Feedback received during comment period is being compiled, reviewed and organized before presentation to Park Commissioners and public hearing planned this spring or summer
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) published its draft Plan for Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles (Cedar-Isles Plan) in January and wrapped up a 45-day public comment period on March 10. Thank you to everyone who took time to share their thoughts and opinions during the comment period!
Staff are currently compiling, reviewing and organizing feedback received. The plan document will be refined based on that feedback, then the final plan will be presented to MPRB Commissioners this spring or summer, along with possible amendments for them to consider. A public hearing will be held at that time. Expect more information and specifics later this spring.
About the Plan
The Cedar-Isles Plan outlines long-term strategies to maintain and improve Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Dean Parkway and a portion of Cedar Lake Regional Trail. These park spaces are part of Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park, the most popular park in Minnesota, with 7.5 million visits in 2021. It draws people from across Minneapolis, the metro area, and the entire state.
A major benefit, and primary reason, for completing a park plan is that it allows the MPRB to seek or capitalize on opportunities to improve parkland. When volunteers, philanthropic organizations, or regional, state or federal funding agencies express interest in supporting the regional park system, the MPRB will have a community-vetted plan for potential partners to follow.
No immediate major changes or projects based on the Cedar-Isles Plan are scheduled following plan approval. Smaller scale projects could be implemented within the first few years; these could include safety upgrades at critical intersections, new or repaired paths, or adding seasonal bathrooms.
Development of the Cedar-Isles Plan is the final part of a decade-long process by the MPRB to create and approve master plans for every park in the Minneapolis park system. Areas included in the Cedar-Isles Plan are the only areas in the park system that do not have an adopted plan.
A Community Advisory Committee (CAC) comprised of people appointed by MPRB staff and commissioners met 13 times to vet and refine ideas incorporated in the Cedar-Isles Plan. The draft plan document is based on final CAC recommendations. Visit the Get Involved tab on the Cedar-Isles Plan project page to view project materials and learn more about the planning process.