swampy part of the lake at sunset.
#Likes Dislikes Comment
120 4 1 Has anyone considered the possibility of the lake
flooding this area? The lake level rises and falls often.
121 --
The amphitheater, boardwalk, road and parking lot
seem unnecessary and detrimental to wildlife and the
overall feel of the park. This area should remain as is!
122 6 -
Is this necessary? The logistics of getting back and forth
doesn’t make sense. This part of the lake is weedy and
actually kind of gross. Not sure it would make a great
view.
123 1 -
What measures would be put in place to reduce soil
erosion that could potentially negatively impact water
quality caused by converting a natural area into an
amphitheater?
124 7 2
Living close to this area on the lake the sound from
the concerts all summer would ruin the peaceful
nights. Music once in while isn’t an issue but not every
weekend. The sound would travel far and decrease the
attractiveness of living in this area of the lake. Right
now the trees act as a barrier so the sound is heard but
it’s not obnoxious.
125 1 -No need for multiple amphitheaters. This parking
should be added to the parking near Watzl’s Beach.
126 --
If the amphitheater remains in the plan, this water
walkway (while unique) seems unnecessary, as there
is a walkway on land that is extremely close. If desired,
the land walkway could also be lowered to follow the
shoreline.
127 7 5 This part of the lake is always gross and scummy most
of the summer. I don’t see the purpose or value.
128 3 -
It would be ecologically irresponsible to have a
boardwalk that destroys fish spawning areas and
damages the diversity of wildlife in this area. The fact
that we have very little undeveloped shoreline on Prior
Lake makes this a unique area.
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 59
#Likes Dislikes Comment
129 5 1
The makers of this proposal clearly haven’t spent time
in the park. Why would anyone want to walk amongst
all the algae that collects here? What does this add to
justify to cost when there’s an existing walking trail five
feet away?
130 14 -
The addition of roadways into this area of the park (and
the amphitheater) is extremely disruptive to one of the
last natural areas along Prior Lake. Please keep this area
of the park quiet and natural.
131 --Overlooks and benches are rarely used.
132 4 -
I think that a trail along the shoreline should be enough
- the cost of a boardwalk and its maintenance does not
really add anything different.
133 --
I agree the beach could use some attention, but I think
less is more. I would prefer to see improvements and
enhancements for a “naturescape” theme rather than a
building, umbrellas, and other items that would require
maintenance and possible vandalism. The charm of the
this beach is that it is small and secluded. Please keep
it so!
134 19 1
Last year the city decided to remove a solid perfectly
good brick restroom facility that could have been
renovated at a fraction of the cost of building new. The
reason for removal was because of vandalism, graffiti,
and teenagers using it as a “meeting place”. How is a
new building going to change the situation? Police
have always patrolled the park. It appears the city is
wasting money and could have planned better, that
building was removed under a year ago.
#Likes Dislikes Comment
135 1 -
I understand and support having some handicap access
parking closer to the beach. However, living on a cul de
sac, I know what happens when people reach the end
of a dead end street- they speed up while backtracking.
At most, this should be a very small, handicap access
only road.
136 12 2
Seems like there would be a lot of traffic through here,
nobody would want to make the walk to the beach
and would want to park close to it, the tranquility and
reclusiveness of the beach is half of the attraction.
Making it so much more accessible will ruin that and
make it become over crowded.
137 1 -
This road is unnecessary and would take away from
the walking trail system. I think the focus of the park
should be to update what we already have and not
overdevelop. We need trees, trails, and nature more
than a road, lakeside amphitheater or parking lot for
beach.
138 7 -
What is the purpose of all these new roads? A complete
waste of money. This includes the access next to the
sledding hill.
139 11 -
On one hand, added accessibility to the beach would
be nice.. but it would also break the trail system in half.
That trail system is heavily used, and it’s great to have
the uninterrupted nature area. I think having a road go
through here would really disrupt that.
140 9 1
Prefer this theater location over the lakeside. Closer to
parking and less mosquitoes! Also seems to be a bigger
area that allows for social distancing and kids can run
and play.
141 --Skate park out dated and too small.
142 --What happens to the skate park?
60 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
#Likes Dislikes Comment
143 1 -
My wife and I tried using the pickleball court two
different times last Fall and they were a mess! The
portable nets were in terrible shape and there were too
many lines on the court that caused much confusion.
I’ve seen other courts where the lines were very clear to
understand such as Red Oak park in Burnsville. Eagan
probably has the best courts around and would be
good to model after.
144 --
A Splash park seems like a public pool, would this
require water filtration and chemical controls like a
pool? If so, what is the cost to maintain this?
145 6 -Why would you remove the gazebo? Parks need quiet
spaces, not just busy and loud spaces.
146 2 -
Keep a gazebo - if not here - somewhere else in
the park that is easy to get to and has a good view/
background. Often used for pictures for organizations,
high school events, family/weddings. Highly used
structure.
147 2 -
The plan talks of putting in an inclusive playground, but
taking out the gazebo is an example of being non-
inclusive. A quiet spot near they playground always
attracted my son when he was young because he
would get overwhelmed by all the noise and people. A
break at the gazebo was perfect. With more and more
kids having sensory issues with autism, ADHD, etc
inclusive should include them in planning too.
148 3 -Is the gazebo going away?
149 5 -Gazebo was a much-enjoyed park feature. Why
remove?
150 2 -
Please keep in mind how noisy skateparks are.
Significant noise damping needs to be added if it’s so
centrally located.
#Likes Dislikes Comment
151 5 -
A 4 way intersection in the middle of a park?!This
completely changes the character of the park. Now it’s
a driving destination, not a park. The main walking trails
would just be sidewalks next to roads, so no longer
park trails. It’s no longer a safe place for kids to bike, just
another neighborhood road.
152 14 4
Parallel parking may be very challenging. I completely
agree with increasing parking spaces, but can it be
done diagonally instead of parallel parking? This could
be tricky on the weekends when there are youth sports.
153 20 1 WE NEED HOCKEY RINKS!!!
154 16 -
Removal of the Hockey rinks is very concerning. The
High School team finally made it to State this year, and
a large part of being a perennial participant is fostering
skating via local rinks. I personally brought my young
kids there several times this past winter as we begin
to learn the valuable lessons skating provides. Why
wouldn’t we want to foster teamwork, determination,
tenacity, and perseverance among our youth? The City
has taken a decidedly anti-skating approach.
155 --
Winter lasts longer than summer in Minnesota. Why
would this proposal reduce the skating capacity of
the park? It really seems like whoever developed this
proposal doesn’t understand our community or our
climate.
156 3 -This park is so large there need to be open /
functioning restrooms year round.
157 37 1
It is very concerning to me that you are considering
removing the ice rinks. In the fall there seemed to be a
lot of support for improving them, so removing them
all together makes me wonder if people are really being
heard. Skating at Lakefront is one of the things my kids
look forward to the most in winter and judging by how
busy it can be, I know they aren’t the only ones.
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 61
#Likes Dislikes Comment
158 38 -
Where did the ice rinks go? These rinks today are used
by many of the local kids and adults. Not to mention by
the PLSHA association.
159 --
While we have not used the outdoor rinks, they are
used heavily by a wide variety of residents. Removing
the rinks is, in my opinion, a mistake.
160 4 -KEEP THE RINKS!!! End of Comment!!!
161 22 -
A Minnesota Hockey community and no outdoor rinks.
There are a lot of Rec level players and people that just
want to skate outdoors. There will be no areas for these
people to use a rink during winter months.
162 1 -
Please do not remove or move the ice rinks from this
park. During our long MN winters these are a place
for kids and adults alike to get together and enjoy the
outdoors. Even on the coldest days our kids meet their
friends to play hockey on these rinks. We should be
finding ways to add more outdoor rinks, not getting rid
of the great ones that we have!
163 2
Why can’t the hockey rinks stay where they are? A huge
MN pastime and great to have in the park. I do like the
idea of a pleasure skating loop, but would love to have
both that and the rinks. Those two together would
provide great recreation for all skaters in the winter!
164 15 1
Please keep the hockey rinks. Our son just learned
to skate there this winter and is already asking when
there will be ice again next winter. It was always busy
no matter what time of day we went. If anything, you
should improve the warming house facility because
the little trailer oftentimes got really crowded. Would
be really sad and un-Minnesotan to lose these hockey
rinks.
#Likes Dislikes Comment
165 The hockey rinks are used heavily during the winter
months. Getting rid of them would be a huge mistake.
166 2 -
Like the idea of having a skating loop but not at the
cost of losing the hockey rinks. Our family spent many
times going there and it was always busy.
167 1 -
No Hockey rinks? Why would you remove hockey
rinks from a great park in the State of Hockey?! Kids
need to play outside and play hockey outside. It is an
experience that will live with kids throughout their
lifetimes and this should not be taken away. Kids learn
to play on these rinks and it would be shameful to
remove them. These rinks are also used by the Prior
Lake/Savage Hockey association weekly during the
season.
168 27 1
The lack of hockey rinks is a glaring omission. 25% of
survey respondents reported using the hockey rinks.
19% the basketball courts and 22% for the overlook
areas. Yet the hockey rinks are cut while the other
two remain. Why would we get rid of the most used
thing of these three? That makes no sense and outside
hockey rinks are becoming hard to find in the city.
169 1 -
The park plan needs to include a hockey rink or two.
Why would that be removed. It is currently one of the
most used parts of the park.
170 --
Our family used the hockey rinks 25-30 times this last
winter. I think it would be a big mistake to remove the
hockey rinks. Every time we used the rinks there were
many kids and families using them.
171 --
2 hockey rinks are needed. Having kids in the program,
I can attest to how often they are used. Only keeping
one rink isn’t good enough either. Both are needed.
62 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
#Likes Dislikes Comment
172 29 1
Lakefront Park has some of the only public hockey rinks
in town. I love the skating ribbon idea, but not at the
cost of losing the rinks.
173 --
Both hockey rinks were constantly busy and need
to stay. Even removing one would be a mistake... If
anything, additional skating options should be added.
174 9 1
Have to have the hockey rinks! What you need to add
is a nice multi purpose warming house and bigger free
skate area.
175 6 -
There absolutely needs to be skating/hockey rinks at
the park. This is a winter outdoor activity. The ice is used
by many families, kids and adults. It is also used for ice
time for PLSHA, particularly the younger kids. Honestly,
another rink or larger skating area could be added.
176 6 -
Prior Lake Alum and PLSHA hockey coach. The removal
of our outdoor hockey rinks would be a detrimental
loss to the community as hockey plays an incredible
role. The availability of the outdoor rinks for our hockey
players and recreational players is vital to grow the
game, our culture and the opportunity to have FUN
and develop playing unorganized hockey. I was lucky
enough to grow up with the rinks at Lakefront and
hope the kids have the chance for the same
177 10 -
My name is Joe Pankratz and I’m the Laker Boys
High School coach. I’ll follow up with city leaders
outside of this forum as well. We need outdoor rinks
at Lakefront for the continued success of our youth
and HS programs. They are used heavily by players
of all abilities. A covered refrigerated option should
be the next discussion topic, this would open an
array of options for PL, PLSHA, PLHS. Outdoor rinks,
and Lakefront in our case, is a large part of a hockey
communities identity.
#Likes Dislikes Comment
178 6 -
How do you get rid of the hockey rinks? We do live in
Minnesota, which is the state of hockey. Also the youth
up to the high school skate at those rinks. The high
school boys just made their 1st state tournament for
hockey and the fan support was unreal. Some people
said Prior Lake had the biggest student section for a
school at the state tournament ever. With that type of
support getting rid of the rinks seems like a not well
thought idea.
179 13 -
You can’t take away the outdoor rinks, that’s a huge
part of the winter months activities. Our kids use that
rink all the time. Why would we even consider that as
an option? Minnesota is the state of hockey and the
Prior Lake/Savage community celebrates this sport year
around. Do not remove these, it would be terrible for
our community.
180 3 -
Need hockey rinks! A multipurpose warming house
and free skate with an oval would be awesome. So
many towns around MN have these local rinks and
wouldn’t feel right not having one in PL. would be very
disappointed to see it go.
181 18 -
Sad - no hockey rinks? Memories that have lasted a
lifetime were made on those rinks. As a PL native and
someone involved in the Hockey Community this
tough news. These rinks were used from the Mites all
they way up to HS boys. Who played in a game outside
this year! Outside Hockey is the foundation of Hockey in
MN. A friend of mine in HS actually had a patch made
for his letter jacket labeled ‘Lakefront”. He lettered in
Lakefront. PLEASE reconsider this change. We need the
rinks.
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 63
#Likes Dislikes Comment
182 13 -
You CANNOT remove the hockey rinks. They provide
good, clean fun for our community. Not just for hockey
youth, but kids and adults who just want to skate. The
skating ribbon will not cut it for our community. I am
so disappointed in the city leadership that they have
pushed this through so far. Step up city leaders!
183 1 -
A tow rope is proposed for the sledding hill. How does
that work? Are kids supposed to stand on their sleds?
Will it be staffed to handle accidents when kids fall?
What will this cost the city in liability insurance? It
sounds like it’ll become a free snowboarding hill and
younger kids will need to find a new sledding hill.
184 3 -
Need enough room between sledding hill and
proposed road. Sometimes people go very far and don’t
want the need to worry about cars.
185 7 -This road doesn’t make sense to me. It is very steep and
it seems there is limited space at the bottom.
186 --I don’t think a tow rope is justified. My concern would
be safety and maintenance.
187 26 -
Where are the skating rinks? This is the only reason I
come to this park today. I understand changing the
layout to draw more people in, but I don’t understand
why hockey is being pushed out. Would be nice if a
modernized rink was built next to warming house, with
views from the warming house.
188 10 -
Hoping all these additions to the area and the new road
does not degrade this amazing sledding hill we have.
Love the idea just don’t want to reck the hill.
189 --
Adding another entrance from the neighborhood
seems unnecessary and detrimental to the residents
that live here. Please do not add an entrance and road
here!
#Likes Dislikes Comment
190 15 1
This entrance is unnecessary. It does nothing to
distribute traffic away from the pinch point at 13 and
160/main. It only serves to wreck the sledding hill and
pave a significant portion of the park.
191 5 -
This road is so problematic. This hill is extremely steep-
that’s why it’s a sledding hill. Cars will go too fast and
then they’ll be right at the parallel parking, where kids
will be jumping out of the car. Earth moving is possible
but expensive and retaining walls are both expensive
and a safety hazard.
192 2 -
I do not think a second entrance is needed. We often
access the park an rarely see traffic at the entrance as a
problem. Additional parking is a huge improvement for
the sledding hill a a benefit for all prior lake residents.
Street parking is a bad idea as it’s snowy (hence
sledding!) and small children, and limited vehicle
visibility on Ridgemont.
193 1 -
Question- when the Main Ave intersection was
realigned a few years back, the city needed federal
permission to make the change since the park had
received federal funds for its development. Wouldn’t
this new road also need federal permission since it will
reduce green space in the park?
194 12 2
A second entrance into the park at this location is going
to cause significant traffic and congestion to the 150+
homes in the adjacent neighborhood. Ridgemont is the
only street in and out of this neighborhood, and it is
already a slim single lane road that is heavily congested
during weekend sporting activities and during special
events. A wider main entrance or splitting the main
entrance to different parts of the park should be
considered.
64 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
DRAFT
#Likes Dislikes Comment
195 3 -
We have lived in this area for 35 years and saw a lot
of good changes to the park. A park entrance off
Ridgemont is NOT a good idea and I am opposed to
it. With only one way in and out of our addition, this
creates another traffic problem. I feel there are other
options for a second access to the park. Do we really
need to spend this money on all the new activities.
The ones there today aren’t used to there full capacity.
Thanks.
196 10 1
As a 38 yr resident of this neighborhood with one
way in and one way out an access to the park from
Ridgemont is of great concern. The intersection at 13
and Ridgemont is enough of a challenge in and out of
the neighborhood without the addition of park traffic.
Not a good plan!!!
197 6 1
As a 22 year resident of this neighborhood I’m very
concerned about this new road. Ridgemont is the
only access for over 150 homes in this neighborhood.
Steering traffic into a no outlet neighborhood is not a
good idea. Sending traffic down this very steep hill is
also not a good idea. Think how slippery it will be in
winter. Many cars and minivans will be unable to drive
up the sledding hill or will get stuck while waiting their
turn to get to the stop sign at the top.
198 2 -Ridgemont is not big enough to have the volume of
traffic this parking lot would generate.
199 3 -
“Summer event building” should never usurp warming
house during winter months. That is how we lost the
old warming house.
#Likes Dislikes Comment
200 4 -
Far too many functions are being crammed into this
small space at the top of the sledding hill. The site map
portrays this area as flat but anyone familiar with the
park knows it is not. That means you’re going to need
expensive retaining walls, creating a safety hazard
considering children will be at the sledding hill. You’ll
also need stairs from the parking lot down the grade
change which will be slippery and expensive for the
city to maintain.
201 --
Keep the skating (hockey and leisure) where it is rather
than up on this hill. I think this area should remain
undeveloped. The simple parking lot that exists for
sledding is all that is needed.
202 --Please keep the 2 hockey rinks. While seasonal (like
most activities), they get a lot of use in the winter.
203 8 1 I like the ribbon idea but 2 hockey rinks is a must.
204 --
This feels very overdeveloped on top of the hill. Keep it
simple! We do not need a warming house or tow rope
for sledding!
205 1 -
Removing the Hockey Rinks is confusing and
concerning. It’s used by kids, adults, teams. There was
a previous proposal that had a refrigerated rink. Doing
that could likely extend the ice being ready an likely an
extra 2 months.
206 21 -
A skating loop around a hockey rink is a solution for
both needs. The primary community park needs at
minimum one hockey rink. Going from 2 to 1 rink is
concerning, but to have no rinks at all is unacceptable.
207
Where are the hockey rinks? There must be a hockey
rink at Lakefront Park. Who in their right mind would
eliminate it? The thought of not having a hockey rink at
Lakefront Park disgusts me and makes me want to think
about leaving Prior Lake. Seriously, hockey is a huge
part of this community!
LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 65
#Likes Dislikes Comment
208 1 -Need a hockey rink as well. Two are not needed but one
should be in the same area as the loop,
209 10 -
I like the idea of a skating loop, but it needs to be in
addition to hockey rinks. Its hard to expect middle
school hockey players and young kids to share the
same sheet of ice. Mites and other hockey teams use
the hockey rinks at lake front for practice. What is the
solution if the rinks are removed? Is there another park
in PL or Savage getting 2 additional rinks? I don’t think
removing all rinks and replacing it with a skate loop is
acceptable.
210 6 2 What is the purpose of the Skating ribbon?
211 16 4
What’s the purpose of a Skating Ribbon? Where are the
rinks that are packed all winter long with kids that like
to play hockey outside?
212 3 -Where is the baseball field? Is it being removed?
213 8 2
One big music event is enough. This will encourage
more. More noise and traffic. What we have seems to
work well.
214 --
The idea of multiple amphitheaters sounds nice,
but the reality is the one we have hardly ever gets
used. Having multiple amphitheaters would be an
unnecessary cost.
215 8 1
The amphitheater is too far from the playground. It
is nice for families to enjoy the concerts in the park
and still be near child if they want to play on the
playground.
216 8 -
Two or three amphitheaters seem completely
unnecessary. The existing amphitheater is in a
great location and is rarely in use when I’m at the
park. Is there really that big of demand where three
performances need to happen at the same time?
#Likes Dislikes Comment
217 2 -
Why is this site ignored in the reimagined park? I’m all
for a community garden but this is underutilized flat
space in a very hilly park. Rather than cramming too
many functions at the top of the sledding hill, this is the
logical site for a event center, not at the entrance to a
no outlet neighborhood and right next to homes. The
community garden could easily be relocated, perhaps
to the top of the sledding hill where the current tennis
courts are.
218 1 -Shame to see the baseball field gone. Hopefully this
means more attention can go into Ponds #7.
219 4 -No park needs more than one amphitheater. What are
you going to do, have dueling concerts?!
220 -1 Why is all this space being wasted and ignored?
221 17 -What is going to happen with the shared ZAM shack
that the PLSHA association partially paid for.
222 3 -Seems like we lo a picnic area. How many picnic areas
remain?
223 8 -
A hockey rink is a MUST HAVE. How can you come up
with a plan that eliminates the rinks? Prior Lake needs
MORE hockey rinks in all of our parks. Fix your plan
224 8 1
Lots of nice ideas overall. Agree with concern about
the ice rink. But also concerned about the cost to do
SO MANY changes. It is a very nice park as is and while
some changes would be good, the extent of changes
seems unnecessary to me.
66 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
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LAKEFRONT PARK MASTER PLAN 67
68 PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
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The nation behaves well if it
treats its natural resources
as assets which it must turn
over to the next generation
increased, and not impaired,
in value.
- Theodore Roosevelt