By Steve Albrecht, Guest Commentary 

The city of Prior Lake maintains nearly 1,000 acres of active, passive and open space park land, including 46 neighborhood parks and seven community parks.

Prior Lake boasts the highest acreage of parks per resident of any city south of the Minnesota River. Coupled with the other numerous lakes and regional parks, our residents have reason to be proud of what Prior Lake has to offer.

In 2008, the city has already completed and is working on several exciting park improvements including:

Thomas Ryan Memorial Park lighting project

Howard Lake neighborhood park

Jeffers Pond trail system and boardwalk

Shepherd’s Path gazebo and pedestrian bridge

These improvements have enhanced the city’s active and natural area parks. One of the most unique experiences in Prior Lake is the Jeffers Pond Trail from Jeffers Elementary to the Jeffers Pond neighborhood park. The trail traverses a seasonal rapid that conveys water from upper Jeffers Pond to lower.

The city’s park system also includes several undeveloped areas that are currently in planning stages. The city has planned and identified neighborhood park improvements in its Capital Improvements Program for the Northwood Meadows, Stonebriar and Enclave at Cleary Lake neighborhoods. In addition to those planned parks, concepts for a neighborhood park in the future Golden Pond development (adjacent to the Maple Glen and Hickory Shores neighborhoods) is also planned.

In addition to the maintenance and improvement of our neighborhood park systems, the city has several new natural resource initiatives consistent with the City’s 2030 Vision and Strategic Plan that includes:

1. Creating a new Community Development Natural Resources department;

2. Planning for passive improvements of natural park areas at Pike Lake, Campbell Lake and Whitetail Island (near the Enclave at Cleary Lake and Deerfield neighborhoods);

3. Maintaining existing park natural areas such as Crystal/Rice Lake, Westbury Pond, Jeffers Pond, Heritage Farm and Woodridge parks;

4. Implementing the new SMSC/Prior Lake compost site;

5. Initiating a buckthorn removal and pickup program.

Our park system doesn’t shine without the commitment of Prior Lake residents to fund these investments long-term. In 2008, the City Council directed staff to develop plans to secure the long-term sustainability of our park infrastructure. The council is moving ahead with a strategy that will provide for the maintenance and replacement of neighborhood and community parks over time to ensure that the park system that is the gem of Prior Lake continues for future generations to enjoy.

For questions about these programs or other parks and natural resource initiatives, contact Park Maintenance Supervisor Al Friedges at (952) 447-9892.

Steve Albrecht is the city of Prior Lake Public Works Director.