Proposed long-term plan for Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles and surrounding parkland refined into one preferred park concept after five months of public feedback on two initial draft concepts
Concept posted online with feedback survey, series of summer meetings and events also planned for people to discuss the plan, ask questions and share feedback
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has been working for several years on the Cedar Lake-Lake of the Isles Master Plan (Cedar-Isles Master Plan), a new long-term plan for Cedar Lake, a portion of Cedar Lake Regional Trail, Lake of the Isles and Dean Parkway.
A new, single park concept is available for public feedback after two initial draft park concepts were published in December 2021. This new concept was created after analyzing feedback on the two initial concepts and a broad range of input collected from park users, the project’s Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and MPRB staff since the project launched in late 2019.
The updated plan outlines long-term strategies to maintain and improve the two lakes and surrounding parkland and trails. This includes:
- Water Quality Improvement
- Natural Areas Restoration
- Activity and Amenity Areas
- Circulation and Water Access
- Historic Preservation
Use the links below to view the plan and send feedback:
Cedar-Isles Master Plan Concept
Cedar-Isles Master Plan Survey
Upcoming Meetings
The updated plan will be open for public feedback throughout the summer. There will be opportunities to comment online, through social media, and at public meetings and informal open house events.
Feedback will be shared with the CAC during upcoming meetings as it works on making final recommendations during two meetings that will be scheduled in late July and August. Details for those meetings will be published soon, visit the Cedar-Isles Master Plan project page and sign up for email updates to stay informed.
See below for the current schedule.
Water Quality CAC Subcommittee Meeting #4
Tuesday, July 12, 6-8 pm
This is a virtual meeting, Link to Join
Water Quality experts with EOR and the design team from Ten x Ten will present their Water Quality findings developed from the CAC Water Quality Goals and how they informed the Preferred Park Concept. CAC discussion to follow. Fifteen minutes are reserved for public comment at the end the meeting.
In-Person Open House
Thursday, July 14, 4:30-6:30 pm
Cedar Lake South Beach
Discuss the Preferred Park Concept with MPRB staff. No formal presentation, this event allows for informal discussion and Q&A.
In-Person Open House
Saturday, July 16, 9-11 am
Lake of the Isles Parkway and Euclid Place
Discuss the Preferred Park Concept with MPRB staff. No formal presentation, this event allows for informal discussion and Q&A.
Water Quality CAC Subcommittee Meeting #5
Thursday, July 21, 6-8 pm
This is a virtual meeting, Link to Join
The CAC subcommittee will continue their conversation from Subcommittee Meeting #4 and finalize draft Water Quality Goals. Fifteen minutes are reserved for public comment at the end of the meeting.
Master Plan Process
The design will be updated this fall based on feedback from the public, MPRB staff and final CAC recommendations, then a full draft plan document will be published for a 45-day public comment period, likely late fall or early winter. After the 45-day public comment period, the document and a public comment summary will be presented to MPRB Commissioners before a formal public hearing and vote on the final plan, likely in winter 2022-23.
Moving Forward
No major changes or projects are scheduled immediately following plan approval. Smaller scale projects that can be completed by MPRB or City of Minneapolis staff – like safety upgrades at critical intersections, new or repaired paths, adding seasonal bathrooms, etc – could be implemented within a year.
A major benefit, and primary reason, for completing a park master 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.