Construction Improvements in the Parks

 
 

  • The Parks Department is working TKDA on the design and engineering to get city water and sewer to Bunker Beach, the Campground and Auxiliary Maintenance Shop.

    Design phase will be complete spring 2024, bidding and award in the summer of 2024, construction will begin late summer through fall 2024 and will be completed in 2025.

  • Pavilion Removal and Replacement

    After discovering structural issues and receiving a structural engineers report, Pavilions 1, 2, and 3 were removed. The Parks Department has secured funding for replacing Pavilions 1 and 3 with similar size structures while providing a picnic area where Pavilion 2 was located. Design of the project is expected to be completed in spring 2024. Materials for the pavilions will be ordered and construction will begin late summer 2024. Construction is anticipated to finish in fall 2024 completion.

    Park Redevelopment

    The Department hired Larson Engineering to design and engineer improvements to the roads and trails in the park. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 and will be on-going for several years to address all the pavement replacement needs.

  • Due to erosion and slope failure from flooding, the bridge over Coon Creek at the confluence of the Mississippi River and trails near the creek are closed.

    Please use this detour route.

    - Sunram Construction has been hired to construct this project. This work includes replacement of the pedestrian bridge and reconstruction of the trails surrounding the bridge. In addition, Sunram will also be repairing some creek bank erosion. This is in addition to the Coon Creek Watershed is doing along the Coon Creek in the park.

    - Construction is anticipated to begin Summer 2024 and be completed in 2025.

    Bridge, Culvert and Trail Reconstruction

    Lower Coon Creek Corridor Restoration

  • The Parks Department along with Columbia Heights Mayor met with community members about restoring and preserving the health of Highland Lake and Kordiak Park. View the meeting minutes here.

    The Parks Department will be starting the design process to improve the parking lot and trails at the park. In addition, the County is seeking Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation funds to replace the picnic pavilion.

 

  • Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Roadway and Parking Lot Reconstruction, along with Trail Improvements

    A portion of the Park within the construction area is closed now through May 24, 2024. The Park closure restricts travel on trails and roads (including walking, biking and driving) within the construction limits.

    Things to remember when the park reopens May 24:
    -     The park is still a construction zone, please use caution while traveling through the park.
    - There will be intermittent closures of parking lots, trails, sidewalks and portions of the roadway until the project is complete.
    - All trails and roadways will be gravel and will not be paved until end of July.

    Highlights of Construction:
    Project Overview
    - Reconstructing roadway from Main Street to boat launch
    - Beach and boat launch parking lot reconstruction
    - Centerville beach access reconstruction
    - Trail reconstruction
    - Beach hang out area

    Construction is anticipated to conclude fall 2024.
    View the Construction Plan
    Improvement Plan

    Peltier Parking Lot/Fishing Pier Access
    The Department is planning on hiring a Consultant for the design and engineering for the Peltier parking lot fishing pier access and trail improvements throughout the park in 2024. Reconstruction is anticipated to start in 2025 and be complete in 2026.

  • The County is currently working with LHB Inc. on the plans and specifications for improvements to the Banfill Historic House. The building’s foundation needs repairing, as well as the siding and roof needs to be replaced. Design and engineering to occur in 2024 with construction in 2025.

  • The County has partnered with Anoka Conservation District (ACD) to address erosion issues along the Rum River within Anoka County.  A report developed by ACD identified 82 erosion sites along the river.  Packaging funding from the County, ACD, the local watershed management organizations, Outdoor Heritage Council and Clean Water, the County is offering homeowners a cost shared grant program to address identified erosion issues within their property.  This project will be on-going for the next few years. 

  • The County has hired an engineering consultant to conduct preliminary design work for the Bridge Street Underpass Trail project. Upon completion of the design work, the County and consultant will go through the permitting process to develop plans and specifications based on permit requirements. Construction is anticipated to occur in 2025.

 
Graphic with the words ADA transition plan listed.

  • This is an update to the County’s Parks ADA Transition Plan from 1995. The work is being conducted in-house and the inventory of items is complete. The County will be evaluating and analyzing the data and anticipate having a priority list completed by April 2024 for public review and comment.

  • Many new projects are happening at Wargo Nature Center, both inside the building and on the surrounding grounds.

    Nature Play/Traditional Playground
    Concrete work will begin in the spring and the NEW traditional playground will be installed in the summer 2024.

    Amphitheater
    A new accessible amphitheater will be installed in the summer of 2024.

    Lower Level
    New displays are being designed and will be installed in the summer of 2024.

 
 

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