101022 City Council Meeting Packet
NEW HOPE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING AGENDA
October 10, 2022
7:00 p.m.
City Hall – Council Chambers
4401 Xylon Avenue North
Mayor Kathi Hemken
Council Member John Elder
Council Member Andy Hoffe
Council Member Michael Isenberg
Council Member Jonathan London
The City Council wants and encourages citizen participation at Council Meetings. Your input and
opinions count and are valuable. You are encouraged to bring forth your comments and issues at
the appropriate point on the agenda.
A 15‐minute maximum Open Forum is held at the beginning of each Council Meeting. At this time
any person may address the Council on any subject pertaining to City business not listed on this
agenda or scheduled as a future agenda item. The Council requests that you limit your presentation
to 3 minutes. Anyone wishing to address the City Council on a particular item should raise their
hand and be recognized by the Mayor. Approach the podium and speak into the microphone by
first stating your name and address. Also, please record your name on the roster at the table near
the door so that your name will be spelled correctly in the minutes.
Individuals should not expect the Mayor or Council to respond to their comments tonight; Council
may refer the matter to staff for handling or for consideration at a future meeting. You are welcome
to contact the city clerk at 763‐531‐5117 after the council meeting.
COUNCIL MEETING BROADCASTS AND STREAMING
Government Access channel 16 programming includes live/taped meeting replays
Live on‐line meetings and past meetings on‐demand are available through www.nwsccc.org.
www.newhopemn.gov
New Hope Values and Vision
City Mission
Strong local government that is proactive in responding to the community needs and issues by delivering quality
public service to all city residents, businesses, property owners, and organizations in a prudent and e cient manner.
Values
Excellence and Quality in the Delivery of Services
We believe that service to the public is our reason for being and strive to deliver quality services in a
highly professional and cost-e ective manner.
Fiscal Responsibility
We believe that fi scal responsibility and the prudent stewardship of public funds and city assets is essential if
residents are to have confi dence in government.
Ethics, Integrity and Professionalism
We believe that ethics, integrity, and professionalism are the foundation blocks of public trust and confi dence and
that all meaningful relationships are built on these values.
Respect for the Individual
We believe in the uniqueness of every individual, and welcome, appreciate, and respect diversity and the di ering
of opinions.
Open, Honest, and Respectful Communication
We believe that open, honest, and respectful communication is essential for an informed and involved citizenry
and to foster a positive environment for those interacting with our city.
Cooperation and Teamwork
We believe that the public is best served when all work cooperatively.
Visionary Leadership and Planning
We believe that the very essence of leadership is to be responsive to current goals and needs, and visionary in
planning for the future.
Vision
e city is a great place to grow as a family, individual, or business.
All within our city are safe and secure.
Essential services will be those that promote a safe and healthy environment for all residents.
Essential services and programs will be enhanced and streamlined, and will be provided in an economical manner
and with measurable results.
e city views residents as its greatest asset and seeks their input and participation.
e city will meet the communication needs of citizens, elected o cials, and city sta .
Strategic Goals
e city will maintain and improve its infrastructure (water distribution, storm water, sewer, roads, parks,
lighting, and city facilities).
e city will use frugal spending and resourceful fi nancial management to maintain its fi scal health.
e city will encourage maintenance, redevelopment, and reinvestment of existing properties to improve
or enhance its tax base.
e city will provide core services with a professional sta who are equipped with the necessary tools and
equipment and given necessary direction.
e city will facilitate and improve communications to promote e ective intergovernmental cooperation
between sta , citizens, and Council.
Adopted by the New Hope City Council, August 2006
Reaffirmed by the New Hope City Council, February 2022
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
City Hall, 4401 Xylon Avenue North
Monday, October 10, 2022
7:00 p.m.
Regular Session
1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – October 10, 2022
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Work Session Minutes – September 19, 2022
Regular Meeting Minutes – September 26, 2022
4. OPEN FORUM
5. PRESENTATIONS
6. CONSENT BUSINESS
6.2 Approval of financial claims through October 10, 2022
6.4 Resolution of support for Three Rivers Park District French Regional Park Master Plan
6.5 Resolution appointing election judges for General Election of November 8, 2022
6.6 Resolution approving 2023 maintenance agreement with Embedded Systems, Inc. for
tornado/civil defense siren maintenance in the amount of $1,743.48
7. PUBLIC HEARING
7.1 Public hearing and resolution adopting and confirming assessments for delinquent
utility service charges and administrative citations
8. DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
9. PETITIONS AND REQUESTS
10. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
10.1 Ordinance No. 22‐9, An ordinance amending New Hope Code Section 2‐11 Setting
Mayor and Councilmembers’ Salaries
10.2 Resolution authorizing the purchase of equipment and appropriation of funds in the
amount of $25,833.87 for the purchase of a 2022 Toro Workman HDX from MTI
Distributing and $2,000 for fabrication of ancillary equipment
11. UNFINISHED AND ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS
12. OTHER BUSINESS
12.1 Exchange of communication between members of the city council
13. ADJOURNMENT
Memorandum
To: New Hope City Council
From: Tim Hoyt, Acting City Manager
Date: October 6, 2022
Subject: Agenda Items for Monday, October 10, 2022
Commission Interview – an interview has been scheduled for 6:30 pm preceding the Council Meeting
with an applicant for the HRC. The application was emailed to Council on Wednesday.
Open Forum
Staff is not aware of anyone planning to address the Council for the Open Forum.
Item 6.1
There are no new business license requests.
Item 6.2
This item involves routine financial claims.
Item 6.3
There are no new liability claims to report.
Item 6.4
Council is asked to approve a resolution in support for the French Regional Park Master Plan. Three Rivers
Park District is seeking support from the cities that are in proximity of French Regional Park. The master
plan is considered a “refresh” since the plan is basically improving the existing infrastructure. The park
district sought input from the public, city staff and the Citizen Advisory Commission. Director Rader and I
recommend approval.
Item 6.5
This item appoints 75 election judges for the General Election on November 8, 2022, in accordance with state
statutes. The city has eight precincts that require a staffing level of six to eight election judges per polling
place. Many individuals serve half‐day shifts. City Clerk Leone and I recommend approval.
Item 6.6
This is the annual maintenance agreement with Embedded Systems for the city’s three warning sirens.
This vendor has provided the siren maintenance service for many years. The cost is $1,743.48 for 2023.
It is the first increase in the past five years. Funds are available in the Fire/Emergency Management
Services budget. I recommend approval of the maintenance agreement.
Item 7.1
This is the annual public hearing to adopt the assessment rolls for delinquent city service charges incurred
between June 1, 2021, and May 31, 2022. All impacted property owners were notified of the hearing date, the
process for challenges, and payment options. Presently the total of delinquent utility charges is $229,329.80,
the total of delinquent city services is $3,237.31, and the total for delinquent administrative citations is
$15,990. To date staff has not received any written objections. After accepting public input, a motion should
be made to close the public hearing, followed by another motion to adopt the resolution and assessment
rolls. City Clerk Leone and I recommend approval.
Item 10.1
This ordinance amendment sets council salaries for years 2023 and 2024. The city attorney prepared the
ordinance amendment subsequent to the September 19 work session and per the direction of the city
council. Salaries for the mayor and council members will increase by 3% for years 2023 and 2024. This
is the same adjustment recommended for non‐union employees for 2023. The 2023 budget contains
funds for the proposed increase. I recommend approval.
Item 10.2
This item approves the purchase of a 2022 Toro Workman which is primarily used by the Parks department
for field maintenance activities. The workman will replace a 2015 unit. The full cost of the new Workman is
$31,883.87 which includes $2,000 for ancillary equipment. The trade‐in value of the 2015 equipment is $6,000
resulting in a total cost of $25,833.87. The vehicle replacement fund has $31,423 dedicated for the
replacement. Director Rader and I recommend approval.
Item 12.1
Mayor Hemken will review upcoming meetings and events.
If you have any questions regarding items in the agenda packet, please call the city clerk or me
before the meeting so that staff can research any issues and be prepared to respond at the meeting.
City Council Work Session September 19, 2022
Page 1
City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
City Council Minutes
Work Session Meeting
September 19, 2022
Northwood Conference Room
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope City Council met in work session pursuant to due call and notice thereof;
Mayor Hemken called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL Council present:
Kathi Hemken, Mayor
John Elder, Council Member
Andy Hoffe, Council Member
Michael Isenberg, Council Member
Jonathan London, Council Member
Staff present:
Tim Hoyt, Acting City Manager
Erin Enstad, Abdo
Vicki Holthaus, Abdo
Rich Johnson, Director of HR/Admin. Services
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
Walker MacBeath, HR Specialist/IT Coordinator
Susan Rader, Director of Parks & Recreation
Jeff Sargent, Director of Community Development
Mark Severson, Recreation Facilities Manager
Bernie Weber, Director of Public Works
CITY SURVEY
RESPONSES
Item 11.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 11.1, Review results of the 2022 Morris
Leatherman Survey.
Mr. David Leatherman of The Morris Leatherman Company reviewed the results of
the community‐wide survey that was conducted between April and May, 2022,
involving 400 households. He reviewed each category of the survey and noted overall
the responses were positive with 90% indicating they are pleased with the city’s
direction. He noted there were four moderate concerns regarding growth, high taxes,
rising crime, and redevelopment. He indicated the survey responses are typical of a
first or second ring suburb.
Discussion ensued regarding taxes. Mr. Leatherman noted the survey showed 70% of
residents are willing to pay additional taxes to maintain current services/programs. He
noted the city is in a stable position.
Council expressed their gratitude to all city staff for their work and asked directors to
share the survey results with employees.
Mayor Hemken thanked Mr. Leatherman for his presentation.
DIALOGUE WITH
CAC
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.2, Dialogue with Citizens Advisory
Commission.
City Council Work Session September 19, 2022
Page 2
Item 11.1
Ms. Susan Rader, director of parks and recreation and staff liaison to the citizens
advisory commission introduced commission members in attendance: Scott Kulzer
(chair), Jeff Harper, Jill Kaufman, Randall Herman, Carrie Neuburger. Members Rick
Riley and Bill Wills were not in attendance.
Chair Scott Kulzer reported on the commission’s 2021 activities. He noted the CAC has
adopted the Liberty Park through the city’s adopt‐a‐park program and held two clean‐
up events.
Discussion ensued regarding commissioners’ observations and interactions with New
Hope residents including complaints about property maintenance issues. Council
thanked CAC members for informing others that New Hope does not assess for street
projects due to the Street Infrastructure Fund levy. CAC members noted they assisted
with the Tobacco 21 ordinance change and would be willing to assist with implantation
of an ordinance regulating THC products.
Director Rader noted the CAC are great ambassadors of the city.
Mayor Hemken suggested the CAC rotate volunteering at the community farmers
market to greet residents.
Council thanked the commission for planting flowers in the 13 planters along 42nd
Avenue to beautify the city, conducting park inspections/reports, and for their
community outreach.
2023 GENERAL FUND
BUDGETS
Item 11.2
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.3, Discussion of 2023 general fund
budgets with city manager, Abdo and department heads.
Mr. Tim Hoyt, acting city manager, stated the 2023 general fund budget is $17,235,207,
which is an increase of $1,056,014 (6.5%) over 2022. He stated the tax levy for the
general fund is $12,076,955 which is a $683,601 or 6% increase over the 2022 general
fund levy; and the total tax levy for 2023 is $19,053,316 which is a 4.51% increase over
the 2022 levy. He noted the 4.51% increase is less than levies proposed by many
surrounding suburbs. He stated directors will review their respective budgets and if
any matter requires extensive discussion he recommended postponing it until the
October work session to permit the review of all budgets at this meeting. Mr. Hoyt
advised Council the enterprise and utility fund budgets will be presented at the
October 17 work session. He encouraged an open, respectful dialogue with directors
and Abdo staff.
The city manager and department directors reviewed major projects or changes
planned for 2023 as outlined in the budget narratives:
Mr. Hoyt reported on the proposed budgets for Mayor and Council, City
Manager, Assessing, City Hall, Elections, Fire Services, Police, Police Reserves,
and Animal Control.
Mr. Rich Johnson, director of human resources, reported on the proposed
budgets for Human Resources, Finance, Communications, and IT.
Mr. Jeff Sargent, director of community development, reported on the
proposed budgets for Planning, Inspections, Legal Services, and EDA.
City Council Work Session September 19, 2022
Page 3
Mr. Bernie Weber, director of public works, reported on the proposed budgets
for Streets, Engineering, Street Infrastructure Fund, and Central Garage.
Ms. Susan Rader, director of parks and recreation, reported on the proposed
budgets for Recreation, Parks, Swimming Pool, and Park Infrastructure Fund.
Council discussed the need for a capital improvement fund for the city hall/police
station. Ms. Holthaus noted originally $100,000 was proposed as part of the 2023
budget but it was excluded to keep the levy as low as possible. She stated the matter
will be discussed when Council reviews the long‐term financial plan for 2024.
Discussion was also held regarding the fire district and staffing issues, the gate fees for
the aquatic park, personnel wages and staff retention, CIP funding for refurbishing
tennis courts to pickleball courts and tree replacement at city facilities.
Council thanked the department heads for their presentations.
WAGES AND
BENEFITS
ITEM 11.4
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 11.4, Discussion regarding the Cost‐of‐
Living Adjustment (COLA) for non‐represented employees in 2023 and the city’s
monthly contribution towards insurance coverage for 2023.
Mr. Rich Johnson, director of HR/Admin. Services, shared information regarding the
Consumer Price Index and recommended a 3% COLA for non‐represented employees
for 2023. He stated the city’s collective bargaining units settled on a 3% COLA as well
as market increases for 2023. He also recommended a compensation study be
undertaken in 2023 and stated there is $30,000 budgeted for this expense.
Mr. Johnson explained the proposed 2023 budget contains a 4.5% increase for the city’s
contribution towards insurance. He noted there is a slight decrease in health insurance
premiums through Health Partners due to lower than expected usage. He emphasized
the need to ensure the city remains competitive in wages and benefits and
recommended the city’s monthly contribution be increased by $45, $76, and $86 for
single, employee plus one and family, respectively.
Discussion ensued regarding the large percentage of the budget devoted for wages.
Council Member Isenberg pointed out the recent community survey indicated
residents are willing to pay greater taxes to retain city services.
Council supported placing the item on the September 26 Council Meeting agenda.
ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m. as there was no further business to come
before the Council at its work session.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
New Hope City Council September 26, 2022
Page 1
City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
City Council Minutes September 26, 2022
Regular Meeting City Hall, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope City Council met in regular session pursuant to due call and notice
thereof; Mayor Pro tem Hoffe called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
The City Council and all present stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL Council present:
Absent:
Staff present:
Andy Hoffe, Mayor Pro tem
John Elder, Council Member
Michael Isenberg, Council Member
Kathi Hemken, Mayor
Jonathan London, Council Member
Tim Hoyt, Acting City Manager
Dan Boyum, City Engineer
Rich Johnson, Director of HR/Admin. Services
Beth Kramer, Communications Coordinator
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
Bernie Weber, Director of Public Works
Stacy Woods, City Attorney
APPROVAL OF
MINUTES
Motion was made by Council Member Isenberg, seconded by Council Member
Elder, to approve the regular meeting minutes of September 12, 2022. Voted in
favor thereof: Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg; and the following voted against the same:
None; Abstained: None; Absent: Hemken, London. Motion carried.
OPEN FORUM
There was no one present desirous of addressing the council.
PRESENTATION
OATH OF OFFICE
Item 5.1
Mayor Pro tem Hoffe introduced for discussion Item 5.1, Oath of office for Police
Officers William Leon‐Aguilar and Ben Rouse.
Police Chief Tim Hoyt shared the backgrounds of Officer William Leon‐Aguilar
and Officer Ben Rouse and City Clerk Valerie Leone administered the oath of
office. Council extended their congratulations and thanked the department and
family members for attending the ceremony in a show of support.
ROTATING VOTES
Please note that votes taken on each agenda item are called by the secretary on a
rotating basis; however, the written minutes always list the mayor’s name first
followed by the council members’ in alphabetical order.
CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Pro tem Hoffe introduced the consent items as listed for consideration and
stated that all items will be enacted by one motion unless requested that an item
New Hope City Council September 26, 2022
Page 2
be removed for discussion. Mr. Tim Hoyt, acting city manager, reviewed the
consent items.
FINANCIAL CLAIMS
Item 6.2
Approval of financial claims through September 26, 2022.
MOTION
Item 6.4
Motion waiving permit fees for temporary signs for New Hope Women of Today
Cooper Craft Fair fundraising event on October 29, 2022.
MOTION
Item 6.5
Motion waiving permit fees for temporary signs for Armstrong Cooper Youth
Hockey Association registration.
RESOLUTION 2022‐101
Item 6.6
Resolution approving final pay request to T. A. Schifsky & Sons, Inc. for
playground site work at Corner Park (Improvement Project No. 1055) and for
basketball court replacement at Little Acre Park (Improvement Project No. 1059).
RESOLUTION 2022‐102
RESOLUTION 2022‐103
Item 6.7
Resolution declaring cost to be assessed and ordering preparation of proposed
assessments in connection with infrastructure improvement no. 1034; and
Resolution calling for a public hearing on assessments for infrastructure
improvement no. 1034 (2020 Infrastructure Improvement Project).
MOTION
Consent Items
Motion was made by Council Member Elder, seconded by Council Member
Isenberg, to approve the Consent items. All present voted in favor. Motion
carried.
2023
INFRASTRUCTURE
IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT
(IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1090)
Item 8.1
Mayor Pro tem Hoffe introduced for discussion Item 8.1, Resolution Accepting
Feasibility Study Report on 2023 Infrastructure Improvements Project
(Improvement Project No. 1090) and calling for a public hearing to consider
ordering the project.
Mr. Dan Boyum, city engineer, stated on August 8, 2022, Council authorized
preparation of a feasibility report for construction of the 2023 infrastructure
improvements in the Northwood southeast and northeast neighborhoods, the
Winnetka Green townhome area, and parts of 61st Avenue North and Sumter
Avenue North. He illustrated the areas included in the project and the proposed
improvements. He reviewed the water main break history and the 2021 Pavement
Rating Index (PRI) of the project area. He reviewed the project cost estimates
totaling $4,884,623.71 and noted a 25% inflation factor was included in the street
improvements. The CIP budget contains $4,980,371 for the project, and the project
will be funded with street infrastructure funds and utility funds. There are no tax‐
exempt properties in the proposed project area so there be no assessments. Next
he reviewed the project schedule and recommended the Council accept the
feasibility report and call for a public hearing on October 24 to consider ordering
the project and order preparation of plans and specifications.
Mr. Boyum and Director Weber responded to questions from Council regarding
neighborhood notification, pavement ratings and the capital improvement
program.
New Hope City Council September 26, 2022
Page 3
RESOLUTION 2022‐104
Item 8.1
Council Member Elder introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION ACCEPTING FEASIBILITY STUDY REPORT ON
2023 INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1090) AND CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING TO
CONSIDER ORDERING THE PROJECT.” The motion for the adoption of the
foregoing resolution was seconded by Council Member Isenberg, and upon vote
being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Hoffe, Elder, Isenberg;
and the following voted against the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent:
Hemken, London; whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted, signed by the mayor pro tem which was attested to by the city clerk.
INSURANCE
CONTRIBUTIONS
Item 10.2
Mayor Pro tem Hoffe introduced for discussion Item 10.1, Resolution establishing
city’s monthly contribution for health benefits programs effective January 1, 2023.
Mr. Tim Hoyt, acting city manager, stated Director Johnson presented information
on premiums through Health Partners for employee health insurance costs and the
city contributions at the September work session. It is recommended that the city’s
contribution amount increase by $45, $76, and $86 for single, employee plus one,
and family health insurance coverage, respectively, effective January 1, 2023. He
stated it is necessary to set the contribution amounts prior to the open enrollment
period which begins in October.
Mr. Hoyt stated at the September 19 work session Council expressed support of
the proposed increase to the city contribution. He noted the expenditure is
included in the 2023 budget.
Council Member Elder commented that approximately 65% of the city’s budget is
dedicated to personnel costs. He acknowledged the need to be competitive in
terms of benefits in order to attract and retain good employees.
RESOLUTION 2022‐105 Council Member Isenberg introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING CITY’S MONTHLY
CONTRIBUTION FOR HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAMS EFFECTIVE
JANUARY 1, 2023.” The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
seconded by Council Member Elder, and upon vote being taken thereon, the
following voted in favor thereof: Hoffe, Elder, Isenberg; and the following voted
against the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: Hemken, London; whereupon
the resolution was declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the mayor pro
tem which was attested to by the city clerk.
EXCHANGE OF
COMMUNICATION
Item 12.1
Mayor Pro tem Hoffe introduced for discussion Item 12.1, Exchange of
communication between members of the City Council.
Council Member Elder announced that the 2022 season of the New Hope
Community Farmers Market closed September 24. He thanked all vendors,
volunteers and customers for making it a successful year.
Mayor Pro tem Hoffe reviewed upcoming city events.
New Hope City Council September 26, 2022
Page 4
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Isenberg, seconded by Council Member
Elder, to adjourn the meeting, as there was no further business to come before
the Council. All present voted in favor. Motion carried. The New Hope City
Council adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
G:\City Manager\AGENDA\6.2 R‐Approval of Claims Merge Doc.docx
Request for Action
October 10, 2022
Approved by: Tim W. Hoyt, Acting City Manager
Originating Department: City Manager
By: Tim W. Hoyt, Acting City Manager
Agenda Title
Approval of claims through October 10, 2022
Requested Action
Claims for services and commodities purchased through this period are listed on the Check Disbursement
Report
Attachments
Check Disbursement Report
Agenda Section
Consent
Item Number
6.2
I:\RFA\P&R\3 Rivers Park District\2022\French Master Plan\Q&R Support for French Regional Park Master Plan.docx
Request for Action
October 10, 2022
Approved by: Tim Hoyt, Acting City Manager
Originating Department: Parks & Recreation
By: Susan Rader, Director
Agenda Title
Resolution of support for Three Rivers Park District French Regional Park Master Plan
Requested Action
Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution. It simply states the City’s support for the French
Regional Park Master Plan.
A resolution of support has been requested from cities that are in proximity of French Regional Park and will
be included in the final plan.
Background
Clifton E. French Regional Park (French Regional Park) is located along the north shore of Medicine Lake in
Plymouth, Minnesota. French Regional Park officially opened to the public in 1984 after many years of land
acquisition and park development work. Nearly 40 years later, the park remains a popular destination due to
its location, lake access and recreational offerings.
French Regional Park contains 310 acres and is the 3rd most visited within the Three Rivers Park District
system. At 902 acres and maximum depth of 49 feet, Medicine Lake is the 2nd largest lake in Hennepin County
and the 12th largest in the metro area. Medicine Lake offers a variety of opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Lakeside amenities include a swimming beach, picnic area, boat launch and fishing pier. French Regional
Park’s upland areas feature rugged hills and wetlands. The park includes a creative play area, visitor center,
sledding hill, additional picnic areas and 12 miles of trails, including trails that are lighted for cross‐country
skiing, snowshoeing and fall hiking.
As a fully developed suburban park, the Park District classified the master plan as a ‘refresh,’ meaning the
master plan includes recommendations to build off and improve the existing infrastructure and offerings to
ensure the park remains relevant to existing and new park visitors and community members. Therefore, the
master plan does not completely start from scratch as if the park was a blank slate. This approach is
appropriate as the 2018 Park District visitor satisfaction data suggests French Regional Park is a well‐loved
and supported regional park by existing park users and that visitors generally mirror the demographic
composition of the service area.
In addition to working with city staff, Three Rivers staff attended a Citizen Advisory Commission meeting in
February 2021 to share their process and ask for input. Information regarding the master plan was also
shared in city of New Hope publications, including a link to a survey and regarding the comment period.
Funding
Three Rivers Park District is the managing and operating authority of French Regional Park.
Agenda Section
Consent
Item Number
6.4
Attachments
Resolution
French Regional Park Master Plan draft
City of New Hope
Resolution No. 22‐
Resolution of support for Three Rivers Park District French Regional Park Master Plan
WHEREAS, the city of New Hope recognizes French Regional Park as an important component of the
regional parks system providing natural resource protection and nature‐based recreation to the
residents of the City and the region; and
WHEREAS, City staff have been working in partnership with Three Rivers Park District in development of
the Master Plan to ensure long‐range planning preserves French Regional Park’s treasured areas
while expanding opportunities for visitors to try new activities that may lead them to further
park exploration within and beyond the park; and
WHEREAS, the city of New Hope recognizes that Three Rivers Park District has gathered significant public
input in the development of the French Regional Park Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, the city of New Hope recognizes that Three Rivers Park District has drafted the French Regional
Park Master Plan and accepted and responded to public comments appropriately; and
WHEREAS, the French Regional Park Master Plan is consistent with other approved local and regional
plans; and
WHEREAS, the city of New Hope supports the design, implementation and operation of the French Regional
Park pursuant to the Master Plan; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the city of New Hope, Minnesota that the city of
New Hope supports the French Regional Park Master Plan.
Adopted by the City Council of the city of New Hope, Hennepin County, Minnesota this 10th day of October
2022.
__________ __________________
Mayor
Attest: ________ _________________
City Clerk
CLIFTON
E. FRENCH
REGIONAL PARK
MASTER PLAN
SEPTEMBER 26, 2022
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICTIII
DISTRICT 1
Marge Beard
DISTRICT 2
Jennifer DeJournett
Brooklyn Park (all precincts except W1-0 and
W1-R), Champlin, Dayton, Maple Grove, Osseo
DISTRICT 3
Daniel Freeman
Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park (only
precincts W1-0 and W1-R), Crystal,
Golden Valley, Hopkins (precinct 2),
Robbinsdale, St. Anthony, St. Louis Park
DISTRICT 4
John Gunyou
Deephaven, Edina, Excelsior, Greenwood,
Hopkins (all precincts except 2), Minnetonka,
Orono (precinct 2), Richfield (all precincts except
6 & 9), Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Woodland
DISTRICT 5
John Gibbs
Bloomington, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie,
Fort Snelling, Richfield (precincts 6 & 9)
Jesse Winkler
Hennepin County Appointee - serves at large
Gene Kay
Hennepin County Appointee - serves at large
Board of Commissioners
District 2
The mission of Three Rivers Park District is to
promote environmental stewardship through recreation and
education in a natural resources-based park system.
Three Rivers Park District was established in 1957 after legislation was enacted in 1955 allowing for the activation of park
districts whose primary duties are “acquisition, development and maintenance of large parks, wildlife sanctuaries, forest
and other reservations, and means for public access to historic sites and to lakes, rivers and streams and to other natural
phenomena” (Minnesota State Statutes, Chapter 398.07).
There are nearly 13.7 million annual visits to more than 26,500 acres of park reserves, regional parks and special-use areas in
Hennepin and five adjoining counties and over 170 miles of regional trails. Current outdoor-recreation activities in regional
parks and trails include camping, hiking, cross-country and downhill skiing, tubing, bicycling, in-line skating, horseback
riding, nature interpretation, golfing, fishing and swimming. Three Rivers Park District also operates a natural resources
management program, which administers the restoration and perpetuation of both native wildlife and plants in order to
provide park and trail visitors opportunities for high-quality recreational experiences.
Corcoran, Greenfield, Hanover, Independence, Long
Lake, Loretto, Maple Plain, Medicine Lake, Medina,
Minnetrista, Minnetonka Beach, Mound, New Hope,
Orono (precincts 1, 3 & 4), Plymouth, Rockford,
Rogers, Spring Park, St. Bonifacius, Wayzata
District 1
District 3
District 4
District 5
IVFRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
THIS PAGE WAS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICTi
I
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
MASTER PLAN
As a fully-developed suburban park, the Park
District classified the French Regional Park Master
Plan as a refresh, meaning the master plan includes
recommendations to build off and improve the existing
infrastructure and offerings to ensure the park remains
relevant to existing and new park visitors and community
members. Therefore, the master plan does not completely
start from scratch as if the park was a blank slate. This
approach is appropriate as the 2018 Park District visitor
satisfaction data suggests French Regional Park is a
well-loved and supported regional park by existing park
users and that visitors generally mirror the demographic
composition of the service area.
Suburban regional parks, including French Regional Park,
focus on connecting people to nature comfortably and
conveniently through nature-based recreation offerings.
This category allows visitors to transition to nature as
their comfort level increases. The entire park may be
developed, provided that a natural setting remains.
French Regional Park’s water-based recreation,
trail network and location adjacent to the first-tier
suburban Minneapolis communities make it a unique
environmental and recreational destination within
the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and Park District.
This master plan identifies ways to improve park user
supports and highlight unique park features while
minimizing overall park development.
Park goals were measured against the master plan’s
guiding principle to ensure that the integrity of the
park’s original intent was not obscured. Community
engagement and stakeholder visioning supported the
park’s guiding principle while integrating expanded
opportunities for program, service and facility needs,
and light-touch infrastructure improvements.
i
iiFRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
I
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
MASTER PLAN
INPUT
Community and partner engagement is instrumental
in determining the relevance of parks for future
generations. The Park District’s newly adopted 2040
System Plan guided French Regional Park to serve
visitors through a “try-it, learn-it” experience model.
As such, the master plan’s principle goal was to
preserve the park’s treasured areas while expanding
opportunities for visitors to try new nature-based
recreation and education offerings, encouraging
further park exploration beyond French Regional
Park. In turn, the engagement process sought to
learn how French Regional Park could better support
positive outdoor experiences and serve as a gateway
to the outdoors, particularly for new visitors and
underrepresented community groups.
Public engagement geographically focused on the
park’s service area and included general public,
park users, underrepresented community members/
groups and partner cities and organizations. This
feedback provided recommendations for try-it, learn-
it programming and supporting facilities.
DESIGN GUIDANCE | DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Recommended park improvements are based on
French Regional Park’s long term vision and will be
implemented based on available funding and Park
District priorities. The Park District is committed to
continuing engagement with park users during design
development.
The master plan focused on three primary goals:
1. Better serving people within park service area
• Better communication, awareness and promotion.
• Piloting new, innovative and relevant
programming and offerings to French Regional
Park visitors.
• Continue to improve program participation rates
for underrepresented community members/
groups.
• Hiring staff that is reflective of the surrounding
community.
• Better coordination with external recreation
programming providers within the park service
area.
2. Protecting, restoring and managing natural
and cultural resources
• Establishing a French Regional Park land
acknowledgment through authentic relationships
with Indigenous people.
• Continue to monitor and implement best
management practices to improve Medicine
Lake water quality.
• Continue to manage invasive species (especially
common buckthorn, etc.).
• Actively manage natural resources within the
Nature Exploration Area.
• Continue to monitor and research wildlife species.
3. Providing resources to renovate, modify and
rehabilitate select park infrastructure through
modifications to:
• Park Signage, Wayfinding & Entrance
• Paved & Unpaved Trail Network
• Picnic Areas
• Medicine Lake Beach Area
• Visitor Center
• Nature Exploration Area
• Winter Enhancements
IMPLEMENTATION
The French Regional Park Master Plan refreshes
targeted existing park amenities with reasonable
expectations to expand programming and make
modest infrastructure improvements. The proposed
capital improvements can be implemented over
time as funding becomes available and planned
renovations are completed. No additional acquisition
is foreseen.
Existing Annual Operating Costs
$1,692,000
Facilities Services, Maintenance & Outdoor Education & Recreation
*2022 dollars
Additional Proposed Annual Operating Costs
Capital Improvements
$2,834,000
Park signage, trails, picnic areas, beach area, Visitor Center,
Nature Exploration Area, winter enhancements
Total Costs*
$346,000
Costs based full capital improvement implementation
“It is, by consent, a good thing for
people to get back to nature.”
Aldo Leopold
Sand County Almanac, 1949
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Three Rivers Park District (Park District) gratefully acknowledges the staff, elected officials, community
members and other participants who contributed to the Clifton E. French Regional Park Master Plan.
The Park District extends a special thank you the individuals listed below who provided guidance, time,
questions, and critical insight throughout the process.
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
Boe R. Carlson
Superintendent & Secretary to Board
Jonathan Vlaming
Associate Superintendent
Division of Planning, Design & Technology
Luke Skinner
Associate Superintendent
Recreation, Education & Natural Resources
PLANNING
Kelly Grissman
Director of Planning
Ann Rexine
Principal Planner
Maggie Heurung
Associate Planner
Jon Nauman
Senior Manager of Research & Evaluation
FACILITIES SERVICES
Jill Castle
Park Operations Supervisor
Sam Kiesow
Park Operations Supervisor
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Paul Kortebein
Senior Manager of Forestry & Horticulture
MAINTENANCE
Brian Brown (retired)
Senior Manager of Maintenance
Brad Chock
Senior Manager of Maintenance
Zach Conway
Park Maintenance Supervisor
Adam Frank
Crew Chief
OUTDOOR EDUCATION & RECREATION
Anne Jaeger
Naturalist
Outdoor Recreation Supervisor (former)
Kim Nowicki
Outdoor Education Supervisor
DESIGN
Matt Swenson, PLA
Landscape Architect, Project Manager
MARKETING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Amanda Fong
Community Engagement Supervisor
CONSULTANT
P E R K I N S + W I L L
John Slack, Associate Principal
AGENCY STAKEHOLDERS
City of Crystal
John Elholm, Recreation Director
Scott Bergan, Recreation Services Manager
Lei-Lani Fischer, Recreation Supervisor
Stacy Chouinard, Recreation Supervisor
City of Golden Valley
Rick Birno, Parks & Recreation Director
City of New Hope
Susan Rader, Director of Parks & Recreation
Aaron Thelen, Recreation Supervisor
City of Plymouth
Sonya Rippe, Project Coordinator, Parks & Recreation
City of Robbinsdale
Pam Schmitz, Recreation Services Manager (retired)
Ryan Parks, Recreation Services Manager
City of St. Louis Park
Jason West, Recreation Supervisor
City of Minnetonka
Carol HejlStone, Park & Trail Planner (former)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1. INTRODUCTION | PLANNING FRAMEWORK
Regional Park & Trail System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Three Rivers Park District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Area & Local Park Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Precedent Planning Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. INPUT | ENGAGEMENT & RECOMMENDATIONS
Engagement Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Who Was Engaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Was Learned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. CONTEXT | EXISTING CONDITIONS
Cultural Context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Complementary Adjacent Land Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Infrastructure & Evolution Over Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Natural Resource Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. DESIGN GUIDANCE | DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goal 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goal 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goal 3 . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5. PLAN SUPPORTS | BASIC OPERATIONS SERVICES
Facility Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outdoor Education & Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Natural Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Public Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sustainability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Public Awareness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6. IMPLEMENTATION | ESTIMATED COSTS & FUNDING
Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital Improvements & Funding Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operations & Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 - 2
2 - 5
6
6 - 8
9 - 10
11 - 15
15 - 24
25 - 26
26 - 27
27
28 - 38
39 - 46
i - ii
47
48 - 49
50
51 - 62
63 - 64
64 - 65
65
65 - 66
67
67 - 68
68
69
69 - 70
70
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FIGURES
1. 2040 Regional Park System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Three Rivers Park District System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. French Regional Park - Summer Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. French Regional Park - Winter Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5. French Regional Park Service Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6. Engagement Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7. Public Participation Spectrum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8. Visitor Experience Model (Partial View) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9. French Regional Park Landscape Timeline (Abbreviated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10. City of Plymouth Existing Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11. French Regional Park Development Milestones (Annotated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12. Water: Wetland Types & Medicine Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13. Land Cover: MLCCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14. Proposed Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TABLES
1. French Regioanl Park User Demographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Underrepresented Groups Context | Equity Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. Phase 1 Engagement Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. Phase 2 Engagement Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5. Phase 3 Engagement Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6. General Themes 30 Day Public Comment Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7. Accountability & Commitment Moving Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8. Basic Operation Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9. Capital Projects Cost Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
APPENDIX
Appendix A | 30 Day Public Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix B | Resolutions of Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix C | Programming Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
3
4
5
7
10
10
16
26
27
28
40
44
51
11
13 - 14
16
17 - 19
23
24
24
64
70
72 - 75
76 - 79
80 - 85
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT1
1
INTRODUCTION
PLANNING FRAMEWORK
Clifton E. French Regional Park (French Regional
Park) is located along the north shore of Medicine
Lake in Plymouth, Minnesota. French Regional Park
officially opened to the public in 1984 after many years
of land acquisition and park development work. Nearly
40 years later, the park remains a popular destination
due to its location, lake access and recreational offerings.
French Regional Park contains 310 acres and is the 3rd
most visited within the Three Rivers Park District (Park
District) system at 522,800 visits per year (2021). At 902
acres and maximum depth of 49 feet, Medicine Lake
is the 2rd largest lake in Hennepin County and the
12th largest in the metro area. Medicine Lake offers
a variety of opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Lakeside amenities include a swimming beach, picnic
area, boat launch and fishing pier. French Regional
Park’s upland areas feature rugged hills and wetlands.
The park includes a creative play area, visitor center,
sledding hill, additional picnic areas and 12 miles of
trails, including trails that are lighted for cross-country
skiing, snowshoeing and fall hiking.
As the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area continues to
demographically shift and reinvent itself, and climatic
shifts affect the region’s natural systems, the need for
resilient natural spaces, like French Regional Park, is
clearly recognized. Defining French Regional Park’s
unique role in the local, regional, and state system
plans and connection to larger regional planning
efforts is paramount to ensure French Regional Park’s
continued preservation. This chapter outlines the
connection of the French Regional Park Master Plan
to the region’s park system framework and identifies
areas of opportunity for collaboration and support.
1
2FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
FIGURE 1 | 2040 REGIONAL PARK SYSTEM
Source: Metropolitan Council
French
Regional Park
REGIONAL PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM
There are currently 415 regional trail miles and 56 regional parks and park reserves comprising nearly 55,000 acres
open for public use within the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area’s Regional Parks System (Figure 1). French Regional
Park is one of 44 regional parks open to the public and distinguished by their limited development, distinct natural
features and ecological significance. The Regional Parks System provides a plethora of recreational amenities and
educational opportunities for regional residents and visitors alike. The service range and diversity in development
of the region’s parks highlight the unique natural resources and landscapes of east-central Minnesota.
The ongoing value and public support of the regional park system is indicated by the high levels of use and
Regional Park System expansion. There are estimated to be 3.1 million residents within the seven county Twin Cities
Metropolitan Area served by Regional Parks System. The parks and trails hosted an estimated 64.5 million visits in
2021. The Regional Park System plans to add an additional 2 regional parks, 1 park reserve, and 116 miles of regional
trails in coming years to meet the growing demand and increased population forecasts.
The Metropolitan Council, a regional planning agency, provides policy guidance through the Regional Parks
Policy Plan and partial acquisition, development and operation funding through several funding programs. The
ownership, development, operations, and maintenance of the regional park system falls to ten implementing
agencies consisting of six county park departments, three city park departments and the Park District.
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
Established in 1957, the Park District is an
independent special park district charged
with the responsibilities of acquisition,
development and maintenance of regional
parks and trails for the benefit and use of
the citizens of suburban Hennepin County,
the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan
area and the State of Minnesota. The Park
District is comprised of more than 26,500
acres of 7 park reserves, 12 regional parks, 5
special recreation features and 18 regional
trails (Figure 2, next page). These parks
and trails hosted nearly 13.7 million annual
visits in 2021.
The Park District’s mission is to promote
environmental stewardship through
recreation and education in a natural
resources-based park system. It remains
the only special park district in the State
of Minnesota and its primary focus reflects
its taxing jurisdiction: suburban Hennepin
County. Though an independent agency,
the Park District works cooperatively
with local communities, counties, public
agencies, the Metropolitan Council and the
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT3
State Legislature to maintain a high level
of park service and to ensure long term
park planning strategies complement
regional planning efforts.
The Park District is charged with preparing
master plans for each park and trail unit
which adhere to the Metropolitan Council’s
Regional Parks Policy Plan, as well as other
local, county, regional, state and national
plans. In addition, each master plan is
developed to be consistent with the Park
District’s Mission, Policy Statement, System
Plan and existing projects.
The Park District’s 2040 System Plan (2020)
work envisions a world where all people can
connect with nature everyday, emphasized
by the following goals:
• You belong here
• Parks matter
• Lead by example
This master plan replicates these goals at a
park level to further emphasize adherence
to this vision through focused natural
resource management, comprehensive
community visioning, forward-thinking
outdoor recreation development and
systems oriented sustainability practices.
FIGURE 2 | THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT SYSTEM
Source: Three Rivers Park District
Regional Park Guidelines
The Park District manages its lands under four categories of regional
open space: park reserves, regional parks, special recreation features
and regional trail corridors. In addition, the Park District utilizes a
recreation opportunity spectrum of parks and trails to ensure a wide
variety of park settings and offerings are preserved within the broader
park system. This essentially provides a framework to classify parks by
type and purpose and prevents parks from becoming mirror images
of each other. Within the recreation opportunity spectrum, French
Regional Park is designated as one of nine regional parks considered
French
Regional Park
‘suburban’ (Figures 3 & 4, following pages). Suburban regional parks, including French Regional Park, focus
on connecting people to nature comfortably and conveniently through nature-based recreation offerings. This
category allows visitors to transition to nature as their comfort level increases. The entire park may be developed,
provided that a natural setting remains.
Regional Park*: An area of natural or
ornamental quality for nature-oriented
outdoor recreation such as picnicking, boating,
fishing, swimming, camping and trail uses.
• 200 - 1000 acres (100-acre minimum)
with 3-5 communities served.
• Complete natural setting
contiguous to water bodies or
watercourses where possible.
*Metropolitan Council, 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan
What do we mean when we say:i
4FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
Medicine
Lake
Skyview
Moraine
Shady
Ridge
Field
Operations
Center
Maintenance
36TH AVE N
R O CK F O R D R D
W
ME
D
I
C
I
NELAKERDNORTHWESTBLVD9
61
Medicine Lake
Regional Trail
PARK ENTRANCE
Meadow Trail
FRENCH
REGIONAL PARK
LEGEND:500 Feet
boat carry-in access
boat launch
entry station
fishing pier
play area
picnic area
sailboat dock
shuttle stop
swimming
rentals
picnic area -
reservable
picnic area -
reservable
shelter
rest area/bench
restroom
trails at
your pace
visitor center/
information
volleyball
road
nature exploration
area
park
parking lot
paved trail
unpaved trail
TRAIL
Miles 9.2 9.2 4.0
water
ThreeRiversParks.org
Updated: 5/14/2020
494
concessions
Meadow
Trail
Lakeview
Trail
Medicine
Trail
Skyline
Trail Lagoon
Trail
building
5555
boardwalk
FIGURE 3 | FRENCH REGIONAL PARK - SUMMER MAP
Source: Three Rivers Park District
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT5LakeTrailMedicine
Trail Lakeview
Trail Lesson
Loops
Lagoon
Trail
Skyline
Trail
Medicine
Trail
Meadow
Trail
Maintenance
Facility
Field
Operations
Center
Medicine
Lake
0.7K
0.3K
0.5K
1K
0.6K
0.6K
0.5K
0.7K
1K
0.5K
0.4K
MEDIC
I
N
E
L
AKE
DRWR O C K F O R D R D
NORTHWESTBLVD61
9
0.4K
To Medicine
Lake Regional
Trail - North
To Medicine
Lake Regional
Trail - South36THAVEN
Miles/Kilometers0.25/0.3
CLIFTON E. FRENCH
REGIONAL PARK
entry station
ice fishing access
parking
rest area
sledding
visitor center
(concessions, ski rentals,
merchandise, meeting room)
LEGEND:Updated: 10/7/2020
least difficult
more difficult
most difficult
trail direction
two-way
- keep right
Ski Trail Difficulty
road
snowshoe area
park
water
TRAIL
Miles 5.8 4.5 2.8 2.6 2.6
Skt Cls
494
ThreeRiversParks.org
0.7
Check regional trail page at
ThreeRiversParks.org
for winter plowing information.
5555
FIGURE 4 | FRENCH REGIONAL PARK - WINTER MAP
Source: Three Rivers Park District
6FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
SERVICE AREA & LOCAL PARK SYSTEMS
The park service area serves as a planning tool to
understand the demographic composition of those
intended to be served by French Regional Park and
ensure that these geographic areas and community
members are served and have convenient access to Park
District offerings. The ideal ‘core’ service area captures
the geographic area, where 50% visitors are planned to
originate from, is 10 minutes. The ideal ‘primary’ service
area captures, where 75% of visitors are planned to
originate from, is 15 minutes. The 2018 Park Visitor Study
indicates that 50% of summer visitors drive 9 minutes or
less (actual ‘core’ service area). These visitors originate
from Plymouth (42%), New Hope (9%), Maple Grove
(9%), Crystal and Medicine Lake. The actual ‘primary’
service area draws from a larger area and includes 75%
of all summer visitors. These visitors drive 12 minutes
or less to access French Regional Park and include the
communities of Crystal, Robbinsdale, Golden Valley, St.
Louis Park and Minnetonka (Figure 5).
The core service area also includes other ancillary outdoor
recreation and open space opportunities provided
primarily by local city providers in the form of community
and neighborhood parks and athletic playfields. These
local parks provide active recreation opportunities
including flexible open-spaces, playgrounds, picnic
areas, walking trails and athletic facilities (i.e. basketball
courts, baseball diamonds, striped playfields etc.). French
Regional Park’s nature-based recreation offerings
provide a complement to these local park facilities.
This diversity of offerings within the greater local park
systems allows the Park District to maintain, develop
and operate French Regional Park in a manner
which protects natural resources while ensuring the
recreational needs of the broader community are met.
PRECEDENT PLANNING DOCUMENTS
The French Regional Park Master Plan is consistent
with the planning visions of associated regional and
state agencies. Regional and local plans were reviewed
during the master plan development.
Met Council 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan
The Metropolitan Council, under Thrive MSP 2040,
identified a vision for the region’s future which
includes a focus on expanding and diversifying the
regional park system to better meet the needs of
the growing Twin Cities’ communities.
Specific objectives include:
• Expanding the parks system to conserve, maintain,
and connect natural resources identified in the
parks plan as high quality or having regional
importance.
• Providing a comprehensive regional park and
trail system that preserves high quality resources,
increases climate resiliency, fosters healthy
outcomes, connects communities, and enhances
quality of life.
• Promoting expanded multimodal access to
regional parks, trails, and the transit network.
• Strengthening equitable usage of regional parks
and trails by all our region’s residents, across age,
race, ethnicity, income, national origin, and ability.
Within the larger regional system, French Regional
Park is identified as being located within the Suburban
Edge. Thrive MSP 2040 forecasts project that over the
next 30 years, growth and redevelopment will occur
throughout the region. Not only will growth continue
to occur in the Suburban Edge and Emerging Suburban
Edge communities, but the Council also forecasts a
significant shift of growth back into Urban and Urban
Center communities. Forces driving this change are the
region’s aging population, new residential preferences
among younger households, and increasing interest
in sustainable lifestyles. Demographic changes,
emerging preferences, and shifting development
patterns are elevating the importance of maintaining
and expanding regional parks and trails serving the
most developed parts of the region including French
Regional Park.
With its unique natural resources, adjacency to
Medicine Lake, regional trail network and first-tier
communities of Minneapolis, French Regional Park
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT7
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0 3 61.5 Miles
First-Tier Communities
Ideal 'Primary' Service Area (75% of visitors within 15 min or less)
Actual 'Core' Service Area (50% of visitors within 9 min or less)
Actual 'Primary' Service Area (75% of visitors within 12 min or less)
Water & Lakes
FIGURE 5 | FRENCH REGIONAL PARK SERVICE AREA
Source: Three Rivers Park District
French
Regional
Park
Plymouth New Hope Crystal
Robbinsdale
Golden
Valley
St. Louis Park
Brooklyn
Park
Maple
Grove
Elm Creek
Park Reserve
Baker Park
Reserve
Minnetonka
Lake
Minnetonka
Medicine
Lake
Medicine
Lake
8FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
is well-positioned to support the Thrive MSP 2040
objectives and anticipated changes in development
and demographic patterns and community member
recreation preferences. Additionally, this master plan
adheres to the planning requirements outlined in the
2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan.
Local Communities
To ensure consistency with community planning
efforts, 2040 Comprehensive Plans for communities
within French Regional Park’s service area were
reviewed. These planning documents identified
French Regional Park Reserve as a regional
destination and a complement to the existing local
park systems. The French Regional Park Master Plan
seeks to maintain this park asset as a regional and
local resource for these communities.
Regional Trails
In support of the Metropolitan Council’s intention
to expand multi-modal access, this master plan
incorporates review of the existing and planned
regional trail network adjacent to French Regional
Park.
Medicine Lake Regional Trail Master Plan
The substantially complete Medicine Lake Regional
Trail extends south from the Mississippi River in
Dayton through Maple Grove and Plymouth to the
southeast corner of Medicine Lake in the City of
Medicine Lake. The entire 25.6-mile regional trail
provides an important north/south trail corridor
and includes connections to Elm Creek Park
Reserve, and Fish Lake and French Regional Parks.
In addition, the regional trail provides connections
with the planned West Mississippi River Regional
Trail at its northern terminus, Rush Creek and
Bassett Creek Regional Trails mid-route, the Luce
Line and planned Eagle Lake* Regional Trails at its
southern terminus.
8
Eagle Lake Regional Trail has a shared alignment with Medicine
Lake Regional Trail on the east side of Medicine Lake.
*
Bassett Creek Regional Trail Master Plan
When completed, the 7-mile Bassett Creek Regional
Trail will connect French Regional Park, through the
cities of Plymouth, New Hope, Crystal, and Golden
Valley to the Minneapolis Grand Rounds at Theodore
Wirth Regional Park. The Bassett Creek Regional Trail
will provide direct and indirect access to residential
neighborhoods, two elementary schools, a middle
and high school, commercial nodes, and numerous
connections to local and regional parks and trail
systems.
Luce Line Regional Trail Master Plan
The 8.8-mile Luce Line Regional Trail occupies the
former railroad corridor of the Electric Short Line
Railroad within the cities of Plymouth, Golden Valley
and Minneapolis between Vicksburg Lane and
Theodore Wirth Parkway. The trail continues west 63
miles to Winsted as the Luce Line State Trail under the
operation of the MnDNR. In the middle of the corridor,
the trail also connects to the Medicine Lake Regional
Trail and future Eagle Lake Regional Trail.
Eagle Lake Regional Trail Master Plan
The planned 12.3-mile Eagle Lake* Regional Trail
corridor stretches from Eagle Lake Regional Park in
Maple Grove through Plymouth and Medicine Lake
to the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail in Minnetonka.
At a future date, this master plan may be amended to
include a direct connection north to Elm Creek Park
Reserve.
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT9
Community and partner engagement are instrumental
in determining the relevance of parks for future
generations. From 2020 to 2022, the Park District sought
public feedback to develop a revised vision for French
Regional Park. The Park District’s newly adopted 2040
System Plan guided French Regional Park to serve visitors
through a “try-it, learn-it” experience model. As such, the
master plan’s principle goal was to preserve the park’s
treasured areas while expanding opportunities for visitors to
try new nature-based recreation and education offerings,
encouraging further park exploration beyond French
Regional Park. In turn, the engagement process sought
to learn how French Regional Park could better support
positive outdoor experiences and serve as a gateway to the
outdoors for existing users and those who are new to the
park.
ENGAGEMENT SCOPE
As a fully-developed suburban park, the Park District
classified the master plan as a ‘refresh,’ meaning the master
plan includes recommendations to build off and improve
the existing infrastructure and offerings to ensure the park
remains relevant to existing and new park visitors and
community members. Therefore, the master plan does not
completely start from scratch as if the park was a blank
slate. This approach is appropriate as the 2018 Park District
visitor satisfaction data suggests French Regional Park is
a well-loved and supported regional park by existing park
users and that visitors generally mirror the demographic
composition of the service area.
2
INPUT
ENGAGEMENT AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
9
Engagement Scope addresses Metropolitan
Council Equity Requirement 1, A
Offerings: the combination of all nature-based
education programs, recreation opportunities,
events and facilities provided by the Park District.
What do we mean when we say:i
10FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
FIGURE 6 | ENGAGEMENT SCOPE Source: Three Rivers Park District
Information was gathered from a variety of tools and
resources, including events, surveys, and research tied
solely to French Regional Park in addition to relevant
information obtained from other recent planning and
engagement initiatives.
The engagement scope helped shape the framework
of inputs and desired outputs (Figure 6). The public
engagement goals were wide-reaching and included
micro and macro level techniques. The Park District tried
many new engagement approaches, as the bulk of the
planning work occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the main goals were to make engagement
easily accessible, authentic and valuable.
The Park District’s engagement scope was further informed
by the Public Participation Spectrum, an engagement
tool developed by the International Association for Public
Participation (IAP2). The spectrum describes five general
modes of public participation that fall on a progressive
continuum of increasing influence over decision-making
in a given civic-engagement process. Importantly, the
model not only describes the goals of a given mode of
public participation, but also the “promise” that each
mode communicates - either implicitly or explicitly - to
the public (Figure 7).
The engagement plan followed a 4-phase process which
directly correlated to the public participation spectrum,
offering opportunities to inform, consult, involve and
collaborate throughout the planning process:
• Phase 1 | Project Kick-off and Context Gathering
• Phase 2 | Issue Identification through Engagement
• Phase 3 | Preliminary Recommendation Review
• Phase 4 | 30-Day Public Comment Period
Inform
To provide the pubic
with balanced and
objective information
to assist them in
understanding the
problem, alternatives,
opportunities and/or
solutions.
Consult
To obtain public
feedback on analysis,
alternatives and/or
decisions.
Involve
To work directly with
the public throughout
the process to ensure
that public concerns
and aspirations
are consistently
understood and
considered.
Collaborate
To partner with
the public in each
aspect of the
decision including
the development of
alternatives and the
identification of the
preferred solution.
Empower
To place final decision
making in the hands of
the public.
WHO WHAT WHEN
• General Public
• Park Users
• Underrepresented
Community
Members/Groups
• Cities &
Organizations
• Overall park input/feedback
(areas of success and
improvement)
• Programming suggestions
• Focused input
(underrepresented voices)
• 30-day public comment
period
• Phase 1 (Summer 2020):
Kick-off & context gathering
• Phase 2 (Fall 2020-Spring
2021): Issue identification
• Phase 3 (Fall 2021-Spring
2022): Preliminary
recommendation review
• Phase 4 (Fall 2022): 30-day
Comment Period
WHERE
• Virtual and in-person focus
groups/meetings
• Pop-ups
• Tabling at events
• Online surveys
• Individual conversations
• Display boards for comment
• Engage all interested and affected parties.
• Develop/expand relationships and partnerships with
local communities, affected public agencies and
community groups.
WHY
[GOALS]
• Mitigate existing racial, ethnic, cultural, or linguistic barriers
and include people of diverse ages, races, ethnicities, incomes,
national origins, and abilities.
• Make engagement easy, convenient, interactive, thoughtful
and valuable to all parties.
Phases 1, 2 & 4 Phases 2, 3 & 4 Phases 1 & 2 Phases 1 & 3
FIGURE 7 | PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SPECTRUM
Source: International Association for Public Participation
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT11
WHO WAS ENGAGED
Public engagement was geographically
focused on the service area to gather input
from those who most likely would benefit or
use French Regional Park. In accordance with
the Park District’s Recreation Opportunity
Spectrum, the ideal primary service area is
within a 15-minute drive time. Therefore, the
Park District’s engagement efforts generally
focused on reaching and engaging residents
and agencies located within or in close
proximity to this area.
The Park District divided its engagement
efforts into categories including; general public,
underrepresented community members/groups,
existing park users and cities and organizations.
General Public
The general public represents the full range
of potential park users – and includes
people of all ages, abilities, races, ethnicities
and income levels who generally live or
spend time within the defined service area.
This category also includes everyone who
is intended to benefit from the project,
including both existing and non-park
users. This helps ensure that the feedback
is not biased toward one group and park
improvements encourage users and non-
users to continue or start visiting the park.
It also has the potential to capture feedback
from underrepresented community members;
however, underrepresented community
groups typically have barriers to participation
and may be less represented within the
feedback obtained through engagement
efforts focused solely on the general public.
Engagement efforts with the general
public focused on increasing awareness,
understanding barriers and obtaining more
broad, general feedback on preferences
and recommendations.
Park Users
French Regional Park is a very popular destination within the Park District
system, receiving 631,600 visits/year. Of these total visits, 92 percent
are repeat visits. During the summer months, the park averages 2,300
visits/day. The top five summer nature-based recreation and education
offerings for existing park users are (in order of popularity): hiking,
children’s play area, picnicking, biking and swimming at the beach.
During the winter months, the park is a popular destination for winter
recreation including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding.
Typically, existing park users have a higher level of comfort in the
park than non-park users and greater park awareness. Taking this
into consideration, engagement efforts with existing park users often
focus on identifying specific locations for improvements (i.e., specific
park facilities, amenities, operations and rules), building awareness of
other happenings in the park (i.e., for those who haven’t participated
or are unaware), and additional offerings they would like to see in the
park (e.g., programs, amenities, etc.).
French Regional Park visitors are more racially and ethnically diverse
than the park’s service area population and compared to other parks
within the Park District system (Table 1). According to the 2018 Park
Visitor Study, existing French Regional Park users generally reflect
the broader community composition in areas of age and gender, or
are more diverse than the service area population in areas of race
and ethnicity with a few exceptions.
AGE
<5 years
5–9 years
10–17 years
18–24 years
25–34 years
35–44 years
45–59 years
60–74 years
75+years
GENDER
Female
Male
Under
Represented On-Target Over
Represented
*Group names are those used by the Federal Government, many people prefer different terminology.
RACE
White
Black
American Indian
Asian
Other
ETHNICITY
Not Hispanic
Hispanic
ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME
<$50,000
$50,000 - $75,000
>$75,000
Under
Represented On-Target Over
Represented
TABLE 1 | FRENCH REGIONAL PARK USER DEMOGRAPHICS*
SOURCE: PARK DISTRICT (2018 Park Visitor Study)
1
To reach desired target, summer visitation needs to increase by approximately:
1. 75+ years = 90 visits/day
2. White = 100 visits/day
3. Non-Hispanic adults = 80 visits/day
4. <$50,000 = 240 visits/day
2
3
4
12FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
Underrepresented Community Members/Groups
Based on research findings and observations, the Park
District recognizes there are some community groups
that are currently underrepresented at parks and on trails.
Generally this means that underrepresented members
are not visiting to the extent which is expected given
their percent of the overall population. In addition, these
groups have traditionally not been accurately represented
and/or actively engaged in planning processes.
System-wide, these groups include:
• First-tier community members*
• People of color*
• New immigrants and refugees
• Households with an average annual income of less
than $50,000
• People 75 years or older
• People with a range of abilities
Park-wide, these groups include:
• People 75 years and older
• White people
• Non-Hispanic adults
• Households with an average annual income of less
than $50,000
Increasing our connections to these community groups
is a core focus in order to better serve and connect
everyone to nature every day, especially considering
French serving as a gateway to the greater Regional Park
System to many of these community groups.
When compared to system-wide visitor data, French
Regional Park depicts a slightly different narrative than
other parks and trails within the Park District. Due to
French Regional Park’s geographic location near first-tier
communities, it is often one of the first “touch-points”
to the Park District system. As the visitor data suggests,
French Regional Park currently serves people of color and
those who identify as Hispanic at a percentage which is
consistent or greater than what is expected given the
service area demographics.
However, Park District programming at French Regional
Park which focuses on the new “try-it, learn-it” visitor
experience model does not appear to yet serve or draw
from these targeted community groups to the extent
expected given their percentage of the service population.
Anecdotally, this observation also includes youth (middle
and high school age).
Additional context as to how these demographic groups
are changing, why they are still underrepresented in our
parks, and how the region’s history has contributed to
inequitable outcomes throughout regional park and trail
corridors is detailed in Table 2 following page.
Comparta lo que piensa sobre los cambios propuestos
Véalos aquí: https://www.letstalkthreerivers.org/french-regional-park-master-plan
Three Rivers quiere mejorar el parque Regional de
French. Deseamos proveer nuevas y mejores experiencias al
aire libre para todos los visitantes. Durante todo el año
2020 y 2021, Three Rivers solicitó comentarios del público
sobre el parque de French. El projecto está en el paso
final y queremos saber si está de acuerdo con los
cambios propuestos. Escanee nuestro código QR con la
cámara de su teléfono para revisar nuestras
recomendaciones y brindar sus comentarios.
Código QR
Continue compartiendo sus opiniones
& ayúdenos a mejorar el parque
Regional de French
Diciembre 2021
Materials were translated for targeted engagement events.
First-Tier Communities are generally fully-developed, include
the most populated areas, have the greatest concentrations of
currently underrepresented community groups and the least
direct access to current Three Rivers parks. First-tier communities
include: Bloomington – east of 35W, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn
Park – south of Hwy 610, Crystal, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins,
New Hope, Richfield, Robbinsdale and St. Louis Park.
People of Color includes, for the purposes of this Plan; African
Americans/Black, Indigenous Peoples, Asian Americans, Pacific
Islander Americans, multiracial Americans, and some Latinx/o/a
Americans, though members of these communities may prefer to
view themselves through their cultural identities rather than color-
related terminology. This terminology is based on current inclusive
writing guidance and is subject to change.
What do we mean when we say:i
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT13
TABLE 2 | UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS CONTEXT | EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
SOURCE: PARK DISTRICT
Table 2 addresses Metropolitan Council
Equity Requirement 1, B
First-Tier Community
Members
• Lack of physical Park District
facilities (parks and trails)
located directly within
first-tier communities.
These communities were
developing or fully developed
when the Park District was
established. Affordable,
large blocks of land for
preservation of parkland were
not available in this area and
instead located in second
and third-tier communities.
This inadvertently resulted in
a geographically imbalanced
park and trail system and the
first-tier communities were
not served as well.
• Over the last 20 years, this has
been and will continue to be
a significant focus for the Park
District. Subsequent planning
as part of the Parks to People
Master Plan will continue
to explore opportunities for
bridging and/or partnership
parks and trails within
the first-tier communities
depending on applicable
needs assessment. These areas
have the greatest numbers
and concentration of BIPOC
community members and
lower-income households.
Barriers
Recommendations
• Lack of awareness, such
as understanding what
is a regional park, where
are they, how do you get
there, what are the rules,
what do you do there,
what events are occurring
there.
• Safety concerns,
including fears of violent
crime and accidents.
• Map challenges,
including understanding
maps and lacking
directions which can led
to getting lost getting to
park, or while recreating.
• Lack of cultural
accommodations,
which often leads to
cultural insensitivity/
discrimination.
• Cost/Access, for
purchasing or renting
recreation gear/
equipment. Especially for
an activity that is new.
• Systemic racism, meaning
the compounded and
cumulative economic,
social & health inequities
that many Black Americans
endure, requires a collective
response. Black Americans
have historically been
discriminated against in
housing, employment,
community development
(e.g. parks and trails)
and more. Due to the
long history of systemic
racism in institutions that
intersect with park systems
themselves, this community
group deserves thoughtful
time & attention to better
understand the barriers
they face as well as their
preferences, which require
building trust between
the Black community and
public agencies such as the
Park District.
People of Color
• Because this
community
group is growing,
younger, and is
more frequently
from lower-income
households, efforts
to increase their
participation and
enjoyment of the
regional parks
and trails will also
support several other
underrepresented
community groups.
This should include
support for outdoor
activities including
celebrations and
parties, picnicking
and/or barbecuing
and spending time
with family.
• Lack of awareness,
including
wayfinding and
providing materials
in Spanish.
• Lack of time, too
busy or consumed
with trying to meet
basic needs.
• Safety concerns,
such as darkness/
lighting and getting
lost.
• Cost/Access, for
purchasing or
renting recreation
gear/equipment.
Especially for an
activity that is new.
• Proximity of
regional parks
from home, place
of work or other
destination (barrier
contributor, but to a
lesser degree).
Black Indigenous Asian Hispanic
• Barriers
experienced by
this group are not
well documented
or explored. The
Park District
is committed
to better
understanding
the experiences of
indigenous groups
in suburban
Hennepin County
and beyond.
• Lack of awareness,
including what a
regional park is,
where they are
located, and how do
they get there and
navigate once there.
• Language barriers,
particularly for
immigrants learning
English but also those
who speak English as
a second language.
• Weather, specifically
winter is too cold to
be outside in addition
to rain and heat.
• Safety concerns,
including fears of
wildlife, getting lost,
and behavior of
others.
• Indigenous groups
across the United
States have also
been impacted by
systemic racism.
Land used for
parks and other
developments was
largely inhabited by
indigenous groups
at one time. It is
crucial to better
understand how to
partner with and
better share this
group’s history
whom have endured
land theft, genocide,
and discrimination
since the inception
of the United States.
New initiatives and
partnerships within
the Park District
and Regional
Park System have
prioritized this work
in the coming years.
• This community group
is the third largest
ethnic group after white
and Black or African-
American in Hennepin
County. Barriers within
the Asian community
can differ depending
on whether individuals
identify as Asian
Immigrants or Asian
Americans. Regardless,
it is important
to consider and
employ both groups
recommendations.
Some recommendations
include the following:
increase awareness
through ambassadors
or translated materials,
increase safety through
security guards or
ambassadors, provide
and advertise spaces to
walk, fish, rest/relax.
14FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
People 75 years &
Older
• Lack of support amenities,
including benches and
seating along paths and
active use areas.
• Lack of accessibility,
particularly easily accessible
spaces or lack of information
about accessibility.
• Limited winter
maintenance on paved
trails.
• Lack of programs geared
toward seniors.
• Preference for other
activities not offered by
parks & trails.
• Reduced physical ability.
• As this age cohort
continues to grow and
the trend for seniors to
age in place and remain
active longer than previous
generations strengthens,
additional effort to provide
convenient high-quality
and safe recreation
opportunities in parks is
needed.
New Immigrants &
Refuges
• Lack of awareness, particularly
understanding what is a
regional park, where are they,
how do you get there, what
are the rules, what do you
do there, what events are
occurring there.
• Language Barriers, particularly
for immigrants learning English
but also those who speak
English as a second language.
• Because this community
group is constantly evolving
given current immigrant
and refugee patterns as well
as acclimation from one
generation to the next, the
work to better understand
the needs and barriers for
immigrants and refugees is
ongoing and will remain a
Park District focus.
Households with
Annual Income less
than $50,000
• Lack of awareness.
• Lack of accessibility,
including transit dependent
households who may not
be able to access regional
parks and trails due limited
route connections, and
need for safe pedestrian/
bicyclist connectivity of a
regional park and trail from
their home, place of work or
other desired destination.
• Lack of time, too busy or
consumed with trying to
meet basic needs.
• Cost/Access, for purchasing
or renting recreation gear/
equipment. Especially for an
activity that is new.
• Removing or minimizing
the impact of the barriers
is a priority of the Park
District. Many ideas or
recommendations will be
piloted at French Regional
Park and then implemented
across the Park District
system.
People with a Range
of Abilities
• Lack of ADA consistency,
provide unwelcoming and
uncomfortable experiences
for those that may require
additional support.
• Lack of facilities that
embrace the wide
range of disabilities
and abilities, including
cognitive, independent
living, hearing, vision and
self care) that prohibit or
reduce one’s ability to fully
participate in a recreation
offering independently
or with support. Focus
often is primarily focusing
on providing ADA
improvements that affect
mobility (13.7% of adults).
• Ensure ADA compliance for
park and trail facilities that
do not meet standards.
• When considering new and
renovated park and trail
facilities, consider the wide
range of disabilities and
abilities that may not fall
outside the purview of ADA
guidelines.
• Examples include: Unstable
surfaces, tripping hazards,
signage/maps that are
difficult or impossible
for people with visual
impairments to read,
sensory overload, and
lack of support facilities/
amenities (e.g., benches,
ADA restrooms/parking, and
equipment like all terrain
wheelchairs).
Barriers
Recommendations
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT15
The scope of the plan purposefully focused on
identifying programmatic components that would
increase the safety and inclusion of these groups since
their participation in programs does not mirror their
visitation of the park.
The engagement efforts for this group focused primarily
on building awareness, understanding barriers, and
identifying offerings that would encourage them to visit
and further explore French Regional Park and beyond.
Although French Regional Park is more diverse than
most parks across the Park District system, the Park
District still focused on engaging underrepresented
community members found across the district since
French Regional Park is viewed as a gateway to other
Park District and nature experiences.
Cities & Organizations
Cities engaged were those that overlap with French
Regional Park’s service area. For this master plan effort,
this includes Plymouth, New Hope, Crystal, Robbinsdale,
Golden Valley, St. Louis Park and Minnetonka. It is also
noted that the French Regional Park service area also
includes Maple Grove. As Maple Grove is currently
served by Elm Creek Park Reserve, Fish Lake and
Eagle Lake Regional Parks and several regional trails
in addition to French Regional Park, the focus shifted
to communities that were served less by Park District
facilities physically present in their communities.
Organizations are defined as those whose missions
overlap with the park in some capacity and their support
and coordination is desired. For this master plan effort,
this includes the Plymouth Historical Society and the
Association of Medicine Lake Area Citizens.
These cities and organizations are very familiar with
French Regional Park and were able to provide context
as to where there may be gaps in services, who to
connect with to engage residents, and what events to
coordinate engagement events with.
In addition, Plymouth Historical Society provided
invaluable information regarding the need for
an authentic, stand-alone land acknowledgment
in addition to other culturally relevant historical
information for the land that French Regional Park lies
upon. This information is included in Chapters 3 and 4.
WHAT WAS LEARNED
Engagement focused on gathering information around
which introductory offerings (described in Figure 3) the
public was interested in trying or learning more about,
how they would like those offerings to be provided, and
how they envisioned French Regional Park spaces to
support these offerings. This feedback ultimately led to
following up on this feedback in two areas - offerings
and facilities. Recommendations were designed with
this feedback, which were then put in front of the public
once more to determine whether the recommendations
would meet community members wants and interests.
Recommendations were then modified according to
public feedback.
Phase 1 | Project Kick-off & Context Gathering
INFORM & COLLABORATE
This preliminary phase of the master plan was focused
on gathering data and information, establishing internal
and external relationships and introducing the project
to various Park District work groups who provided
background information and guidance (Park District
Board Members, Leadership Team, Natural Resources
Department and French Master Plan Task Force).
The Park District planning staff worked in collaboration
with cities and organizations to determine how to best
reach residents within the park’s service area. Planning
staff and Park District Board members attended virtual
city park advisory committee meetings to introduce
the project and collect initial feedback.
A project website was established on Let’s Talk,
outlining the intended sequence of planning and
introducing the new “try-it, learn-it” offerings proposal.
A survey was published on the project website called,
7 Easy Questions, to garner general feedback on park
visitation duration, modes of transportation, offerings
respondents are currently participating in and those
that they are in interested in trying (Table 3).
Phase 2 | Issue Identification through Engagement
INFORM, CONSULT & INVOLVE
Once the preliminary baseline data and information was
gathered, engagement began to assemble more robust
in-person and virtual feedback through an additional
survey, pop-ups, community events, listening sessions
16FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
Let’s Talk Online Survey
‘7 Easy Questions’
Number of Engagements: 704
The survey asked general park information:
how long do you typically stay; what mode
of transportation did you take to visit; what
activities people are interested in trying;
and what communication channels are
preferred.
The survey was distributed through
Park District websites and social media,
city social media and city and senior
newsletters. The Park District shared
a flyer in both Spanish and English
with community partners serving our
underrepresented community groups in
winter gear packages.
• Over half (56%) of respondents visit French
about once per month
• Over half (57%) of respondents stay at the
park for 1-3 hours
• Majority (86%) get to French by car &
would not use a ride share option (85%)
• Those who have visited, spend most time
at the following areas at French:
• Paved trails (481)
• Play area (426)
• Beach area (401)
• Unpaved trails (303)
Engagement Category
and programming. In addition, the planning
process connected with staff that works closely
with underrepresented groups to garner feedback
on gaps and needs around program offerings.
Community member feedback helped influence and
determine the direction of the recommendations.
A summary of the Phase 2 engagement is outlined
in Table 4 (following pages).
The Park District wanted to learn which French
Regional Park offerings and existing park facilities
are successful, valued and working well. These are
the areas to preserve, celebrate and provide minor
updates if necessary to ensure they remain relevant
to future generations.
Conversely, the Park District also wanted to learn
which offerings and existing park facilities were
lacking, needing improvement and/or missing.
These are the areas to improve upon and modify
to ensure service area residents are provided for
and represented. This feedback was extremely
relevant as the Park District is aware that
underrepresented groups are not participating
in nature-based programming and education
offerings to the extent expected given their
percentage of the service area population.
Visitor Experience Model
Introductory includes recreational offerings that are basic, easily accessible to everyone and serve as a gateway for new visitors.
Very few barriers (skill, cost, location) should exist for people’s participation and enjoyment.
Not Aware
Key Strategies: Welcome & Invite
Individuals with little to no awareness
of Three Rivers and our offerings.
They may not yet be connected
to or appreciate nature.
Success looks like:
• Increased awareness
• Brand recognition
• Sparked curiosity
Curious
Key Strategy: Inspire
Individuals who are aware of Three
Rivers and may have some connection
to nature. They are not yet comfortable
enough to visit or participate on their
own without a little extra support
or guidance.
Success looks like:
• Attending a Three Rivers’ event
or program
• Interested in exploring on their own
• Visiting more than one Three Rivers
park or trail
Try it!
Learn it!
Introductory Offerings: 2040 Focus
play areas paddle sled snowshoe swim hiking trails bike trailscamp fish nature
education
picnic areas nature
viewing
Beginner
Key Strategies: Encourage & Support
Individuals whose Three Rivers’
experiences have been positive, and
they are actively participating. Their
knowledge and confidence are growing,
but they still need and appreciate
guidance and having gear available.
Success looks like:
• Exploring on their own
• Checking out equipment
• Commitment to return
Introductory and Specialized Recreation Classifications
Recreation offerings can be classified into two categories: introductory and specialized. This helps us understand who and how
we are currently serving different visitors and participants and how our focus is shifting to better serve new visitors and participants.
18 TABLE 3 | PHASE 1 ENGAGEMENT RESULTS
SOURCE: PARK DISTRICT
General Public
Park Users
Underrepresented Community Members/Groups
Cities and Organizations
AUDIENCE
• Over half of the participants (65%)
get their information online,
specifically social media, Three
Rivers e-newsletter and Three
Rivers website
Overview
Feedback Summary
FIGURE 8 | VISITOR EXPERIENCE MODEL (PARTIAL VIEW)
Source: Three Rivers Park District
• Participants were very interested in the
following offerings:
• Nature Exploration Play
• Nature Education
• Snowshoeing
• Participants were somewhat interested in
the following offerings:
• Summer Fishing
• Nature Education
• Picnicking
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT17
TABLE 4 | PHASE 2 ENGAGEMENT RESULTS
SOURCE: PARK DISTRICT
Overview
Feedback Summary
Golden Valley Farmers
Market Table [In-Person]
Maps & Mazes Event
Table [In-Person]
Pop-Up Palooza Table
[In-Person]
Number of Engagements: 31
A voting activity [puffball activity]
was presented to farmers market
attendees. Participants had the
opportunity to drop colored
puffballs into mason jars that were
labeled ‘introductory offerings’ as
guided by the visitor experience
model.
Farmers market attendees
are notified through all city
communication channels including
city websites, social media
and newsletters. As a weekly
community offering, community
members are well aware of farmers
markets.
• Many participants who
stopped were somewhat
familiar with the Park District.
• Several expressed the value of
having open, natural spaces
to walk, view nature, and get
away from the city.
• Top offerings people were
interested in trying were (in
order of popularity):
1. Nature Viewing;
2. Hiking, Play Area, Stand-
up Paddle-boarding; and
3. Picnicking
Number of Engagements: 67
A voting activity [puffball activity]
was presented to Maps & Mazes
attendees and to general park
users who walked by the table.
Participants had the opportunity to
drop colored puffballs into mason
jars that were labeled ‘introductory
offerings’ as guided by the visitor
experience model.
Maps & Mazes attendees were
notified through Park District
website, social media, day of visitor
center referrals and drop-ins.
Engagement Category Engagement Category Engagement Category
Number of Engagements: 17
A voting activity [puffball activity]
was presented to Pop-Up Palooza
attendees. Participants had the
opportunity to drop colored
puffballs into mason jars that were
labeled ‘introductory offerings’ as
guided by the visitor experience
model.
Pop-Up Palooza attendees were
notified through personal reach-
outs to include underrepresented
groups. The event consisted of
free pop-ups across the Park
District with different nature-
based activities and prizes at each
location.
• Many participants at the Maps
and Mazes event were familiar
with French Park since it took
place there and they heard
about it through Park District
channels.
• Top offerings people were
interested in trying were (in
order of popularity):
1. Nature Education;
2. Camping; Nature Viewing;
3. Canoeing, Kayaking,
and Stand-up Paddle-
boarding;
4. Biking; and
5. Swimming
Popsicles in the Park
Pop-Up [In-Person]
Number of Engagements: 73
Two pop-ups (two different
days, over Labor Day holiday
weekend) were held at French
Regional Park - one along
the paved trails and the
other near the play area. A
quick 3-question survey was
administered to garner try-it,
learn-it activity feedback.
Popsicles were offered in return
for their feedback. A children’s
coloring activity was also
offered to capture feedback.
As this was a true pop-up, it
was unadvertised & attracted
visiting park users and
underrepresented community
groups/members.
• Many participants provided
positive comments about
French Regional Park,
especially about the play area,
walking trails, and the park’s
natural state.
• The majority of participants
(51 out of 73 people) had not
participated in programming
at French Regional Park.
• Several participants expressed
this was their first time visiting
the park but they would be
back after learning about the
offerings.
• Offerings participants wanted
to try or learn more about
were related to physical
activity (snowshoeing, cross
country skiing, fishing,
and canoeing, hiking),
recreation (adventure play),
picnicking, camping (youth
and general), environmental
education (geocaching, nature
identification) and special
events (music, food, or art in
the park).
• Participants noted that more
program information, special/
planned events, walking trails,
food/drink amenities, and
nature play elements would
encourage them to come back
to the park more often.
Engagement Category
• Participants at this event were
either personally invited, or
were visitors who happened to
walk by.
• Many were familiar with
the Park District since they
heard about it through Park
District channels or were
already visiting the park. Still,
several were unfamiliar with
programming opportunities.
• Top offerings participants
were interested in trying were
(in order of popularity):
1. Biking;
2. Camping;
3. Nature Education; and
4. Kayaking, Canoeing, and
Stand-up Paddle-boarding
General Public
Park Users
Underrepresented Community Members/Groups
Cities and Organizations
AUDIENCE
18FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
Overview
Feedback Summary
Hispanic Heritage
Celebration
[In-Person]
Stone Creek
Apart. Pop-Up
[In-Person]
Family Campout
[Virtual]
Number of Engagements: 34
A voting activity [puffball
activity] was presented to
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
attendees in Spanish and
English at Fish Lake Regional
Park. Participants had the
opportunity to drop colored
puffballs into mason jars that
were labeled ‘introductory
offerings’ as guided by the
visitor experience model.
The event was Park
District sponsored and
advertised through Park
District, Outdoor Latino
and community members’
communication channels (e.g.,
websites, Facebook groups
and pages).
• Many participants
who stopped were
somewhat familiar
with the Park District.
• Several expressed
the value of having
open, natural spaces
to walk, view nature,
and get away from
the city.
• Top offerings
participants were
interested in trying
were (in order of
popularity):
1. Nature Viewing;
2. Hiking, Play
Area, Stand-
up Paddle-
boarding; and
3. Picnicking
Number of Engagements: 15
A voting activity [puffball activity]
was presented to residents of
the Stone Creek Apartments.
The Wayzata School District
organized the distribution event
to provide educational materials
and resources for youth and
families during distance learning
due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participants had the opportunity
to drop colored puffballs into
mason jars that were labeled
‘introductory offerings’ as guided
by the visitor experience model.
The Wayzata School District
rotated the location of these
pop-ups to reach families of
color, refugees and immigrants
and low-income households.
Engagement Category Engagement Category
Number of Engagements:
7 families
In partnership with the City
of Crystal, the Park District
hosted a virtual family
campout via Zoom which
included camp activities
such as; knot tying, shelter
building, s’mores and story
time, navigation skills and
geocaching.
The Park District used
this tool to connect them
to French Regional Park
with after-camp activities
and included a survey to
create a feedback loop. This
opportunity was shared
widely across the City
of Crystal in addition to
Robbinsdale, New Hope,
and Golden Valley.
• Most participants were
unfamiliar with the Park
District until the event.
• Many were excited about
the offerings at the Park
District.
• Top offerings participants
were interested in
trying were (in order of
popularity):
1. Swimming
2. Biking
3. Nature Education
• Most participants were
from the Crystal and New
Hope area.
• Most families were not
familiar with French
Regional Park.
• Some shared that if this
virtual Family Campout
program was in-person
they probably wouldn’t
have attended. The
virtual format was more
accessible during the
winter months and for
those who are new to
outdoor recreation.
• They were excited to
learn outdoor skills to
hopefully put them to
use in the future by
visiting local and regional
parks. There was limited
feedback about how to
improve French since
many weren’t familiar;
however, they noted that
better communication
of offerings would
encourage them to visit.
AMLAC
[Virtual]
Number of Engagements: 5
Park District staff met virtually
with Association of Medicine
Lake Area Citizens (AMLAC)
to discuss French Regional
Park and Medicine Lake.
Engagement Category
• In general, participants
shared their passion for
improving Medicine Lake
water quality. Feedback
included:
• Eliminating the curly
leaf near the beach
• Educating boat and
lake users at French,
incorporating AIS
education and
management, adding
an AMLAC kiosk/
information board,
offering “water
heroes” camps for
young people to learn
about water quality
• Deepening the boat
ramp area and channel
to accommodate low
water conditions.
• Appreciation for cross
country ski trails,
especially connection
from Medicine
Lake to French and
cross country ski
maintenance staff
• Interest in
manufactured snow
for ski trails and a
small mountain bike
path and a locked
boat launch
General Public
Park Users
Underrepresented Community Members/Groups
Cities and Organizations
AUDIENCE
Teen Welcoming
Winter Event
[In-Person]
Engagement Category
Number of Engagements:
17 teens
In partnership with the
Park District’s Teen Council,
the Park District hosted a
Teen ‘Welcoming Winter’
Event. Activities included
geocaching, holiday gift
making (homemade hot
chocolate), arts and crafts,
and more.
The Park District used
this tool to connect teens
from underrepresented
groups to French Regional
Park and gather feedback
around its offerings. This
opportunity was targeted
to teens through the Park
District’s teen and the teen
council member’s personal
communication channels.
• Many of the teens
had not visited French
Regional Park before and
were unfamiliar with the
Park District.
• Teens shared that they
loved having time to
hang out with other
teens.
• They noted they would
like to have similar events
that include trying a new
nature-based activity
(e.g., geocaching, archery,
etc.) in addition to some
free time to hang out
with each other and get
to know new people.
Engagement Category
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT19
Senior ‘Donut Talk’
Conversation [Virtual]
Number of Engagements: 0
In partnership with the City of
Crystal, the Park District hosted
a virtual focused conversation
with seniors around park
offerings. These ‘Donut Talks’
are part of a City hosted series,
which had large in-person
attendance pre-COVID.
While advertised through Park
District and City communication
channels (web-based and senior
newsletter), this event did
not receive any senior virtual
participants. The listening
session morphed into City staff
sharing experiences they ave
heard from seniors regarding
parks, trails, and nature-based
recreation.
• City staff shared feedback
heard from seniors since they
focused on engaging those
55 and older. They shared
that many times it is a lack
of information/awareness,
particularly about the parks
that leads to seniors being
underrepresented.
Overview
Feedback Summary
Engagement Category
Senior ‘Donut Talk’
Conversation [In-Person]
Number of Engagements: 2
In partnership with the City of
Crystal, the Park District hosted
an in-person focused listening
session with seniors around park
offerings. These ‘Donut Talks’ are
part of a City hosted series, which
had large in-person attendance
pre-COVID. Due to precautions
and COVID uncertainty, this event
had a small but effective turn-out.
The conversation focused on the
following:
• What offerings participants
currently do outdoors
• What offerings would seniors
like to try and/or learn more
about at French Regional Park
• Participants shared that they
like to walk outdoors near
their neighborhood since they
have a park nearby and it is
more convenient. Participants
shared that they love going
to music or concerts in the
park, and would love to see
that offered at French. Food
and drinks would be a plus,
but they have also brought
their own if needed. One
participant also shared they
would like to try kayaking
but worry about getting into
the kayak themselves. After
hearing about programming
that may be offered to help
people get in and out of
kayaks, the participant noted
they would likely try kayaking.
Engagement Category
Senior Nordic Walkers
Conversation [Virtual]
Number of Engagements: 5
In partnership with Maple Grove
Age Friendly and Parks and
Recreation, a virtual focused
listening session was held for
Maple Grove senior women’s
Nordic walking groups.
Participants described their
observations, preferences and
insights when using trails both
within the regional trail network
and at parks.
Senior walking groups were
notified through the Maple
Grove Parks and Recreation
e-newsletters.
Engagement Category
Let’s Talk Online Survey
‘7 More Easy Questions’
Engagement Category
TABLE 4 | PHASE 2 ENGAGEMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
SOURCE: PARK DISTRICT
General Public
Park Users
Underrepresented Community Members/Groups
Cities and Organizations
AUDIENCE
Number of Engagements: 256
The Park District created a second
survey to follow-up on emerging
themes from Phase 1 and Phase 2
in-person engagement. The survey
included questions about offerings
and whether people prefer them to
be led by an instructor or self-led
with equipment rentals or not. It also
included questions around French
facilities and spaces, including likes,
dislikes and suggestions.
The survey was again distributed
through Park District websites and
social media, city social media and
city and senior newsletters and a
flyer was shared in both Spanish
and English with community
partners serving underrepresented
community groups in winter gear
packages
Participants emphasized the
following:
• Accommodation of physical
needs (smooth pavement,
wide boulevards, access to
restrooms)
• Appreciation of park-
like settings/natural
aspects along walking
routes (unpaved loops,
nature viewing locations,
sightseeing, etc.)
• Incorporation of a variety
of experiences (trail
types, lengths & scenery -
neighborhoods and parks)
• Better interactions between
trail user groups (specifically
between bikers and walkers)
• More user-friendly
wayfinding (QR code signs,
loops and accessible maps)
• Parks provide shorter walking
loops (regional trails can’t
fulfill that need as easily).
They also noted that winter
maintenance is crucial to
keep seniors walking in the
winter months
Overall, participants shared the
following:
• Desire to participate in
programs
• Lack of awareness of offerings
• Need for different, new, & more
relevant programming and
spaces
Participants also shared ideas for
new programs and ways of offering
them, including:
• Recurring events
• Age-based programming
• Multi-generational
programming
• Culturally competent offerings
• Flexible programming times
• Instructor-led programming
• Self-led programming
Lastly, participants shared facilities
feedback which prioritized the
following areas:
• Medicine Lake Beach Area
• Winter-based Areas
• Trail System
• Signage and Wayfinding
• Visitor Center
• Nature Exploration Area
• Open Space
20FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
Offerings Feedback
Engagement respondents provided their preferences and
recommendations regarding nature-based programming
and education offerings. Overall, there was a desire
among respondents to engage with nature and know
more about it, particularly those less familiar with French
Regional Park. The following offerings themes emerged:
• Desire to participate
Many respondents who currently visit the park and
do not participate in offerings are interested in trying
nature viewing, biking and camping (top 3).
• Lack of awareness
Respondents suggested better communication as most
respondents, including underrepresented groups, often
find the Park District’s website, registration, rentals and
policies difficult to navigate.
• Need for different/new/relevant programming
Respondents suggested that French Regional Park
would be better served with innovative and diversified
programming that may be different than other
programming found throughout the Park District
system, specifically programming that may include:
Special event series including multi session events
based around a topic of interest.
Age-based programming for tweens, teens/young
adults, older adults and seniors. In addition, there
was a strong interest in adult-only, family and multi-
generational programming (benefits multiple target
ages within a group).
Culturally competent offerings including bilingual
programming advertised and facilitated by staff who
speak either Spanish (87%) or Hmong (33%) (languages
most commonly referenced). Physical demands of
offerings should be communicated.
Flexible programming times especially when
registering (need for an alternative other than during
the work day) and when the actual program is offered
(need for evening and weekends).
Instructor-led programming such as organized
outdoor exercise, daily drop-in exercise, outdoor skills,
animal observation and identification, night programs
and adult-only recreation.
Self-led programming such as water activities, cross-
country skiing, open space pop-up activities and winter
kite flying on Medicine Lake.
Feedback was received at various community events and included a colorful voting exercise.
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT21
Park Facilities Feedback
Engagement respondents also provided their preference
and recommendations regarding physical park facilities.
This includes all aspects of the built environment including
buildings, parking lots, trails, beach and lakefront, signage
and wayfinding, play areas, and picnic and reservation
areas. Generally, respondents were highly satisfied with
French Regional Park facilities, however many felt that
minor improvements could be prioritized to ensure that
the park remains relevant. The following park facilities
themes emerged:
• Medicine Lake beach area updates
Respondents suggested opportunities to address
additional parking (including equitable distribution of
available existing parking at boat launch), seating and
shade options, water quality experience (swimming
beach often closed due to high E. coli levels and
swimmers itch), goose harassment techniques, restroom
building updates and evening and winter accessibility
(lighting and snow-removal from/to visitor center).
• Visitor Center refresh
Respondents often commented that the current Visitor
Center did not meet their expectations. Comments
received included an expectation for a more welcoming
lobby with real-time park information, comfortable
seating (indoor and adjacent to building), healthy food
options, small-scale nature exhibits/information and
easy access to restrooms and rentals.
• Small-scale picnic shelter needs
Through respondent feedback, the need has been
expressed for smaller, non-reserveable shelters for
drop-in picnics, shade and shelter from the weather.
User data also supports transitioning the Shady Ridge
Picnic Reservation area to non-reserveable.
• Signage and wayfinding updates
Respondents placed high priority on new and improved
signage throughout the park including parking
availability, interpretive signs and wayfinding, i.e. points
of interest and what to expect (trail distance, terrain
etc.) and multiple languages.
• Winter-based recreation support
During the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, an
emphasis has been placed on all-season demand for
recreation. This is evident in the high priority placed
on making the park welcoming and inviting during the
winter season with accessible support amenities and
operations (fire pits, movable seating, rentals, plowing
to/from the visitor center to the beach area etc.).
• Nature Exploration Area refresh
Respondents who were familiar with French Regional
Park were often unfamiliar that there was a Nature
Exploration Area (designated area for visitors to explore
off-trail). Those who have found the Nature Exploration
Area were often unsure about how to explore (what
was allowed) and would benefit from additional
information/wayfinding. Additionally, there are patches
of poison ivy which is concerning when leading visitors
off-trail. The parking lot adjacent to this area is deemed
overflow and is not lit which is a safety concern.
• Flexible outdoor open space needs
While French Regional Park is not in a position to
compete with local park providers, there is a community
need expressed by respondents for sport facilities
including flexible open space fields and outdoor
learning classrooms.
• Additional trails
Respondents desire more opportunities for trails
year-round, whether that be for cross-country skiing,
walking (all-season), hiking, running, snowshoeing and
mountain biking.
Phase 3 | Preliminary Recommendation Review
CONSULT & COLLABORATE
After the initial engagement during Phase 2, preliminary
master plan recommendations were drafted based upon
the feedback received. To ensure that the recommendations
were amenable to preferred preferences, Phase 3
reengaged the public through a series of rendered visuals
and an online survey.
The online survey offered respondents an opportunity
to visualize the recommendations and to provide direct
feedback related to each proposal area. The online survey
was advertised through various communication channels
including social media, yard signs posted throughout the
park and large presentation style printed boards posted at
the Visitor Center and the Crystal Community Center from
22FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
November 2021 - January 2022. A summary of the online
survey results is provided in Table 5, following page.
To additionally assist park visitors, Park District staff at the
Visitor Center and project website visitors, a Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet was produced that answered
questions regarding why these recommendations were
being proposed and how they could provide written input.
The Park District also reengaged cities and organizations;
providing a master plan update and opportunity to provide
additional review and feedback on the proposed French
Regional Park recommendations.
An analysis report was prepared for Park District decision-
makers which outlined community feedback received
and proposed recommendations for consideration. This
document provided an opportunity to ensure that both
the engaged public and Park District were validating each
other.
Minor changes were made to the recommendations
including ensuring the park remained true to its try-
it, learn-it experience model - which meant removing
a recommendation to pave a popular beginner cross-
country ski trail for winter walking. More details regarding
the proposed master plan recommendations is found in
Chapter 4.
French Regional Park
Master Plan Update
December 2021
HELP PLAN THIS PARK
Nature Exploration Area
Proposed Improvements
Give input by
scanning code
or write your
thoughts below!
Nature Exploration Area
Improve awareness, signage and
access for multi-generational visitors and visitors of all abilities to the area. Dedicate a small area for programming space to try new recreation activities and nature
play adjacent to the parking lot.
Create a natural, unpaved trail to access the programming and nature play area.
Three Rivers has been actively engaging
the public through various feedback
opportunities since September 2020.
• Over 1,200 individuals (and counting) have
provided feedback through: in-person
events, conversations and online surveys.
• Emerging themes that may in uence
master plan recommendations include:
• Strong interest in nature-based activities
(e.g. learning to camp, observation and
identi cation, etc.).
• Strong interest in youth and multi
generational activities (ability to bring
entire family for quality outdoor time).
• 70% of engaged individuals are
very interested in participating in
programming, but had not done so
already.
Overview
Three Rivers wants to ensure that French
Regional Park remains relevant to future
generations. We hope that by remaining
relevant, we will continue to provide a high
level of service to our existing park guests
while encouraging new visitors to try us and
learn new experiences. It is our hope that
French Regional Park may even inspire visitors
to expand their nature experience beyond the
park boundaries. Our plan goals include:
• Continue to provide community-supported
programming & education opportunities.
• Analyze existing park infrastructure and
make recommendations for renovation,
modi cation, and/or rehabilitation.
• De ne natural resource strategies that
promote diverse and healthy ecosystems.
Goals
Public Input
Next Steps
Three Rivers is actively seeking input
regarding proposed French Regional Park
improvements until January 31, 2022.
Comments will be summarized and provided to
decision-makers to adjust any concepts and/
or recommendations, if necessary. Formal plan
adoption is anticipated to occur in Summer
2022.
Programming Space
proposedproposed
Nature Play Area
proposedproposed
Community engagement pop-up event
More plan information can be found here:
https://www.letstalkthreerivers.org/french-regional-park-master-plan
Large informational boards were on display so that viewers could acquaint themselves with the proposed recommendations, reference rendered
visuals and provide their written feedback directly on the board or via the QR code that was linked to the online survey.
French Regional Park
Master Plan Update
December 2021
HELP PLAN THIS PARK
Give input by scanning code or write your thoughts below!
Medicine Lake Beach Area
Proposed Improvements
Lakefront Beach Entrance
Light-touch remodel of the
existing restroom and building
facilities including pergola shade structure with additional lake side seating.current view
proposedproposed
Lakefront Beach
Creative seating including hammock stands,
hammocks and adult swings. Additional
landscaping between beach, walking paths and picnic area to discourage geese movement and improve water quality.current view current view
Lakefront Parking
10 additional short-tern (up to 30 minutes) parking stalls and additional kayak and canoe storage.
proposedproposed proposedproposed
Small-Scale, Non-Reserveable Shelters
current view
proposedproposed
Fishing Pier on Medicine Lake
proposedproposed proposedproposed
Several small-scale, non-reservable picnic shelters in and amongst the current picnic area to provide shade and shelter from elements. Exact
building design to be determined.
New shing pier on Medicine Lake (current shing pier is located in the lagoon).
Medicine Lake Beach Area
More plan information can be found here:
https://www.letstalkthreerivers.org/french-regional-park-master-plan
French Regional Park
Master Plan Update
December 2021
HELP PLAN THIS PARK
Winter Enhancements
Proposed Improvements
Improve accessible, year-round walking by paving the Lagoon Trail to create a lighted winter walking/snowshoeing loop. Ensure no net loss of
lighted cross-country ski trails by adding lighting to the Meadow Trail loop
(approximately 0.3 miles net gain of lighted ski trails).
current view
Fire Rings, Seating, Lake Activation
proposedproposed
Open Play Space
Proposed Improvements
Give input by
scanning code
or write your
thoughts below!
Fire Rings, Seating & Lake Activation
Open Space Area Near Skyview and Moraine Picnic Areas
Open Play Space
proposedproposed
Preserve open space near Moraine and Skyview picnic areas for multi-use, rst-come, rst-serve group play and program space to try new recreational activities.
Lagoon & Meadow Trail Loops
proposedproposed
Consider options to better utilize Medicine Lake in the winter (frozen) months with winter-based programming to try new recreational activities such as ice
skating, snowshoeing and ice shing. Provide gathering nodes with re rings
and comfortable, movable seating near Medicine Lake beach area, picnic reservation areas and sledding hill.
proposedproposed
Medicine Lake Beach Area
Sledding Hill
Lagoon & Meadow Trail Loops
More plan information can be found here:https://www.letstalkthreerivers.org/french-regional-park-master-plan
An analysis report was prepared based upon all the community
feedback received for Park District decision-makers to review.
MedicineLake
Skyview
Mor
ShadyRidge
Maintenance
36TH AVE N
R O C K F O R D R D
WMEDI
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I
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E
L
AKERDNORTHWESTBLVD9MedicineLakeRegionalTrail
PPAARRKK E
Meadoww
FRENCH
REGIONAL PARK
LEGEND:500 Feet
boat carry-in access
boat launch
entry station
fishing pier
play area
picnic area
sailboatdock
shuttle stop
swimming
rentals
picnic area -reservable
picnic area -reservableshelter
rest area/bench
restroom
trails atyourpace
visitor center/information
volleyball
road
nature explorationarea
park
parking lot
paved trail
unpaved trail
TRARRIL
Miles 9.2 9.2 4.0
water
TThhrr
Updated:5/14/2020
44944
concessions
MeadowwTrail
LLakeviewwTrail
MeddiciineTraaiil
building
boardwalk
INFRASTRUCTURE & FACILITIES
FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN
Area of Interest: Medicine Lake Front Area
Issue and Background: Swimming beach is closed on average 27%
of summer. Aging building infrastructure.
Public access point to recreate near/in/on
Medicine Lake.
What we heard from the community:
• Park guests place high value in this area of the park.
• Frequent and inconsistent beach closures are frustrating.
Several alternative nearby locations are fee based or also closed
unexpectedly.
• Limited parking near lake is frustrating when the boat launch
area is empty (weekdays). Support for additional parking.
• Strong support for:
• Additional seating to enjoy the lake shore,
• Non-reservable picnic shelters, and
• Fishing pier on Medicine Lake
Recommended Enhancements:
• Consider providing alternative water elements when beach is
closed - either operational features (e.g. sprinklers, slip and
slides, etc.) - or a xed water play feature that could also operate
when the beach is open.
• Explore and deploy consistent goose harassment techniques and
beach raking of goose debris.
• Better partner with other beach swimming providers to redirect
park visitors when beach is closed.
• Relocate shing pier to face Medicine Lake.
• Provide additional seating opportunities that are unique, modern
and in some cases movable.
• Recommend light touch remodel to existing restroom and
auxiliary building facilities.
• Add 10 short-term parking stalls near shuttle stop.
• Add several small-scale, non-reservable shelters.
• Continue to support shoreline shing near lagoon.
Yard signs were placed throughout the park advertising the proposed
recommendations and online feedback loop.
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT23
Yard signs were printed and placed in the park (Nov 2021 - Jan 2022),
offering a feedback loop to a survey which outlined the preliminary
recommendations and provide opportunity to comment.
Let’s Talk Online Survey
Proposed Recommendations
Number of Engagements: 95
The online survey:
• Listed each of the proposed changes and
provided rendered visuals in main areas
of interest, including the Medicine Lake
Beach Area, Nature Exploration Area,
Trail Network, Picnic Areas and Winter
Enhancements.
• Provided a place to share comments,
specifically asking what people liked, didn’t
like, and/or thought was missing.
• Was advertised through printed yard signs
placed throughout the park. In addition,
display boards with a printed version of
the online survey and FAQ handouts were
located inside the Visitor Center (see page
22) from December 2021 - January 2022.
Received feedback influenced the proposed
recommendations found on pages 52 - 62.
Feedback from respondents was as follows:
Medicine Lake Beach Area
• Most respondents approved of additional
shade shelters, updates to buildings,
additional bench seating for those with
limited accessibility, alternative seating and
landscaping, winter activation near Medicine
Lake, additional lakefront parking, shared
use picnic shelters, new fishing pier
• Several respondents suggested increased
lighting near the beach area, grass under
hammock seating, natural and minimalistic
shelters
Nature Exploration Area
• Most respondents approved of proposed
programming space as long as it is natural
and open
• Several respondents suggested additional
wayfinding in this area, interpretive signs
with nature info, maintaining natural
and quiet characteristics, paving the trail
around the lake
Trail Network
• Most respondents disapproved of paving
the Lagoon Trail
Engagement Category • Several respondents were indifferent regarding lighting
the Meadow Trail
• Several respondents suggested lighting other more
popular and accessible trails, more trail loops including
winter walking loops
Picnic Areas
• All respondents supported keeping picnic areas open for
drop-in activities
Winter Enhancements
• Most respondents approved of fire pits and seating area
by the sledding hill, winter activation near Medicine Lake
• Some respondents suggested more winter walking loops,
more snowshoeing trails, and offering winter activation
closer to Visitor Center
• Most respondents disapproved of paving the Lagoon Trail
Overview
Feedback Summary
TABLE 5 | PHASE 3 ENGAGEMENT RESULTS
SOURCE: PARK DISTRICT
Phase 4 | 30-Day Public Comment Period
INFORM & CONSULT
The focus of Phase 4 was to obtain feedback from
community members and partners and keep them
informed of decisions and how their feedback was
considered during the process. While community
members and partners were welcomed to offer
suggestions, they did not have a promised role in
evaluating and determining final recommendations.
The general public, park users, underrepresented
community members and cities and organizations were
welcomed to review and provide comments on the draft
master plan over a 30-day comment period from August
22 - September 21, 2022. The Park District shared this
opportunity through several methods including a press
release, social media posts which partners shared/
reposted, Park District list serves, and news item on the
Park District website. The plan was available online, at
local public venues (city halls and nearby Park District
facilities) and shared via email to identified partners and
others upon request. A summary of the main themes
heard during this phase and how they were generally
addressed is outlined in Table 6 . In addition, a more
detailed overview of all raw comments and Park District
responses, including how a comment was or was not
addressed in the master plan, are listed in Appendix A
and were posted on the Park District’s project website.
Partner cities were asked to provide a letter or resolution
of support. These are included in Appendix B.
ACCOUNTABILITY MOVING FORWARD
The Park District will continue to work with the general
public, park users, underrepresented communities, and
partner organizations to implement the recommendations
included in this master plan as resources become available
to ensure that they best address the identified challenges
or opportunities at the time of implementation.
This master plan is intended to be a starting point for
improvements and the Park District will continue to be
inclusive and responsive to changing needs and priorities.
This commitment to the general public, underrepresented
communities, existing users, and partners is laid out in Table 7.
General Public
Park Users
Underrepresented Community Members/Groups
Cities and Organizations
AUDIENCE
24FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
TABLE 6 | GENERAL THEMES OF 30-DAY COMMENT PERIOD & MASTER PLAN INFLUENCE
SOURCE: PARK DISTRICT
Yard signs were printed and placed in the park (Nov 2021 - Jan 2022),
offering a feedback loop to a survey which outlined the preliminary
recommendations and provide opportunity to comment.
Feedback Theme Master Plan Influence
Natural Resources Management
Commenter asked for clarification of invasive species
and understory forest management techniques and
operations plans for French Regional Park.
Natural Resource Management operational plans and procedures are followed on a District-wide level.
Specific invasive species and understory enrichment programs go into further detail about identifying
prioritization areas, management approaches, etc. Additional language was included on page 50, identifying
‘next level’ natural resource operations that clarify this approach for the reader.
Programming
Commenter requested consideration for daytime
programming for seniors aged 55+, specifically adult
exercise programming.
As the Park District considers implementing new programming offerings as a result of this master plan, it will
take into consideration the need for daytime GreenFit Club programming at French Regional Park.
Boat Launch Dredging
Commenter requested dredging the boat launch
and shallow area to make the lake more usable [for
motorized boaters].
French Regional Park’s lakeshore edge has naturally occurring shallow conditions due to Medicine Lake’s
topography. The Park District, for natural resource protection reasons, is not currently pursuing any dredging
activity.
TABLE 7 | ACCOUNTABILITY & COMMITMENT MOVING FORWARD
SOURCE: PARK DISTRICT
Commitment Focus Accountability & Commitment
Introductory
programming, education
and recreational
offerings to grow and
enhance those that may
be unaware, curious
and/or beginners.
• Better communication, awareness and promotion for French Regional Park and navigation of its offerings through alternatives
to traditional print and web media including trusted community messengers, concierge services, translated materials, print advertising
in cultural newspapers (e.g., Lavender, Women’s Press, Sister’s Spokesman), culturally relevant social media channels (WhatsApp and
Facebook), cultural radio stations and accessible calendar (mobile and on-site) showing upcoming and previous programs and
offerings.
• Piloting new, innovative and relevant programming and offerings to French Regional Park visitors such as special
event series (right-sized for park’s parking capacity), age-based programming for tweens, teens/young adults, older adults
and seniors, multi-generational programs (for all-ages so childcare is not a barrier), recreation samplers to demonstrate Try-
It, Learn-It skills, culturally specific offerings including bilingual programming and flexible programming times (other than
during typical weekday working hours).
• Continue to improve program participation rates for underrepresented community members/groups
• Hiring staff that is reflective of the surrounding community, including staff who are more diverse both racially and
ethnically, to provide welcoming and inclusive park and program experiences for all communities.
• Better coordination with external recreation programming providers within the park service area to reduce
redundancy and competition, promote better program attendance and encourage partnership synergy.
Cultural & Natural
Resources
• Establishing a French Regional Park land acknowledgment through authentic relationships with Indigenous people
to better share their history and stories.
• Continue to monitor and implement best management practices to improve Medicine Lake water quality. The health of
the park’s water depends on inter-agency coordination.
• Continue to manage invasive species (especially common buckthorn) through establishing and growing the Adopt-
A-Woodlot volunteer program at French Regional Park, with guidance from the invasive species and understory enrichment
program prioritization areas and management approaches.
• Actively manage natural resources within the Nature Exploration Area, including hazard trees, invasive species and special
regulated noxious plants to ensure a welcoming environment for visitors.
• Continue to monitor and research wildlife species.
Park Infrastructure
Renovation, Modification
and/or Rehabilitation
• Recommendations to renovate, modify and/or rehabilitate the following:
• Park Signage, Wayfinding & Entrance
• Paved and Unpaved Trail Network
• Picnic Areas
• Medicine Lake Beach Area
• Visitor Center
• Nature Exploration Area
• Winter Enhancements
Highlighted bullets address
Metropolitan Council
Equity Requirement 3, B
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT25
3
CONTEXT
EXISTING CONDITIONS
French Regional Park land has experienced
tremendous change over time (Figure 9). Thoughtful
natural resource planning and restoration, as well as
a growing public appreciation for natural spaces and
outdoor recreation, has transformed the park into
the regional resource we know today. Understanding
the historical context and the current conditions was
paramount to this master plan.
CULTURAL CONTEXT
The human history of the land on which French Regional
Park resides reaches back thousands of years. French
Regional Park’s physical landscape has undergone a
number of transformations, with traces of these past
identities embedded in its environment.
For countless generations, this former Minnesota Big
Woods landscape adjacent to Medicine Lake was home
to indigenous Dakota people.1 One of the principle
indigenous Dakota travel routes from the lower
Minnesota River Valley to Anoka (at the confluence of
the Mississippi and Rum Rivers) skirted Medicine Lake
- set amidst the Big Woods of oak, maple, basswood
and hickory trees. A Dakota peoples’ encampment
was located at the north end of Medicine Lake, most
likely near or within the current boundaries of French
Regional Park.
The name Medicine Lake is derived from an indigenous
word, ‘Mde-wakan,’ meaning, ‘Lake of the Spirit.’ The
Dakota people named the lake after a warrior leader
who capsized his canoe on Medicine Lake and his body
was never recovered - thus believing the lake held a
great spirit or ‘medicine.’
The Story of Mission Farms, Medicine Lake Camps, Conferences,
and Conventions, a small booklet written by Dr. Franklin Curtis-
Wedge (Minnesota Historical Records Survey, c. 1942)
1
26FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
3
CONTEXT
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Antoine LeCounte was the first Euro-American to
explore this area, passing through in 1848. LeCounte
was a known guide and explorer, carrying mail and
trading goods to indigenous peoples along the way.
He returned in 1852, and built a cabin on East Medicine
Lake Boulevard at approximately 29th Avenue North.2
Other Euro-Americans followed LeCounte to the
Plymouth area, harvesting the Big Woods for farmland
and agriculture production - including the land
surrounding Medicine Lake.
The U.S-Dakota War of 1862, a complex and disastrous
time in Minnesota history, profoundly shaped the state
as we know it today. The Dakota people were force-
ably displaced after decades of pressure to cede large
tracts of land to the United States.
For over 100 following years, the land surrounding
Medicine Lake was an amalgamation of farms, small
residential lots with lake access and resorts serving
tourists and vacationers from Minneapolis and St. Paul.
The Plymouth Township grew in population from a
village to a city in 1955.
The I-494 interstate highway system through Plymouth
began in the late 1950s and completed in 1985. This
bypass route opened opportunities for workers to
commute to and from the Twin Cities. Many second-
ring suburbs were developed during this time frame.
PARK DEVELOPMENT
French Regional Park, as it exists today, is the
culmination of dedicated park visionaries (Figure 11,
page 28). Beginning in the 1960s, a concerted Park
District effort was begun to acquire and preserve land
dedicated for future use as parks. An “intermediate
recreation park” (i.e. regional park) was imagined with
the intention to reduce development pressure on park
reserves - the larger acreage classification of park land.
These regional parks would be relatively small (50-
500 acres), water-based if possible, and located where
there were no municipal recreation facilities.
In 1975, French Regional Park (then called Medicine
Lake Regional Park) began to take shape with a property
acquisition plan. Today’s completed park boundary is a
result of Park District visionaries and significant land
acquisition including former farms, residential homes,
an auto repair shop, faith-based retreat centers, a refuse
land fill and gravel pit operations. The Park District
phased construction of its park infrastructure and
opened French Regional Park to the public in 1984. Final
property acquisition and park infrastructure construction
was completed in the late 80s.
FIGURE 9 | FRENCH REGIONAL PARK LANDSCAPE TIMELINE (ABBREVIATED) Source: Three Rivers Park District
Plymouth Historical Society, Niel O. Nielsen2
Before
1850
Indigenous
Dakota and Big
Woods landscape
1850 -
1950
Euro-American land
clearing, settlement,
agriculture & tourism
1975 -
1982
Land acquisition and
park development for
French Regional Park
1982 -
Today
French Regional Park
continues to serve as a
regional park amenity
today and in the future
Historical Big Woods surrounding
French Regional Park consisted of oak,
maple, basswood and hickory trees
French Regional Park opened in 1982, and
quickly became known for its Medicine
Lake access, picnicking, play area and trails
An 1873 plat map depicts large
tracts of agriculture property and
ownership surrounding Medicine Lake
Remaining relevant to the service area
will ensure the park continues to be a
valued asset for future generations
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT27
By definition, a suburban regional park such as French
Regional Park is intended to connect people to nature
comfortably and conveniently through nature-based
recreation offering. This allows visitors to transition into
nature as their comfort level increases. The entire park may
be developed, provided that a natural setting remains.
French Regional Park currently offers recreational
opportunities for all seasons. In warm weather months,
park visitors enjoy hiking on paved and unpaved
trails (with/without dogs on-leash), swimming,
boating, picnicking and visiting the creative play and
nature exploration areas. During winter months, and
seasonally dependent on snow and trail conditions,
park visitors additionally enjoy cross-country skiing,
snowshoeing and sledding.
To protect the natural resource features of the park,
development has been centralized around these areas.
To maintain a development imprint while improving
basic recreational infrastructure, the master plan aims
to work within these existing development areas and
leverage the existing circulation infrastructure.
COMPLEMENTARY ADJACENT LAND USES
Located within the City of Plymouth, French Regional
Park is surrounded by fully-developed suburban land
uses including residential, public, quasi-public (faith-
based), multi-family residential (apartment) and nearby
commercial (Figure 10). The existing land uses are
not expected to change drastically without significant
redevelopment.
Large land-holding adjacent property owners include
Hazelden Foundation, Mission Farms, Parkside
Apartments, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church and Church
of St. Joseph. French Regional Park continues to work
with adjacent property owners to identify any known
opportunities for improved compatibility. Currently,
there are no significant conflicts to report.
Within the Park District’s regional context, French
Regional Park is uniquely position near the Minneapolis
first-tier communities which offers opportunity to
expand visitor-ship to a larger service area than
currently documented.
Direct vehicular transportation access is provided
by County Road 9 (Rockford Road), County Road 61
(Northwest Boulevard), I-494 and Highway 55. No
significant transportation infrastructure changes are
anticipated to impact the park. Bus transit currently
does not service the park.
In addition, the park is connected to the larger regional
trail network with the Medicine Lake, Bassett Creek and
adjacent Eagle Lake and Luce Line Regional Trails.
French
Regional
Park
FIGURE 10 | CITY OF PLYMOUTH EXISTING LAND USE
Source: City of Plymouth
28FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
FIGURE 11 | FRENCH REGIONAL PARK DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES (ANNOTATED) Source: Three Rivers Park District
Property acquisition begins
Large Mission Partnership parcels were acquired, signaling
the beginning of the property acquisition phase.
Medicine Lake Regional Park Acquisition Master Plan
approved by Board of Commissioners
Following in December 1975, the Metropolitan Council approves
the site as a regional park.
1975
1978-
1988
‘New’ County Road 9 alignment approved
City of Plymouth and Hennepin County Transportation
Department finalize plans for a newly aligned County Road 9
from I-494 to County Road 18. The 4-lane upgraded road is
proposed north of the ‘old’ County Road 9. Hennepin Parks
and Metropolitan Council approve an amended Medicine
Lake Regional Park Acquisition Master Plan in 1979 to
include the new roadway alignment. Right-of-way property
acquisitions begin in 1986, construction begins in 1987 and is
complete in 1988.
Property acquisition continues with Medicine Lake
frontage nearly complete in anticipation of Phase I
park development. Acquisition of Jerome Begin
property commences
Property acquisition along Medicine Lake frontage
complete. Hennepin Parks takes possession of
Jerome Begin property
Phase I park development construction begins
Construction focuses on the County Road 9 entrance road,
picnic areas with grills and tables, maintenance facility/sign
shop, swimming beach, boat launch, excavation of Medicine
Lake channels, concession, restroom/changing rooms and
rental building, horseshoe pits, paved and unpaved trails and
parking lots. Berthiaume property between ‘old’ and
‘new’ County Road 9 acquired
Medicine Lake Regional Park opens to the public
Paved road is built which provides transportation from the
parking lots to the beach and picnic area. Maintenance facility/
sign shop is completed.
Medicine Lake Regional Park is renamed Clifton E.
French Regional Park by the Board of Commissioners
in honor of the retiring superintendent who was instrumental in
the development of the Park District (August 29, 1985).
New Three Rivers Park District Administrative Center
is created in the former Begin home (current Field
Operations Center FOC) complete with office space and parking
lot for 90 cars (November 12, 1985). Headquarters relocates from
Baker Park Reserve. Schumacher property acquired
1976
1977
Property acquisition continues
Property acquisition concentrates on parcels needed for Phase
1 park development and construction, including the Medicine
Lake front properties and access from County Road 9.
1980
1981
1983 Public boat launch to Medicine Lake opens with 40
car/trailer spaces.
Shuttle operations begin to/from visitor center
parking lot to beach1985-
1986
Phase II park development construction begins
Construction focuses on the visitor center, creative play
area, reservation picnic areas and trails. The visitor center is
complete with concessions, meeting rooms, and restrooms.
A three-dimensional diorama is constructed featuring a view
of French Park during the glacier era of 12,000 years ago.
The 11,000 square-foot creative play area features climbing
nets, and rapidly develops into one of the Park District’s
most popular play areas. Moraine, Skyview and Shady Ridge
reservation picnic areas are constructed including parking
lots and sand volleyball courts. A 6.2 kilometer cross-country
ski trail is lighted for skiers, making it the most significant
lighted trail in the metropolitan area. Grand opening for the
visitor center and creative play area held August 13, 1989.
Phase II park development continues
400-foot beach curtain installed with water well used to circulate
fresh water to maintain water quality at swimming beach and 3
new accessible fishing piers are installed (1990).
Construction of 1-mile paved trail along entrance road begins (1991).
Modifications to the Visitor Center were made to include
construction of office spaces. A year-round naturalist-led
outdoor education program is started (1991).
1993 Tractor pulled shuttle replace with 3-car shuttle due
to increase in park use
1995 Last property acquisition initiated with 26 acres in
the northeast corner of the park negotiated between
the City of Plymouth and Park District (at the behest of
neighborhood residents)
1984
1985
1982
1988
1990-
1991
2003 Sailboat dock established
2005-
2007
Administrative Center (former Begin home) upgraded,
including front office remodel in preparation for
transition to it becoming the Field Operations Center
(FOC). Park District relocated its Administrative Center
offices to their current location in 2003.
Park reinvestment commences
• Boat launch reconstructed (2014-2015)
• Water main upgraded (2014)
• Park roads repaved (2016)
• Creative Play Area redesigned and reconstructed (2016-
2018)
• Visitor Center restroom ADA remodeled (2018)
2014-
2018
2004 County Road 9 underpass/erosion repair project to
protect French Regional Park from excess stormwater
created from commercial development northwest of park.
Significant Milestone
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT29
PARK INFRASTRUCTURE & EVOLUTION OVER TIME
Nearly 40 years after its grand opening, French Regional
Park still has vestiges of early park development
architecture. Many buildings that were constructed in
the mid to late 1980s still evoke the era’s architecture
and have withstood several iterations of their original
intent.
Field Operations Center
The Field Operations Center (FOC) is located within
French Regional Park and serves an internal Park
District administrative function.
Originally the Begin house, the building which is now
known as the FOC was built in 1960 to accommodate
the growing family of Jerome and Betty Begin. The
home – essentially an elongated ranch – provided 8,600
square feet of living space for the Begin’s 12 children.
The inside of the home resembled a college dormitory,
with a long hallway of doors which led to the home’s
seven bedrooms.
The home also served as the office for Jerome Begin’s
earthmoving and contracting business. The company’s
maintenance yard, where it parked its fleet of nearly 50
trucks and various forms of earth-moving equipment,
was located just across the pond that parallels the
main FOC parking lot. Jerome Begin himself excavated
the pond and connected the house to the north arm
of Medicine Lake, providing the family with their own
private beach, and lake access.
When the Park District acquired possession of the Begin
house in the summer of 1981, its intent was to convert
the house structure to office space. Later improvements
to the property – including a large addition constructed
on the north side of the home have since obscured the
original lines of the former residence.
For many years, the FOC housed the Park District’s
relocated administrative headquarters from Baker
Park Reserve, and various other departments. In the
early 2000s, the Park District outgrew the FOC for
headquarters purposes and relocated once again to
its current location 1-mile south at the Administrative
Center. Currently, the FOC houses office space for
several departments including; natural resources
Jerome and Betty Begin house as it appeared in 1979 at time of Park District acquisition.
The FOC as it appears today, housing several Park District departments including; natural
resources management, maintenance, community engagement, outdoor education
and recreation (Outdoor Recreation School), and human resources support facilities.
management, maintenance, community engagement,
outdoor education and recreation (Outdoor Recreation
School), and human resources support facilities.
The FOC continues to evolve its purpose, and its
non-public, physical footprint occupies a significant
portion of an otherwise small regional park. Many
conversations have been had over the years about the
longevity of the building itself and its awkward layout
of office spaces and hallways which are a result of its
original re-purposed nature. While this master plan
does not suggest its reconstruction or removal, it does
offer future consideration of its ultimate life expectancy
due to changing administrative demands placed on
a facility that does not meet the current Park District
infrastructure standards if built today.
The remodeled and expanded Field Operations Center (FOC) (former Begin house) as it
appeared in 1985.
30FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
Visitor Center & Creative Play Area
Park infrastructure development was phased during
the 1980s as land acquisition and funding opportunities
allowed. When the Visitor Center, adjacent Creative
Play Area and lit cross country-ski trails opened in
1989/90, French Regional Park assumed a secondary
identity, apart from being water-based, as a destination
for children’s play and all-season recreation.
Over the years, the Visitor Center and Creative
Play Area have served as a starting point for park
exploration. Often, park visitors never reach Medicine
Lake, choosing to begin and end their visit here at the
Visitor Center and Creative Play Area. Gone are the
sweeping vistas of Medicine Lake that greeted park
visitors when approaching the main parking lot - given
way to mature trees that have now obscured the view.
The current Visitor Center building is nestled at the
bottom of a tree covered hill and serves both a public
facing purpose and a Park District office function. The
building has two levels connected by stairs and an
elevator. Level one houses concessions with drinks and
snacks, merchandise sales, rentals, (cross country skis,
snowshoes and various other recreational equipment
including volleyballs, walking poles, GPS units etc.),
restrooms, public seating, staff room, storage,
mechanical space, and a small workroom. The second
level has two large rooms open for the public to reserve.
The Visitor Center and adjacent Creative Play Area opened its doors to the public in 1989. The original play equipment was reconstructed and reopened in 2018. The Visitor Center has not had
any significant modifications to date.
The Oakwood Room has a 75 person capacity space,
small sink, small refrigerator, tables, chairs, lounge
chairs and fireplace. The Eastwood Room offers a 35
person capacity space room with tables and chairs.
A third room, once used for reservations, has been
converted into office space. Adjacent to the Oakwood
Room is an outdoor patio and amphitheater, used for
programming and gathering.
Current park user feedback details an expectation
from the word ‘Visitor Center’ that has changed over
the last 30+ years since its inception. Today’s park
visitors expect a welcoming, comfortable and soothing
indoor space which allows nature to integrate - while
providing park orienting information and fresh food
options. While the reservation rooms are an added
benefit to the public, the average Visitor Center user
does not get beyond the first level.
Aerial of the Visitor Center and adjacent Creative Play Area as it looked in the late 1980s
shortly before its opening.
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT31
Many long-time French Regional Park visitors remember
the original Creative Play Area, a custom play set
designed with a series of rope cargo nets and wooden
platforms. After years of time-intense maintenance,
the play area was reconstructed in 2018 with the help
of a kids task force. The new Creative Play Area pays
homage to the original design with iconic towers, rope
cargo nets, multiple slides and water misters. The play
area season is weather dependent and is generally
open 9 AM – sunset, mid-April through mid-October.
The Creative Play Area opened to the public in 1989 and was a park icon for
nearly 30 years - known for its rope nets and multi-level exploration.
The original play equipment was redesigned and reconstructed in 2018 with the help of a kids task force (group in green vests) that provided Park District design
staff with feedback and suggestions. The rope nets and multi-level exploration were incorporated into the new design.
32FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
The original play equipment was redesigned and reconstructed in 2018 with the help of a kids task force (group in green vests) that provided Park District design
staff with feedback and suggestions. The rope nets and multi-level exploration were incorporated into the new design.
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT33
Boat Launch
The primary boat launch for Medicine Lake (902 acres)
is located within French Regional Park. Opened in 1983
and reconstructed in 2014/15, the boat launch provides
2 launch lanes on a concrete apron for trailer access.
A daily or annual pass is required to park boat trailers
at the boat launch April 1 through November 30.
Parking for boat trailers is limited to 42 boats based
on the lake size, carrying capacity of boats in the water
and individual limitations of the park. When the limit is
reached, boaters must wait until an opening is available.
During peak usage, this boat trailer stacking occurs near
the park entrance and FOC service road where gate
attendants monitor capacity and direct traffic.
Boat Rentals
French Regional Park offers boat rentals in the summer
months, beginning Memorial Day weekend. Visitors
may rent rowboats, kayaks (solo and tandem), stand-
up paddle boards, and canoes from the rental building
near the beach.
Watercraft Racks & Storage
Small watercraft racks designed to hold canoes,
sailboards and kayaks are available to rent, as are a
limited number of sailboat slips. Off-season storage is
available at French Regional Park.
Fishing
An accessible fishing pier is located north of the beach.
While convenient to and from the beach area, in
Paddling into the back channels of Medicine Lake provides opportunity for scenic water-based viewsheds.
recent years it has been reported that there are limited
opportunities for good catch at this location. Changes
are being considered to Park District ordinances to
allow shoreline fishing in locations that are not directly
accessible by trail. At French Regional Park, the intent
is to direct shoreline fishing to the northern portions of
the lagoon to reduce shoreline erosion.
Swimming Beach
A large sand swim beach provides access to Medicine
Lake at no cost. Beach hours are 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
daily, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The
beach at French Regional Park is unguarded.
French Regional Park offers boat rentals including rowboats, kayaks and canoes.
34FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
The swimming beach has a history of closures due to
high E.coli bacteria levels that exceed state guidelines
and swimmers itch when two or more confirmed cases
are reported. While this is a complex issue with many
variables, the issue remains ongoing and changes
weekly during the swim season. Shallow water, summer
weather events and temperatures, prevailing winds
from the west, goose waste and naturally occurring
snail and waterfowl cycles all compound to impact
swim beach closures. The unpredictability of closures
has changed some park visitor habits, choosing instead
to find public swim beach locations that are more
reliable. In addition, beach closures also impact water-
based Park District programming such as kayaking, log
rolling etc. The continued unpredictability of closures
leads Park District program providers to rely on other
park locations with better dependability.
Trails [Paved & Unpaved]
French Regional Park has a large network of paved and
unpaved trails for a park of its size. There are 4-miles
of paved trails for walking and biking. A 1-mile loop
encircles the lagoon area between the Visitor Center
and beach. In addition, the paved Medicine Lake
Regional Trail connects French Regional Park to the
larger 160-mile Park District regional trail network.
Unpaved or turf trails offer visitors with an additional
5.2-miles of nature exploration throughout the park
including the named Lagoon, Lakeview, Meadow,
The current fishing pier is located north of Medicine Lake, within the lagoon area.
Skyview and Medicine Trails. These unpaved trails offer
users experiences through woods, marshes, rolling
hills and even glimpses of the Minneapolis skyline
when the vegetation allows. This network of unpaved
trails transforms in the winter to lit and groomed
cross-country ski trails on natural snow. Classic and
skate ski equipment rental is available at the Visitor
Center. There are also snowshoe rentals available for
exploration alongside Lagoon Trail’s cross-country
ski trail in addition to off-trail use within the Nature
Exploration Area.
The swimming beach on Medicine Lake is open Memorial Day - Labor Day.
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT35
Reservation Picnic Areas
Groups seeking to picnic have several options at French
Regional Park. There are three day-use, fee-based
picnic areas which can be reserved including Moraine,
Skyview and Shady Ridge. Water and flush toilet
restrooms are available mid-May through October 1,
weather permitting. Reservation data indicates that
Moraine and Skyview receives 90% of total reservations,
while Shady Ridge receives 10% (June 2018-Aug 2020).
The Moraine and Skyview reservation picnic areas are
adjacent to one another and have overhead shelters
with capacity for 200 persons (18 picnic tables each),
water, electricity, large grill, and access to sand
volleyball court and horseshoe pits. A restroom building
is located nearby. This part of the park is currently not
plowed of snow for access during the winter months.
Shady Ridge reservation picnic area is located between
the Visitor Center and beach, adjacent to the park
road. It is a non-sheltered area with capacity for 75
persons (15 picnic tables) and has water, electricity,
and one large grill and a restroom building. Due to site
constraints, limited parking is available on-site making
it logistically difficult for users to mobilize.
General Picnic Areas (Non-Reservation)
The large grassed area adjacent to Medicine Lake is a
popular location for general picnicking. This is a first-
come, first-serve non-sheltered picnic area during
normal park hours. Users find the general picnic area
popular due to its location adjacent to the lake, swim
beach, fishing pier, boat launch, watercraft rentals and
flush toilet restroom building. Due to site constraints,
limited parking is available on-site making it logistically
difficult for users to mobilize. Many visitors to this
area of the park drop off at the restroom building
turnaround and then walk to/from the Visitor Center
parking lot (a distance of approximately 0.35-mile). This
can be challenging for families with young children or
individuals who are mobility impaired.
Skyview (pictured) and Moraine Picnic Reservation Areas offer users shelters, picnic
tables, electricity, large grills and access to sand volleyball and horseshoe pits.
Picnickers enjoy the shaded areas near Medicine Lake.
Picnic tables located on smooth surfaces adjacent to the trail provide easy access.
36FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT37
Nature Exploration Area
Nearly 15 years ago, the Park District established a
pilot program at select nature and visitor centers to
encourage children to range freely and play off-trail
within a designated area while being monitored by
trusted adults (naturalists and/or caregivers). The intent
for these designated areas was to give opportunities to
dig in the dirt, roll logs for insects, design “temporary
art,” build forts, walk across fallen logs, make mud pies
and search for items on a nature scavenger hunt. In
addition, these areas were to be signed to encourage
exploration, but to discourage environmentally
destructive or unsafe activities.
The nature play pilot program proved successful and
has run continuously in five park locations with varying
implementation strategies - now commonly referred
to as Nature Exploration Areas.
French Regional Park’s Nature Exploration Area is
bounded by the paved Medicine Lake Regional Trail
that parallels the entrance road on the west and south,
and by private property on the north and east.
This area of the park was selected because it had:
• Boundaries that were easily identified because of its
bowl shape that acts as a natural “edge” therefore,
need for fencing is reduced.
• Unmaintained trails, forested and open areas with
a variety of terrain and wetland/pond areas with
low water levels.
• Adjacent access to supporting park facilities which
provided parking, restrooms and water.
• Space for leader-led programs such as survival
shelter building, soil studies, etc.
• Minimal noxious plants such as poison ivy, prickly
ash etc.
• Minimal impact on existing active recreation such
as cross-country ski trails.
Those that currently utilize French Regional Park’s
Nature Exploration Area are more likely to hike and
explore nature off-trail. In the winter months, this part
of the park becomes a popular destination for off-trail
snowshoeing.
In comparison with other Nature Exploration Areas
throughout the Park District, French Regional Park’s
operates differently due in part to its larger size and
proximity to adjacent supporting park facilities.
The average size of other Nature Exploration Areas
is less than 2-acres whereas French Regional Park’s
is approximately 30-acres. Supporting park facilities
(in particular restrooms and water) while nearby, are
physically separated from Nature Exploration Area by
two parking lots and the entrance road. Engagement
and visitor studies have illustrated that many are not
aware that the Nature Exploration Area exists and/or
are unsure how to recreate here.
It is also reported that the existence of poison ivy, while
originally thought to be eradicated here, is evident in
select locations throughout the 30-acres.
The Nature Exploration Area at French Regional Park is much larger than its District-
wide counterparts; measuring approximately 30-acres in size. Visitors are free
to roam off-trail and explore nature creatively and at their own pace.
In the winter season, the Nature Exploration Area is a popular park destination to snowshoe.
38FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
Sledding Hill
When the park was conceived and recreation needs
were being considered, it was noted that French
Regional Park offered exceptional potential for winter-
use due to its natural moraine topography. Sledding,
tubing and a potential toboggan run were originally
proposed on a north facing slope in the northwest
part of the park. This original idea was modified, and
eventually the sledding hill was located directly north
of the visitor center, on a south facing slope.
When winter and snow conditions allow, sledding is
a popular offering at French Regional Park. Offered
at no-cost to participants, the extreme slope of the
park’s sledding hill provides enjoyment. However,
the sledding hill’s southern exposure often shortens
the season. With changing climate projections, this
shortened winter season is expected to be exacerbated.
When winter and snow conditions are favorable, the sledding hill at French Regional Park is a popular destination.
Participants of all ages enjoy the sledding hill.
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT39
NATURAL RESOURCE FEATURES
French Regional Park was once part of the Minnesota
Big Woods landscape adjacent to Medicine Lake which
included a woodland mix of oak, maple, basswood
and hickory trees. When the Euro-Americans cleared
the Big Woods in favor of agriculture production, the
French Regional Park landscape changed drastically. For
over 100 years (1850s - 1970s), the land surrounding
Medicine Lake was an amalgamation of farms, small
residential lots with lake access and resorts serving
tourists. When the Park District began acquiring
property for the creation of this park, concerted effort
was placed on recreating forested woodlands while
maintaining open areas to recreate.
Soils, Slopes & Topography
French Regional Park is a combination of rugged hills
and wet depressions classified as “kettle moraine”
topography. This landscape consists of conical shaped
hills (kames) with narrow summits and steep side
slopes. The kettles are small closed basins nestled
between the hills and are a mix of Grantsburg and
Superior Drift Plain comprised of glacial till and outwash
deposits. Varied elevation and scenic views are typical
of this terrain. The elevation range from 886 feet at the
Medicine Lake level to 970 feet creates a difference of
84 feet. The most pronounced topographic features in
the park are the high ridges which border the narrow
bay area, where some of these slopes exceed 20%.
Water | Wetlands & Medicine Lake
Water remains a primary focus of the park’s natural
resource composition (Figure 12). French Regional
Park’s original recreational focus as a water-based
park is due to it’s physical adjacency along the
northern edge of Medicine Lake - Hennepin County’s
second largest lake behind Lake Minnetonka.
Measuring 902-acres, Medicine Lake is the largest
lake in the Bassett Creek watershed, with over 11,000
acres draining to the lake from portions of five cities
including Plymouth, Medicine Lake, New Hope, Golden
Valley and Minnetonka. Medicine Lake has a maximum
depth of 49 feet with an average depth of 17.8 feet.3
Medicine Lake 2020 Water Quality Monitoring
Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission
4Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission, 2022
https://www.bassettcreekwmo.org/lakes-streams/medicine-lake
3
Approximately 2-miles of Medicine Lake shoreline are
included in French Regional Park’s boundary. The lake
freezes over during the winter months.
Plymouth Creek is the most significant tributary to
Medicine Lake, entering through West Medicine
Lake Park (City of Plymouth park). The lake’s outlet
is located at the south end of the main basin. An
overflow weir structure discharges water directly into
the main stem of Bassett Creek. The overflow structure
is approximately three feet above the level of the creek
channel to deter fish migration into the lake.3
Water Quality
The Park District monitors the Medicine Lake water
quality and watershed on behalf of the City of Plymouth
- and partners with the Bassett Creek Watershed
Management Commission (BCWMC) and Hennepin
County on additional monitoring to detect water quality
changes and trends in an effort to preserve and improve
water quality. A Total Maximum Daily Load Study was
completed in 2009 to identify the source of nutrients
and lay out plans for controlling those nutrients.
Medicine Lake has high nutrient levels which
periodically make the water unsuitable for swimming
and wading due to low clarity and excessive algae
growth. Additionally, the lake was recently classified
by the State as a “high risk water” for high chloride
levels, likely coming from deicers used in the winter.4
Results of 2020 monitoring show that Medicine Lake
met the applicable Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency (MPCA) and BCWMC water quality standards
for Secchi disc (a measure of clarity) and total
phosphorus.4
Fish
It is estimated that around 45 fish species are found
in Medicine Lake.5 According to MnDNR through
fish surveys and metrics, Medicine Lake has a fishery
impairment - meaning it does not meet State thresholds
for a thriving and healthy fish community. However, it
appears the fish community has improved since the last
survey in 2012.4
MnDNR surveys do not include most non-game
fish species, especially minnows and darters.
5
40FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
FIGURE 12 | WATER: WETLAND TYPES & MEDICINE LAKE Source: National Wetland Inventory & Three Rivers Park District
Medicine LakeMedicine Lake
Lagoon AreaLagoon Area
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT41
In 2020, the MnDNR completed a standard fish survey
of Medicine Lake. Survey results indicated northern pike,
walleye, bluegills, black crappie, and yellow bullhead
were abundant. Other species caught in low abundance
included brown bullhead, black bullhead, bowfin, common
carp, hybrid sunfish, green sunfish, pumpkinseed, yellow
perch, and white sucker.4
Wetlands, Lagoons & Ponds
French Regional Park has a wide diversity of wetlands,
lagoons and open water (ponds) that provide significant
ecosystem value to the natural resources found within the
park. These range from seasonally flooded to permanently
inundated landscapes. The ecosystems and connectivity
provided within these wet landscapes are increasingly
important for the wildlife and water quality within French
Regional Park. Mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians
and invertebrates need water-based habitats to thrive.
Wetlands, lagoons and ponds also improve the water
quality and provide aesthetic viewing for the public
and educational opportunities for programming.
Aquatic Invasive Species
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are water-based plants,
animals and other organisms that have spread or
been introduced beyond their native range and
either cause harm or have the potential to cause
harm. Some AIS out-compete native plants, fish and
wildlife for resources and habitat. AIS may reduce
available food, shelter or habitat for native species.
In addition, invasive plants can form dense mats that
interfere with boating and other water recreation.
People unintentionally spread AIS when moving boats
and water recreation equipment or by releasing bait,
aquarium pets and aquatic plants. Once an invasive
species is established in a water body, removal of
the entire population is highly unlikely. Management
of established populations requires long-term and
resource-intensive efforts. Therefore, preventing the
spread of AIS is critical to protecting Minnesota waters.
Aquatic invasive plants found within Medicine Lake, in
addition to high E.coli levels and swimmer’s itch, have
diverted water-based recreational programming away
from French Regional Park to other locations within
the Park District.
In a collaborative partnership with BCWMC, the boat
launch serves as watercraft inspection staging area for
boat inspection and decontamination if necessary.
Curly-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus)
Curly-leaf pondweed, an aquatic invasive plant,
has been a consistent problem in Medicine Lake
The growth and die-off of the plant is identified as
a source of internal nutrient loading in Medicine
Lake. Herbicides have been annually deployed in
partnership between the Park District and BCWMC to
control Curly-leaf pondweed since 2004. It is similar
in appearance to many native pondweeds commonly
found in Minnesota waters but it is distinguished by its
unique life cycle. It is generally the first pondweed to
emerge in the spring and dies in mid-summer. Leaves
have undulating and finely serrated edges. Curly-leaf
pondweed populations change from year to year
depending on weather variations.
Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)
Eurasian watermilfoil is a submerged, plant with whorls
(circles) of four delicate feather-like leaves around the
stem.
Starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa)
Starry stonewort is a large, submerged plant-like algae.
It was first observed in Medicine Lake in 2018. A 2020
plant study documented that starry stonewort has
spread from its original infestation area near the boat
landing to areas along the western side of Medicine
Lake. An adaptive management approach may be
considered for future control of starry stonewort.
Zebra mussels (Dreissina polymorpha)
A 2020 zebra mussel survey documented that zebra
mussels have spread from the southern end of Medicine
Lake to the eastern and northern sides of the lake.
Zebra mussels are native to Eastern Europe and Western
Russia and were unintentionally introduced into the
United State’s Great Lake through the discharge of
contaminated cargo ship ballast water. First discovered
in U.S. waters in 1988, the zebra mussel has spread to
Medicine Lake - being detected in 2017. Zebra mussels
can clog intakes and other pipes, attach to boat motors
and hulls - reducing performance and efficiency. They
can also attach to rocks, swim rafts and ladders where
42FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT43
swimmers can cut their feet on mussel shells. In addition,
zebra mussels attach to other smoother native mussels
and eat tiny food particles that they filter out of the
water. This reduces the available food for larval fish and
other animals and cause more aquatic vegetation to
grow as a result of the increased water clarity.
MLCCS
Six distinct cover types are documented at French
Regional Park utilizing the Minnesota Land Cover
Classification System (MLCCS) including; maple
dominated forest, forest succession, disturbed/other
deciduous forest, wetlands/water, oak dominated forest
and mowed turf5 (Figure 13). The most predominant
cover types include wetlands/water (114 acres) followed
closely by disturbed/other deciduous forest (90 acres).
MCBS
The Minnesota County Biological Survey (MCBS) native
plant communities inventory documents a 7-acre forest
stand of southern mesic maple basswood located in
the southwest portion of the park, adjacent to West
Medicine Lake Drive.
Reforestation
For many years after its acquisition, Park District
forestry staff established tree and forest plantings
within French Regional Park to recreate a Big Woods
vegetation composition. Nearly all available open
areas in this park have been planted, including shade
tree compositions near picnic and active use areas.
Recent land management efforts include a broader
definition of forestry goals which attempt to respond
to the unanticipated global environmental changes
that affect the Park District’s ability to continue to have
a selective goal. The revised forestry management
goal is to develop and maintain sustainable functional
forests, comprised of a majority of native species in
the canopy and in the herbaceous layer, with a well-
developed duff layer. This new vision aims to foster
native vegetation that can best survive and be self-
sustaining into the future.
Terrestrial Invasive Plant Species
Similar to aquatic invasive species, terrestrial (land-
dwelling) invasive plant species are non-native in
origin. The success of invasive species often means a
decline in the diversity of native species, less native
plant regeneration, increased erosion and a general
degradation in the quality of natural areas.
Invasive species, absent the natural controls found
in their home ranges, have a competitive advantage
over native plants and animals and can reproduce
and spread rapidly. Some invasives can alter soil
chemistry making it more difficult for native plants
to get established. They are generally extremely
aggressive competitors for water, nutrients, light, or
space - all of which adversely impacts the regeneration
and recruitment of desirable native species. Complete
eradication is often impractical, but management to
limit their spread and minimize their negative impact
to meet land management objectives is possible.
Unfortunately, this is an extremely complex issue for
which there is no easy cure. The Park District treats
a number of terrestrial invasive plants District-wide.
French Regional Park has eight species including
common buckthorn, honeysuckle, garlic mustard,
tansey, oriental bittersweet, birds foot trefoil, winged
burning bush and crow vetch.
Terrestrial Invasive Invertebrates
Terrestrial invasive invertebrates are animals that lack
a vertebral column (backbone). Insects are the most
common invasive terrestrial invertebrate.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was officially confirmed at
French Regional Park in 2021. After a visual survey of
all existing ash trees within the park was completed,
it was determined that infestation was widespread.
Because of this, every ash tree has been removed from
the picnic and active use areas within the park. Each
ash tree that was removed has been replaced by at
least one new native tree from the Park District nursery
located within Crow-Hassan Park Reserve. Ash trees
within naturalized areas have not been removed, due
to the impacts this type operational disruption would
Although MLCCS is an excellent tool to determine vegetative cover,
it does not have the capability of assessing current natural resources
quality within the Park District. No single descriptor can adequately
summarize the vegetative quality of all of the natural areas that
the Park District manages. While MLCCS can provide some basic
information on site status (e.g. presence/ absence of invasive species,
disturbed/ undisturbed soils or plants), there is limited ability within
MLCCS to determine overall site quality and likely trajectory.
5
44FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
FIGURE 13 | LAND COVER: MLCCS Source: MnDNR & Three Rivers Park District
NORT
H
WEST
BL
V
D
R OCKFORD RD
")61
")9
R
0 0.40.2 Miles
Mowed Turf
Oak Dominated Forest
Wetlands/ Water
Disturbed/ Other
Deciduous Forest
Forest Succession
Maple Dominated Forest
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT45
• Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a formerly
endangered, now delisted species, first observed in
2001 and active today.
Wildlife Monitoring
Park District natural resource staff have fostered several
wildlife monitoring programs at French Regional Park
since the early 1980s including studies of the spiny
softshell turtle and purple martin.
Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera)
Although not listed as threatened in the United
States, spiny softshell turtles still face threats
including habitat destruction and chemical
pollution. One of the largest freshwater turtle
species in North America, the Park District
embarked on a multi-year spiny softshell turtle
research project in 2015. Utilizing a protected
part of beach along Medicine Lake adjacent to
the swimming beach, researchers documented
turtle nesting habitats and basking behaviors.
This research work continues today via the
fenced turtle nesting area.
Purple Martin (Progne subis)
Purple Martins are the largest of North
American swallows. They are colonial nesters,
now depending almost entirely on man-made
structures for nesting. Once commonly found
throughout Minnesota, their populations are
in decline in the Great Lakes Region and had
disappeared from Park District property by
1980. The Park District actively supports and
monitors purple martin colonies at several park
sites including French Regional Park, adjacent
to Medicine Lake since 2006.
have on the remaining forest and plant community.
EAB will continue to impact the park for years to come.
Specially Regulated Plants
Specially regulated plants are those that may be native
species or have demonstrated economic value, but also
have the potential to cause harm in non-controlled
environments. Plants designated as specially regulated
have been determined to pose ecological, economical,
or human or animal health concerns. Measures must
be taken to minimize the potential for harm caused by
these plants.
A small population of poison ivy is found throughout
the unmanaged areas of French Regional Park,
including select locations in the Nature Exploration
Area. While native to Minnesota, poison ivy can cause
severe blisters, rashes and swelling upon exposure to
the toxic compound urushiol in the plant. For public
safety purposes, eradicating or controlling this plant
along rights-of-way, trails, public accesses, or on parts
of lands where public access is granted is desired.
Wildlife
French Regional Park, while relatively small in acreage
when compared to other regional parks, has a diverse
population of flora and fauna documented through
previous surveys and observations. The mature forests
and adjacent lakeshore habitats support species
and include a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles,
amphibians and insects. This includes 133 species of
birds, 28 species of mammals, 7 species of reptiles and
7 species of amphibians. There is also a good diversity
of insects including pollinators but surveys have not
yet been conducted.
NHIS
The National Heritage Information System (NHIS)
provides information on Minnesota’s rare plants, animals,
native plant communities and other rare features. This
database recognizes the following species as having a
presence at French Regional Park:
• Blanding’s Turtle (Emdoidea blandingii) is a
threatened species, first observed in 1999, however
not widely documented since.
46FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT47
4
DESIGN GUIDANCE
DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
French Regional Park’s water-based recreation,
trail network and location adjacent to the first-tier
suburban Minneapolis communities make it a unique
environmental and recreational destination within
the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and Park District.
This master plan identifies ways to improve park user
supports that highlight unique park features while
minimizing overall park development. Community
engagement and stakeholder visioning supported the
park’s guiding principle while integrating expanded
opportunities for program, service and facility needs,
light-touch infrastructure improvements.
Park goals were measured against the master plan’s
guiding principle to ensure that the integrity of the
park’s original intent was not obscured.
Guiding Principle
Preserve French Regional Park’s treasured areas
(creative play area, beach, trail network etc.)
while expanding opportunities for visitors to
try new activities that may lead them to further
park exploration within and beyond French.
Recommended park improvements are based on
French Regional Park’s long term vision and will be
implemented based on available funding and Park
District priorities. At the time of implementation, all
additional park features are intended to be designed
to minimize user conflicts, ensure safety, limit overall
impact and be minimal in scale. The Park District is
committed to continuing engagement with park users
during design development.
48FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
4
DESIGN GUIDANCE
DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
GOAL 1: Better serve people in the park’s service area
French Regional Park is welcoming and convenient to all people
Three Rivers will do this by:
• Focusing on delivering introductory programming, education and recreational offerings to grow and
enhance those that may be unaware, curious and/or beginners.
French Regional Park’s service area is a planning
tool to help understand the demographic
composition of those intended to be served by
drive-time analysis data. Park District data indicates
that the park attracts visitors from a smaller service
area than intended and when polled, 92% of park
visitors are repeat. This data illustrates that French
Regional Park is not reaching its fullest potential.
The Visitor Experience Model (VEM) framework
offers guidance and emphasizes that in order to
attract new visitors who may be unaware, curious
or a beginner - the Park District should focus on
introductory offerings. French Regional Park is
uniquely positioned, as it currently offers most of
the VEM introductory offerings in some capacity
- and is capable of scaling its nature education
programming to better serve the people in the
park’s service area.
Those VEM introductory offerings currently
offered at French Regional Park are basic, easily
accessible, and serve as a gateway to new visitors.
Very few barriers (skill, cost, location) exist for
people’s participation and enjoyment and include
play areas [both creative and nature exploration],
fishing [both pier and shoreline], non-reservation
picnic areas, swimming and hiking trails. Offerings
with some level of investment include reservation
picnic areas, equipment rental for paddling
[canoe, kayak and standup paddleboard], sledding
and snowshoeing. While camping is currently
not offered at French Regional Park, there is an
opportunity to introduce visitors to camping skills
that could then be utilized at other park locations.
Over the years, robust French Regional
Park programming and events have slowly
transitioned to other park locations which offer
more predictable water quality conditions, larger
parking capacities and manufactured snow. While
some conditions are beyond control, the Park District
can refocus and retool and explore programming,
education and recreational offerings to emphasize
‘Try-It, Learn-It’ samplers and introductory skill-based
programs at a smaller-scale.
Community outreach within the park’s service area
indicated strong support for nature-based program
participation (either instructor-led or self-led with
provided equipment). This was especially true from
feedback received from those that were unfamiliar with
the park and/or had never participated in a program.
To be successful, the Park District should pursue:
• Better communication, awareness and promotion
for French Regional Park and navigation of its offerings
through alternatives to traditional print and web media
including trusted community messengers, concierge
services, translated materials, print advertising in cultural
newspapers (e.g., Lavender, Women’s Press, Sister’s
Spokesman), culturally relevant social media channels
(WhatsApp and Facebook), cultural radio stations
and accessible calendar (mobile and on-site) showing
upcoming and previous programs and offerings.
• Piloting new, innovative and relevant
programming and offerings to French Regional
Park visitors such as special event series (right-
sized for park’s parking capacity), age-based
programming for tweens, teens/young adults, older
adults and seniors, multi-generational programs
(for all-ages so childcare is not a barrier), recreation
samplers to demonstrate Try-It, Learn-It skills,
culturally specific offerings including bilingual
programming and flexible programming times
(other than during typical weekday working hours).
Public feedback highlighted a particular interest in
the following areas:
• Water-based programming and offerings (e.g.,
learning to swim and kayak, etc.)
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT49
• Winter-based programming and offerings (e.g.,
snowshoeing groups, winter walking trails, etc.)
• Both instructor-led and/or self-led nature-based
programming and educational offerings at
introductory events/programs and interactive
infrastructure (e.g., interpretive signs to learn
about park stories, natural resources, etc).
A summary of engagement responses is found in
Chapter 2 and a comprehensive survey response to
suggestions can be found in Appendix C.
• Continue to improve program participation rates
for underrepresented community members/
groups including but not limited to;
• Continue to modify registration processes within
the existing software architecture to improve
user experience.
• Offer concierge services at the Visitor Center and/
or gatehouse including printed materials (i.e. Plan
Your Park Visit), digital messaging and registration
assistance. Explore potential to expand volunteer
Park Ambassadors to offset staffing needs.
• Provide tiered program registration openings
by holding spots for Rec Pass Plus participants
(those who receive some financial assistance).
• Provide expanded drop-in programming and/
or shorter duration drop-in programs that allow
people to try something without fully committing.
• Hiring staff that is reflective of the surrounding
community, including staff who are more diverse
both racially and ethnically, to provide welcoming
and inclusive park and program experiences for all
communities.
• Better coordination with external recreation
programming providers within the park service
area to reduce redundancy and competition,
promote better program attendance and encourage
partnership synergy.
50FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
GOAL 2: French Regional Park matters
French Regional Park contributes to a vibrant, healthy and livable community
Three Rivers will accomplish this by:
• Prioritizing the protection, restoration and management of natural and cultural resources.
French Regional Park’s service area includes
fully-developed communities and those that are
experiencing continued suburban expansion.
Those fully-developed communities (typically
first-tier suburbs) also are continuing to grow and
change due to redevelopment opportunities and
demographic shifts. These changes put greater
influence on how the Park District protects natural
and cultural resources to best serve community
members for future generations.
French Regional Park was developed as a natural
resources-based park with a water-based
(Medicine Lake) focus. Forestry and woodland
reestablishment efforts coupled with adjacency to
the lake contributed to French’s rich resources. It
is this Plan’s intent to define resource strategies
that continue to promote the French Regional
Park as a diverse and healthy ecosystem.
Community outreach indicated strong support for
resource protection, restoration and management
as exemplified through a strong appreciation
for the park’s existing trail woodland network
and Medicine Lake access which allows users to
experience nature year-round through land and
water-based recreation.
To continue success, the Park District should
pursue:
• Establishing a French Regional Park land
acknowledgment through authentic
relationships with Indigenous people to
better share their history and stories.
• Continue to monitor and implement
best management practices to improve
Medicine Lake water quality. The health of
the park’s water depends on inter-agency
coordination including continued support
from the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (MnDNR), Bassett Creek Watershed
Commission, Hennepin County and the Cities
of Plymouth and Medicine Lake. This work
includes but is not limited to; water quality
sampling, managing aquatic invasive species
(AIS) through mechanical and herbicide
controls, public education and awareness
through messaging and signage and AIS
inspection at the boat launch.
• Continue to manage invasive species (especially
common buckthorn) through establishing and
growing the Adopt-A-Woodlot volunteer program
at French Regional Park, with guidance from the
invasive species and understory enrichment program
prioritization areas and management approaches.
• Actively manage natural resources within the
Nature Exploration Area, including hazard trees,
invasive species and special regulated noxious plants
to ensure a welcoming environment for visitors.
• Continue to monitor and research wildlife species.
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT51
NORT
H
WEST BL
V
D
R OCKFORD RD
")61
")9
R
0 0.40.2 Miles
FIGURE 14 | PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS Source: Three Rivers Park District
Add lighting to
overflow parking lot
• Add informative, colorful,
playful signage
• Dedicate small area for
programming use & nature play
Nature Nature
Exploration Exploration
AreaArea
FOCFOC
MaintenanceMaintenance
SkyviewSkyview
MoraineMoraine
Add new fishing pier
on Medicine Lake
(remove existing
Lagoon pier)
• Conduct light-touch remodel to existing restroom/boat rental,
changing rooms and auxiliary buildings (including pergola)
• Construct up to 10 additional short-term parking stalls
• Continue goose harassment techniques
(operationally & additional landscaping)
• Add variety of seating options to relax,
socialize and view Medicine Lake
• Add up to 4 small-scale picnic shelters (shared use)
• Conduct light-touch
remodel in Visitor
Center public spaces
and amphitheater
• Add additional
outdoor seating
Preserve open space
for multi-use, first-
come, first-serve
group play and
program space
Visitor Center Visitor Center
& Creative & Creative
Play AreaPlay Area
Provide year-round
accommodations for
the 1-mile trail loop,
including snow removal
& path lighting
Park Signage and Wayfinding
(Various sites throughout
French Regional Park)
Update and add comprehensive wayfinding
and signage in concert with the Park
District’s System-wide standards
Specifically this should include:
• New park-wide kiosks for maps,
interpretation, and recreation and
nature-based education highlights.
• Trail signage and wayfinding (mileage,
seating intervals, level of difficulty/
accessibility and trail surface) with QR
codes (or relevant technology) to provide
additional information received through
mobile devices in multiple languages.
• Concierge service (virtual and/or in-person)
to help plan your park visit which may
include real-time information in multiple
languages and multilingual roving staff.
• Convert Shady Ridge
to non-reserveable
(shared use)
• Add up to 3 small-
scale picnic shelters
(shared use)
Ensure Lagoon Trail is
maintained for both
cross-country ski and
adjacent snowshoe
Medicine Lake Medicine Lake
Beach AreaBeach Area
XMedicine Lake Regional Trai
lMedicine Lake Regional Trai
l
Me
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i
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i
n
e
L
a
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e
R
e
g
i
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n
a
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a
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e
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i
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a
l
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i
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Medicine Lake Regional TrailMedicine Lake Regional Trail
Shady RidgeShady Ridge
Soften park entrance
to provide a
welcoming progression
into the park.
52FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
GOAL 3: French Regional Park leads by example
French Regional Park is intentional and innovative in meeting the needs of today while
anticipating and protecting the needs of tomorrow
Three Rivers will do this by:
The 2040 System Plan provides overarching park
development guidance through the Recreation
Opportunity Spectrum (ROS). The ROS model
classifies each park and trail based on how
developed or natural it is envisioned to be and
whether interaction with others or nature should
be more prevalent.
French Regional Park is classified as a suburban
regional park that allows visitors to transition
into nature as their comfort level increases. The
entire park may be developed, provided that a
natural setting remains. A park visitor can expect
interactions with other park visitors with a variety
of recreational offerings to choose from.
As noted earlier, French Regional Park is a treasured
regional asset with well-loved areas including the
Medicine Lake beach area, extensive trail network,
and newly reconstructed Creative Play Area. The
aim is not to reinvent French Regional Park, but
to make modifications to ensure the park remains
relevant for future generations. This includes
minor rehabilitation and renovation to existing
infrastructure.
Community outreach within the park’s service
area indicated resounding support for park
infrastructure updates. Existing and prospective
park visitors were most interested in ensuring
the park was refreshed for people of all ages and
abilities in mind.
To ensure the park is relevant to future generations,
the Park District should pursue the following
initiatives (visually summarized in Figure 14):
Park Signage, Wayfinding & Entrance
• Update and add comprehensive wayfinding
and signage in concert with the Park District’s
system wide standards including:
• Analyzing existing park infrastructure and making recommendations for renovation, modification
and/or rehabilitation.
• New park-wide kiosks for maps, interpretation, and
recreation and nature-based education highlights.
• New trail signage and wayfinding (mileage, seating
intervals, level of difficulty/accessibility and/or trail
surface) with QR codes (or relevant technology) to
provide additional information received through
mobile devices in multiple languages.
• Concierge service (virtual and/or in-person)
to help plan your park visit which may include
real-time information in multiple languages and
multilingual roving staff.
• Soften park entrance to provide a welcoming
progression into park by considering short-term,
refresh by shifting gatehouse to edge of travel lanes
and replanting island). Long-term plans may consider
holistic entrance redesign (relocate boat trailer
stacking lanes adjacent to Medicine Lake).
Paved and Unpaved Trail Network
• Ensure the Lagoon Trail is maintained for both
cross-country skiing and adjacent snowshoeing.
This is a critical entry-level, try-it learn-it trail loop.
• Provide year-round accommodations for the
1-mile trail loop from the Visitor Center to the
Medicine Lake beach area and back along the park
road. Add downcast, path lighting and operationally
maintain this loop for winter walking (clear snow).
Picnic Areas
• Convert Shady Ridge picnic area to non-reserveable.
• Add small-scale, shared-use picnic shelters within
the Medicine Lake beach (up to 4) and Shady Ridge
(up to 3) picnic areas to serve a wider audience
(illustrative images on page 53). Structures should
be minimally intrusive visually, provide protection
from weather and include a select number that are
ADA accessible. They are proposed for up to 2 picnic
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT53
Illustrative example of a small scale, shared use shelter that can be designed to be accessible with a zero edge entrance and ADA picnic tables.
Illustrative options for various sized small-scale, shared use picnic shelters which are proposed at Shady Ridge (up to 3 total) and Medicine Lake (up to 4 total) picnic areas.
12’20’17’30’24’14’
510 sf
240 sf
336 sf
Illustrative example of small scale, shared use picnic shelters that can be integrated seamlessly into the existing landscape in a non-intrusive manner.
54FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT55
tables and vary in size from 240 - 510 square feet.
Final details will be determined at time of design and
construction.
• Preserve open space near Moraine and Sky View
picnic reservation areas for multi-use, first come-
first serve group play and program space for try-it,
learn it programming, education and recreation. This
may be further supported by equipment available
for check-out at the Visitor Center (balls, cones, etc)
(image on page 54).
Medicine Lake Beach Area
Feedback received from community engagement
resoundingly supported a Medicine Lake beach
area refresh. Those who provided input specifically
requested additional shade, opportunities for year-
round use, comfortable seating to socialize, relax
and view the lake, improved swimming experience,
Illustrative example of a light-touch refresh to the existing park buildings and addition of a shade structure with seating adjacent to the lake.
additional parking and improved fishing locations. As
previously mentioned, small-scale, shared use picnic
shelters are intended for this area of the park and have
been addressed already.
• Conduct a light-touch remodel to existing
restroom/boat rental, changing rooms
and auxiliary building facilities that can be
accommodated within zoning regulations including
upgraded color palette, necessary structural
building upgrades, natural-looking shade structure
with tables and movable seating. Soften edges with
low-maintenance vegetation as appropriate.
• Construct up to 10 additional short-term parking
stalls. Extensive site analysis determined that within
the existing landscape constraints (high water levels
and available space), up to 10 additional short-term
(30 minute limit) could be accommodated.
56FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
Parking near Medicine Lake beach area is important for those with multi-generational park users and those mobility issues.
Up to 10 additional short-term parking stalls can be added on the north side of the existing turn-around. Additional canoe and kayak storage could also be established here.
IMAGE FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT57
This additional parking considered the traffic
circulation patterns and vehicle turning radii. In
addition, there is an opportunity to add canoe and
kayak racks - with the added possibility of reserving
space for underrepresented partner groups.
• Continue goose harassment techniques
(operationally and through additional
landscaping) to discourage their presence and
movement within the swimming beach and adjacent
picnic areas. Reducing the number of geese
improves Medicine Lake water quality and increases
the number of days the swimming beach is open to
the public.
• Add a variety of seating options to relax,
socialize and view Medicine Lake. Multiple
seating options are proposed which are aimed to be
multi-generational and include but are not limited
to; hammock stands, adult swings, benches, and
movable seating. Seating should incorporate shade
and natural surfacing underneath where feasible.
• Add new fishing pier on Medicine Lake. As
physical conditions within the lagoon area have
changed over time, the fishing habitat has also in
turn changed. Fishing opportunities with direct
access to Medicine Lake are preferred. When the
existing fishing pier has met the end of its useful
life, a new pier and location is proposed along the
Medicine Lake edge.
Illustrative example of a new fishing pier is proposed with direct Medicine Lake access.
Illustrative example of nighttime view of bollard lighting
58FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
Illustrative example of additional vegetative buffer landscaping to discourage geese, additional seating (benches, hammock stands) and downcast bollard path lighting.
Illustrative example of adult swings (multi-generational) and additional vegetative buffer landscaping to discourage geese adjacent to Medicine Lake.
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT59
Visitor Center
Changing visitor needs and expectations substantiates
the need to reinvent the Visitor Center to become a
welcoming, comfortable and purposeful indoor space
that allows nature to permeate the gathering spaces.
• Provide light-touch Visitor Center exterior
and interior remodel to modernize and improve
building functionality including but not limited to;
comfortable seating, vibrant visitor socialization areas
and information/interpretation opportunities, fresh
food options and office space for park supervisor.
• Provide light-touch remodel of outdoor
amphitheater area to modernize and improve
functionality for try-it, learn-it programming space
including more natural materials, less concrete,
upgraded lighting and shade structure.
• Add additional outdoor seating, where feasible, for
users of all abilities adjacent to the Visitor Center area.
Main gathering area could include floor to ceiling windows to allow for nature viewing in addition to comfortable seating to work, eat, socialize or mobilize to hike, cross country-ski or snowshoe.
IMAGE FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY IMAGE FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY
Concession and rental desk could be reinvented to modernize and allow
for seating/mobilization to hike, cross-country ski or snowshoe.
Main entrance area could be reorganized to offer real-time park information via electronic
display (weather, programming opportunities, wildlife identification, AIS details etc).
Illustrative example of a modern color palette refresh to the Visitor Center exterior.
IMAGE FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY
60FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
Nature Exploration Area
To bring awareness and increase Nature Exploration
Area use for multi-generational visitors of all abilities,
several updates are proposed.
• Add informative, colorful and playful signage at
the Nature Exploration Area main entrance which
details how to explore and play here and how it
is different than other areas of the park. Ensure
prospective visitors know this area is for off-trail
exploration (including snowshoeing in the winter).
• Dedicate a small area for programming use and
nature play adjacent to the parking lot. As with
other Nature Exploration Areas throughout the
Park District, split rail fencing is recommended as
necessary to delineate space. Recommend natural
materials for seating and play such as logs etc.
• Add lighting to overflow parking lot adjacent to
Nature Exploration Area for safety and winter/fall
season use.
A dedicated nature play area with natural materials and surfacing is recommended adjacent to the parking lot.
A small gathering area adjacent to the parking lot offers opportunity for programming.
Natural materials are suggested including logs for seating and natural surfacing.
IMAGE FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY
IMAGE FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT61
Winter Enhancements
As winter weather encompasses nearly 6 months of the
average Minnesota year, providing spaces and activities
for users to enjoy the park during these conditions is
critical. While this plan does not suggest introducing
snow-making, it does provide minor modifications to
further embrace winter. It is noteworthy to mention
that a variety of winter enhancements were considered
and evaluated. While ice skating on Medicine Lake
was found to be a desired activity through community
engagement, physical limitations such as limited
parking, shallow water levels and prevailing winds
often create unsafe ice conditions that are difficult to
manage and predict.
• Continue to provide groomed cross-country ski
trails on natural snow. French Regional Park’s trail
network is considered to be a desirable location for
beginners and intermediate users.
• Provide winter walking opportunities that are
clear of snow (as mentioned previously).
• Continue to provide snowshoeing opportunities
on the Lagoon Trail, adjacent to the groomed cross-
country ski trail. Currently this is the only location
in the Park District that offers this arrangement. In
addition, snowshoeing is encouraged off-trail in
the Nature Exploration Area.
• Provide designed gathering nodes with
fire rings and comfortable movable seating
specifically near Medicine Lake beach area, Visitor
Center, Shady Ridge picnic area and sledding hill
(where it can be safely accommodated).
• Consider options to better utilize Medicine Lake
in the winter (frozen) months with ‘try-it, learn-it’
programming such as snowshoeing, cross-country
skiing, ice fishing and winter kite flying.
Lit trails offer nighttime enjoyment of the park’s cross-country ski trails which is critical during the winter months when the sun sets as early at 4:30 PM.
62FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
The Lagoon Trail offers a desired beginner cross-country ski loop which utilizes groomed natural snow. Snowshoers are welcome to the Lagoon Trail, adjacent to the groomed trail.
Comfortable seating adjacent to fire rings are proposed in several locations to encourage socialization and embrace Minnesota’s winter.
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT63
635
PLAN SUPPORTS
BASIC OPERATIONS SERVICES
The Park District operates French Regional Park
using a wide variety of professional staff and in
accordance with the Park District’s policies, guidelines
and ordinances. The ordinances provide for the safe and
peaceful use of the parks and corresponding facilities; for
the educational and recreational benefits and enjoyment
of the public; for the protection and preservation of the
property, facilities and natural resources; and for the
safety and general welfare of the public.
French Regional Park remains open year-round for
public use and is envisioned to maintain the current
hours of operation, 5am -10pm.
As a fully-developed suburban park, the Park District
recommends refreshing specific French Regional Park
amenities with reasonable expectations to expand
programming and make modest infrastructure
improvements. This is needed to ensure the park
remains relevant to existing and new park visitors and
community members and has subsequent operation
impacts to facilities, maintenance and delivery of
programming and education.
A summary of existing and proposed annual operating
costs is provided in Table 8 for those departments
that have direct French Regional Park specific costs.
Projections are based on master plan recommendations
and may fluctuate depending on implementation timing.
FACILITY SERVICES
Facility Services staff provide the welcoming ‘face’
of French Regional Park as they have a strong on-
site presence, especially during weekends, holidays
and other peak use times. Facility Service staff initiate
interaction with park guests, including reservation
groups, school groups, and special facility requests
64FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
5
PLAN SUPPORTS
BASIC OPERATIONS SERVICES
parks. This generally includes a combination of routine
maintenance, seasonal condition assessments and
inspections and specialized maintenance related to
the park’s features. The major functions of the current
maintenance plan include, but not limited to:
• Mowing and trimming picnic and active use areas
• Medicine Lake beach grooming
• Building maintenance & cleaning
• Paved and non-paved trail maintenance
• Sign maintenance
• Roads and parking lot maintenance
• Firewood hauling
• Hazard tree removals and storm clean-ups
• Erosion control
• Snow removal and ice control
• Trash/recycle/litter pick-up
Existing Annual Operating Costs*
Facility Services
Staffing $515,000
Resources (supplies, equipment etc.)$32,000
Subtotal $547,000
Maintenance
Staffing $779,000
Resources (supplies, equipment etc.)$364,000
Subtotal $1,143,000
Outdoor Education & Recreation
Staffing $2,000
Subtotal $2,000
Total Existing Operating Budget $1,692,000
TABLE 8 | BASIC OPERATION SERVICES SUMMARY
SOURCE: PARK DISTRICT
Additional Annual Operating Costs*
Facility Services
Staffing (1 FTE PSA, includes benefits)$60,000
Resources (supplies, equipment etc.)$10,000
Subtotal $70,000
Maintenance
Staffing (2 FTE, includes benefits, 2 Seasonal)$165,000
Resources (supplies, equipment etc.)$21,000
Subtotal $186,000
Outdoor Education & Recreation
Staffing (1 FTE Naturalist & Rec Programmer,
includes benefits)
$80,000
Resources (supplies, equipment etc.)$10,000
Subtotal $90,000
Total $346,000
Proposed Annual Operating Budget*$2,038,000
*2022 dollars
to accommodate needs to the highest degree possible.
They respond to and resolve park issues concerning
facility operations and customer service, and alert
Maintenance, Outdoor Education and Recreation,
Public Safety, and other staff as appropriate. In
addition, Facility Services staff assure safe facility
operations by providing immediate resolution of
hazardous conditions and administer Park District
policies and procedures for facility operations
by implementing operating policies and procedures
outlined in Park District manuals. Facility Services also
coordinates use of French Regional Park facilities
for outdoor education and recreation programming
and special events as necessary.
Currently, French Regional Park employs 6 FTE Facility
Services staff including:
• Park Operations Supervisor (1), Facilities Supervisor
(1), Facility Coordinator (1), Facility Attendant (1),
Park Service Attendant (1), and Lead Attendant (1)
In addition, approximately 30 seasonal Facility Services
positions (number fluctuates year to year) currently
support French and Fish Regional Parks including:
• Attendants, Shift Leader AIS Inspectors and AIS
Watercraft Decontamination Specialists
Given the current parameters of existing park
infrastructure (buildings and facilities) and modest
additions, the master plan advises a new 1.0 FTE
Park Service Attendant (PSA) position to expand
concierge services including programming and events
coordination at a cost of $60,000/year. The total cost
of increased facilities would be $10,000 (including
additional resources). Additionally, the volunteer Park
Ambassadors program could help offset additional
Facility Services staffing needs to assist in realizing this
concierge service.
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance staff maintain French Regional Park
in a safe, clean and usable manner. Maintenance is
an important basic services operation in respect to
providing high quality customer service and meeting
park user’s expectations.
The general maintenance plan for French Regional Park
calls for maintaining it consistent with other regional
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT65
• Reservation site clean-up and preparations
• Winter trail grooming
• Play area inspection, maintenance and repair
Currently, the French Cluster (which provides
maintenance for French, Fish Lake, Silverwood and
assigned sections of the regional trail and pocket park
network), employs 11 FTE Maintenance staff including:
• Park Maintenance Supervisor, Crew Chiefs (2), Park
Keepers (2), Custodians (5), Park Technician (1) and
Park Worker (1)
In addition, 11 seasonal and temporary Maintenance
positions currently support the French Cluster including:
• Maintenance Workers (10) and Wildlife Worker
(temporary) (1)
As all current park features are retained in the master
plan, all previously listed maintenance practices remain
applicable. To account for the additional park features,
this master plan expands the existing maintenance
plan to include:
• Medicine Lake beach area improvements
• Winter trail maintenance for the 1-mile loop to/
from the Visitor Center and Medicine Lake beach
area
• Up to 7 additional small scale, non-reserveable,
shared use, picnic shelter maintenance
• Nature Exploration Area maintenance including
hazard tree removal, invasive species and special
regulated noxious plants control
These additional maintenance responsibilities are
expected to add $21,000 in annual maintenance costs.
This would also require the addition of 2 FTE and 2
seasonal staff at a cost $165,000.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION & RECREATION
The most significant reinvestment at French Regional
Park is the new Try-It, Learn-It visitor experience model
which will be delivered primarily by the Outdoor
Education and Recreation department.
Currently, Eastman Nature Center assigns a seasonal
educator to French Regional Park to deliver a limited
number of programs during the summer months with
negligible annual budget implications. No Outdoor
Education and Recreation staff are currently dedicated
to French Regional Park. While Outdoor Recreation
School (ORS) staff are housed within the FOC, they
provide minimal program offerings at French Regional
Park due to unpredictable lake water conditions and
existing substandard facility provisions which do not
meet severe weather standards for groups (shelter,
restrooms, etc.)
The expanded education and recreation programming
proposed at French Regional Park will include a focus
on new, innovative and relevant pilot programming
and offerings that may be different than what is
found throughout the Park District. The master
plan recommends appropriate time and resource
allowances to determine the right mix of offerings that
meet the needs of the park’s service area.
Additional outdoor education and recreation
programming expenses are envisioned and expected.
It is anticipated that this type of shift in programming
focus back to French Regional Park will require
additional study to better understand the complexities.
Furthermore, the Park District is leading a robust plan
effort to provide bridging facilities to many of same
first-tier communities within French Regional Park’s
service area. The results of that plan may impact the
proposed level of basic operation services for French
Regional Park’s outdoor education and recreation
programming.
However, a general cost estimate is provided for
planning purposes. An additional 1 FTE Naturalist/
Recreational Programmer would be required at a cost
of $80,000. The total cost of increased resources to
support additional programming would be $10,000.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Natural Resources staff ensure the protection of
natural resources to best serve community members
for future generations at French Regional Park. These
natural resource management activities benefit the
park’s forestry, wildlife and water resources. The master
plan maintains these current management activities
and recommends additional terrestrial invasive
species control at French Regional Park through the
volunteer Adopt-A-Woodlot program which could
offset additional Natural Resource staffing needs to
66FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
realize this goal. There is no expected increase to the
annual cost. The natural resource management costs
associated with French Regional Park are absorbed
into their larger department budget and fluctuate from
year to year.
These routine natural resource management activities
include, but are not limited to:
• Invasive species control – chemical and mechanical
for aquatic and woodland applications
• Over seeding
• Tree planting/removal
• Vegetation surveys
• Animal surveys
• Water sampling
• Deer management
• Canada goose harassment
• Wetland water level control
In addition, Park District staff also actively manage the
park’s tree canopy through shade tree management
techniques and assisted migration.
Shade Tree Management
French Regional Park offers an array of picnic and active
use areas in which shade trees are managed. All shade
trees are monitored annually for defects and inspected
for any potential hazards to the public. Shade trees
are also pruned on roughly a 7-year rotation. Regular
pruning allows trees to maintain good form, and helps
them to grow with increased vigor which allows them
to provide the various environmental services for park
users (not the least of which is shade).
Assisted Migration
To mitigate for anticipated impacts of climate change
on the Park District’s tree canopy, Forestry staff have
begun sourcing plant material that we currently grow
from more southerly sources and incorporating these
into our regular planting operations. This helps provide
a gene pool that is slightly better suited to future
growing conditions in the Twin Cities region.
Also, Natural Resource forestry staff have begun
sourcing and growing several “near native” tree species
at the Park District nursery. These are trees whose
range does not currently extend into this area, but are
anticipated to do so in the future.
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT67
They will be grown at the Park District nursery until
they are large enough to be planted as shade trees at
locations within the Park District. It usually takes 12-
15 years for trees to be large enough to be planted
as a future shade tree.
Water Testing
The Park District’s water resources section conducts
water monitoring and well testing in the park.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Public Safety staff provide a safe environment for park
users, protect the park’s resources and educate park
guests on park rules and expectations.
Public Safety officers utilize a variety of specialized
patrol methods to ensure ongoing safety in Park
District parks. In addition to routine patrol, Park District
public safety officers may be dispatched through the
Hennepin County Dispatch System to respond to
incidences as they occur.
While the Park District assumes the lead role in
providing public safety services to French Regional
Park, a statewide mutual aid program assists to facilitate
assistance and sharing public safety resources from
surrounding police agencies in times of emergency or
other unusual conditions. Under this program and as
part of the broader envisioned partnership between
the Park District and the City of Plymouth, City of
Plymouth Police also play a key role in responding to
incidents and providing support for large events. This
is an essential partnership as City of Plymouth Police
may be better positioned to provide quick routine
patrols and timely response in emergency situations
simply due to the close proximity of their officers to the
park compared to Park District Public Safety officers.
In addition, Hennepin County Water Patrol provides
patrol and emergency services for any water related
event that may occur on Medicine Lake. There is no
expected increase to the annual operating costs.
68FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
SUSTAINABILITY
The Park District Sustainability Plan (2016) guides efforts
toward achieving established sustainability goals and
targets by outlining broad strategies for organizational
implementation. The following goals provide guidance
and intent to Park District’ sustainability efforts in respect
to regional parks and reserves:
• Manage and operate parklands and facilities in a
manner that ensures the ecologic, financial and
social integrity of the park system in perpetuity.
• Reduce dependence on fossil fuels to minimize
greenhouse gas emissions and reduce public
expenditures.
• Reduce the amount of waste sent to the incinerator
and landfill to minimize costs and reduce
Greenhouse Gas emissions.
• Preserve groundwater and surface water resources to
ensure current and future water needs can be met.
• Reduce Park District environmental impacts to
demonstrate or model Park District’s commitment
to sustainable environmental stewardship.
• Provide opportunities for public education and
involvement in Park District sustainability initiatives.
• Design and plan park facilities, amenities and trails
to maximize the public ability to use non-motorized
transportation and to meet the Park District’s goal
of sustainable environmental stewardship.
The Park District strives to utilize appropriate
sustainable best management practices and
guidelines such as the Minnesota Sustainable Building
Guidelines (B3 Project) and Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Development (LEED) Rating System
on construction projects. For regional parks, best
management practices may include utilizing porous
pavement, rain gardens, recycled construction
materials, using native plant materials, smart and
responsible water consumption, connectivity to the
regional trail system as well as mass transit and using
sustainable building techniques. In addition, the
Park District has an active solid waste management
plan geared toward reducing waste and increasing
recycling and compost. Garbage and waste is collected
and disposed of in accordance with best management
practices and all applicable laws. Garbage and
recycling bins are located throughout the park to make
participation convenient and easy.
PUBLIC AWARENESS
Marketing & Community Engagement staff manage
a centralized marketing communications function that
oversees the Park District’s website, public relations,
marketing, media relations, social media, brand
management, event planning and promotion.
A number of effective marketing and outreach tools
are used to promote the Park District, including but
not limited to, events calendars, maps, digital and
social media, direct mail, press releases, a centralized
reservation system, brochures, advertising and on-site
promotion. Promotional pieces will highlight how to
get to the park via foot, bike and car.
The Park District collaborates with a wide array of
community, business and government organizations
to promote its facilities, programs and services, and to
educate the public about its resources. The Park District
also works with the Metropolitan Council Regional
Parks System, the State Office of Tourism and other
partners to leverage shared opportunities for creating
awareness and visibility.
A concerted focus, specifically for French Regional
Park, is placed on continuing to explore non-traditional
print and web media including trusted community
messengers, concierge services, translated materials,
print advertising in cultural newspapers, culturally
relevant social media channels and cultural radio
stations and accessible digital calendars.
Staff continue to improve program participation for
underrepresented community members/groups by
modifying registration processes and tiered program
registration and or drop-in programming.
A focus is placed on developing partnerships and
programming opportunities that allow the Park District
to better serve all residents of suburban Hennepin
County, especially those with less access to its facilities
and programs. This includes a concerted effort to better
coordinate with external recreation programming
providers within the park’s service area to reduce
redundancy and competition, promote better program
attendance and encourage partnership synergy.
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT69
69
6
IMPLEMENTATION
ESTIMATED COSTS & FUNDING
The French Regional Park Master Plan refreshes
targeted existing park amenities with reasonable
expectations to expand programming and make
modest infrastructure improvements. The proposed
capital improvements can be implemented over time
as funding becomes available and planned renovations
are completed. This chapter lays out the associated
responsibilities for the Park District, as well as estimated
costs and funding plan.
Park investments are directly related to:
• Better serving people within the park’s service area
• Protecting, restoring and managing natural and
cultural resources
• Providing resources to renovate, modify and
rehabilitate select park infrastructure.
The master plan addresses what is necessary to
meet minimal capital investment expectations which
may change over time. In the future, should user
expectations exceed master plan recommendations,
it is not unreasonable to consider an additional long-
term needs assessment and subsequent building
infrastructure study beyond what is currently proposed
at the Visitor Center and Field Operations Center.
ACQUISITION
French Regional Park is fully acquired. No additional
inholdings are identified for acquisition.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS & FUNDING PLAN
This plan envisions essential investment to ensure
the park remains relevant for future generations.
The majority of the park’s infrastructure is to be
maintained in its current condition. The costs outlined
are for projects only (Medicine Lake beach area, picnic
70FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
6
IMPLEMENTATION
ESTIMATED COSTS & FUNDING
shelters, Visitor Center, etc.) and do not include the
costs associated with maintaining or operating these
investments (Table 9).
Based upon master plan recommendations, there are 14
identified projects. The current 2023 -2027 Park District
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) has dedicated funding
earmarked for a portion of project #11 in 2027. All other
projects not funded through outside grants, fundraising
and partnerships compete internally with other District-
wide projects through the annual CIP process.
Implementation Timing
Park signage and wayfinding (#1 & #14), Medicine Lake
beach area (#5-10), and Visitor Center (#11-13) capital
projects received the most community engagement
support and are recommended for prioritization.
Other capital improvements are at the discretion of
available funding and as demand warrants.
Implementation Partners
This plan includes amenities and opportunities at
the regional scale and state scale. The Park District
will explore partnership opportunities which support
implementation of the master plan. Potential partners
could include the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources; the Metropolitan Council; Hennepin County;
local school districts; regional colleges and universities;
municipalities; non-profits; community groups;
businesses and other partners.
OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
Operations and maintenance costs for French Regional
Park will continue to be covered through the Park District’s
Operating Budget. The Operating Budget’s primary
source of funds are property taxes with some revenue
from the State of Minnesota as part of the Operations
and Maintenance Fund allocations from the Metropolitan
Council. When the plan is fully implemented, annual
operations and maintenance costs are estimated to be
$2,038,000/year (2022 dollars). A detailed operations and
maintenance summary is available in Chapter 5.
Park Signage, Wayfinding & Entrance
1. Update and add comprehensive wayfinding and signage in
concert with the Park District’s system wide standards.$100,000
2. Soften park entrance to provide a welcoming progression
into park (range: $30,000 short term - $300,000 long term)$300,000
Paved & Unpaved Trail Network
Ensure the Lagoon Trail is maintained for both cross-
country skiing and adjacent snowshoeing.- -
3. Provide year-round accommodations for the 1-mile trail
loop from the Visitor Center to the Medicine Lake beach
area and back along the park road (add downcast lighting)
$140,000
Picnic Areas
Convert Shady Ridge picnic area to shared-use - -
4. Add 3 small-scale, shared-use picnic shelters at Shady Ridge $180,000
Preserve open space near Moraine and Sky View picnic
reservation areas - -
Medicine Lake Beach Area
5. Conduct a light-touch remodel to existing restroom/boat
rental, changing rooms and auxiliary building facilities
including shade structure
$300,000
6. Construct up to 10 additional short-term parking stalls.$50,000
7. Continue goose harassment techniques (operationally and
through additional landscaping)$10,000
8. Add a variety of seating options to relax, socialize and view
Medicine Lake (hammock stands, adult swings, benches and
movable seating etc.)
$85,000
9. Add 4 small-scale, shared-use picnic shelters $220,000
10. Add new fishing pier on Medicine Lake $125,000
Visitor Center
11. Provide light-touch Visitor Center remodel
(exterior $200,000 & interior $300,000)$500,000
12. Provide light-touch remodel of outdoor amphitheater $25,000
13. Add additional outdoor seating $30,000
Nature Exploration Area
14. Add informative, colorful and playful signage $5,000
15. Dedicate a small area for programming use and nature play $10,000
16. Add lighting to overflow parking lot $65,000
Winter Enhancements
Continue to provide groomed cross-country ski trails on
natural snow - -
Provide winter walking opportunities that are clear of snow - -
Continue to provide snowshoeing opportunities on the
Lagoon Trail - -
17. Provide designed gathering nodes with fire rings and
comfortable movable seating (up to 4 locations)$35,000
Consider options to better utilize Medicine Lake in the
winter (frozen) months - -
Subtotal $2,180,000
Design contingency (20% of Subtotal costs) $436,000
Construction Contingency (10% of Subtotal costs) $218,000
GRAND TOTAL $2,834,000
TABLE 9 | CAPITAL PROJECTS COST SUMMARY
SOURCE: PARK DISTRICT
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72FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
APPENDIX A
30-DAY PUBLIC COMMENTS
A
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DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
Three Rivers Park District Board of Commissioners released the French Regional Park Master Plan for 30-day public comment period from August 22,
2022 - September 21, 2022. The general public, park users, underrepresented community members and cities and organizations were welcomed to
review and provide comments on the draft master plan. The Park District shared this opportunity through several methods including a press release,
social media posts which partners shared/reposted, Park District list serves, and news item on the Park District website. The plan was available
online, at local public venues (city halls and nearby Park District facilities) and shared via email to identified partners and others upon request.
Comment
If you guys are charging a fee for boat launch at spurgem lake [sic] we need to have a bath room l can’t take my daughter fishing. And also the
boat ramp needs attention big drop at end of launch. For 5 years I have been complaining no results.
Response
Three Rivers Park District is concurrently updating the Baker Park Reserve Master Plan. Spurzem Lake, which is located in Baker Park Reserve, is
surmised to be the intended focus of this comment. This feedback has been forwarded to the Baker Master Plan for consideration.
Let’s Talk Comment
Emailed Comment
Comment
Please consider a Green Fit-type program during the day,
preferably in the morning and perhaps geared towards folks 55+.
I think, with the numbers of retiring baby boomers, this would be
a popular option. Also, consider bringing back the 3 days per week
format for Green Fit (3 months, 3 days/week-Nordic walking on
Mondays, yoga on Tuesdays & varied activities on Thursdays or
similar).
Response
Due to scheduling complexities and attendance irregularities, the
Park District moved to a GreenFit Club model in which offerings are
separated by specific activity. Recent participation data suggest that
attendance at each session has increased with this change. As the
Park District considers implementing new programming offerings as
a result of this master plan, it will take into consideration the need for
daytime GreenFit Club programming at French Regional Park.
30-DAY PUBLIC COMMENTS
French Master Plan
August 22 - September 21, 2022
Agency Comment
City of Minnetonka
Thanks for the opportunity to review the Master Plan. I just
visited the park yesterday with my two kids and despite the
water levels being pretty low and the swimming conditions not
too good, the park is quite lovely and that massive playground
was absolutely busting at the seams with screaming children!
The Master Plan document looks great overall. Two areas
that stuck out to me that may warrant a bit of additional
consideration would be the section on Reforestation and
the Terrestrial Plants. I realize this is a user-focused master
plan rather than a Natural Resources master plan, and that
the challenges these plants create is significant, but you
simply state “Continue to manage invasive species (especially
common buckthorn) through establishing and growing the
Adopt-A-Woodlot volunteer program at French Regional Park.”
I realize resources are limited, but developing some priority
areas for invasive management or removal strategies like
targeting seed-bearing plants may help you see some inroads.
As for reforestation, the goal of a Big Woods ecotype
is described. With the pressures of invasive plants and
earthworms, a “well developed duff layer” may be near
impossible in full canopy. I would recommend considering
seeding woodland edge grass/sedges species to augment
the Big Woods goal or at least describing a process for
assessment of the vision and its goals. You say it correctly
when you state “Unfortunately, this is an extremely
complex issue for which there is no easy cure.”
Thanks for the chance to review. Good
luck and nice to meet you too!
Response
Natural Resource Management operational plans and procedures
are followed on a District-wide level. Specific invasive species and
understory enrichment programs go into further detail about
identifying prioritization areas, management approaches, etc.
Additional language was included on page 50, identifying ‘next
level’ natural resource operations that may clarify this approach for
the reader.
Let’s Talk Comment
Comment
Please fix the boat launch and dredge the shallow area to make
the lake more usable. Thank you.
Response
French Regional Park’s lakeshore edge has naturally occurring
shallow conditions due to Medicine Lake’s topography and
dynamics. Channel excavation efforts here would only provide
short-term improvements, as sediment would quickly re-deposit in
the dredged area. This type of excavation project would be costly
and complex, requiring design work, an environmental assessment,
permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources, and a contract with a vendor for
specialized dredging equipment. The expected cost/benefit for this
type of project would not justify the investment.
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT75
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76FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
APPENDIX B
RESOLUTIONS OF SUPPORT
B
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT77
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78FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
TBD
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT79
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80FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
APPENDIX C
PROGRAMMING ANALYSIS
C
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT81
PROGRAMMING & RECREATION ANALYSIS
SURVEY RESULTS
FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN April 5, 2021
Overall popularity of programming & recreation offerings (based on list of suggestions)
1 87%* Water activities (canoe, kayak, etc.)
2 84% Biking
3 83% Snowshoeing
4 82% Animal observation & identification (birding, identify animal tracks etc.)
5 81% Cross country skiing
6 77% Adult only recreation (special events, fitness programs, recreational sports etc.)
7 75% Plant observation & identification (identify trees, invasive species etc.)
8 74% Ice skating
9 73% Daily drop-in outdoor exercise (variety of activities depending on season)
10 70% Organized outdoor exercise (weekly yoga series etc.)
11 70% Nature exploration (pond study etc.)
12 69% Fishing (shoreline or pier)
13 68% Outdoor skills (camping, survival skills nature viewing etc.)
14 67% Winter kit flying on Medicine Lake
15 67% Open space pop up activities (pick up soccer, bean bag toss etc.)
16 61% Citizen-science volunteer opportunities (dragonfly/bird monitoring etc.)
17 57% Multi-generational activities (grandparent/grandchild programs etc.
18 52% Preschool age programming
*Percentage based on 268 responses.
82FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
Would like to participate, and would like an instructor to lead (based on list of suggestions)
1 55%* Organized outdoor exercise (weekly yoga series etc.)
2 40% Daily drop-in outdoor exercise (variety of activities depending on season)
3 37% Outdoor skills (camping, survival skills nature viewing etc.)
4 34% Animal observation & identification (birding, identify animal tracks etc.)
5 33% Adult only recreation (special events, fitness programs, recreational sports etc.)
6 29% Preschool age programming
7 29% Nature exploration (pond study etc.)
8 29% Plant observation & identification (identify trees, invasive species etc.)
9 28% Citizen-science volunteer opportunities (dragonfly/bird monitoring etc.)
10 25% Multi-generational activities (grandparent/grandchild programs etc.
11 16% Winter kit flying on Medicine Lake
12 10% Cross country skiing
13 7% Water activities (canoe, kayak, etc.)
14 6% Snowshoeing
15 6% Fishing (shoreline or pier)
16 6% Open space pop up activities (pick up soccer, bean bag toss etc.)
17 4% Ice skating
18 1% Biking
*Percentage based on 268 responses.
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT83
Would like to do on my own, but require kits and/or rentals (based on list of suggestions)
1 65%* Water activities (canoe, kayak, etc.)
2 46% Cross country skiing
3 46% Snowshoeing
4 41% Open space pop up activities (pick up soccer, bean bag toss etc.)
5 40% Winter kit flying on Medicine Lake
6 38% Ice skating
7 32% Plant observation & identification (identify trees, invasive species etc.)
8 28% Animal observation & identification (birding, identify animal tracks etc.)
9 28% Adult only recreation (special events, fitness programs, recreational sports etc.)
10 25% Fishing (shoreline or pier)
11 22% Nature exploration (pond study etc.)
12 22% Citizen-science volunteer opportunities (dragonfly/bird monitoring etc.)
13 21% Multi-generational activities (grandparent/grandchild programs etc.
14 21% Daily drop-in outdoor exercise (variety of activities depending on season)
15 18% Outdoor skills (camping, survival skills nature viewing etc.)
16 18% Biking
17 11% Preschool age programming
18 6% Organized outdoor exercise (weekly yoga series etc.)
*Percentage based on 268 responses.
84FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2022
Open Ended Programming Suggestions for Consideration
Category Suggestion # times
mentioned
More Special Events
Night walks with luminaries I
Mom/child and/or Dad/child events I
Music festivals or performances I
Trail running races II
Repeating events, not just one-off events and classes. Builds community and
relationships. I
Kids Programming
Wildlife passport to track species throughout the summer I
Homeschool classes I
Preschool classes (specifically nature-based) IIII
Fishing for kids I
Bring back Discover Day Camp I
Swimming lessons I
Teen & Tween
Programming
Hatchet throwing I
More of it in general II
Mini-science projects (guide to help students/kids do research using French
resources), like macro invertebrate population survey or other counts. Could put
findings on display – collaborate with Robbinsdale and/or Wayzata school
districts – from at teach at Wayzata High School
II
More activities for older Girl Scouts in grades 6-12 – in collaboration with GSRV I
Family Programming
Sky watching party – star party astronomy night (example of one near Waconia)
with large amateur telescopes to view planets and moon III
Storytime bonfires I
Scavenger hunts I
Interpretation around turtles and nesting II
Outdoor cooking classes, ex. BBQ, salsa, etc. I
Adult (Specific)
Programming
Instructor-led night time snowshoe under the lights I
Outdoor survival skills I
Barre classes (in visitor center) I
Yoga I
GreenFit Club during daytime hours I
Walking club I
Sailing lessons I
Trail running weekly group II
Nordic walking with check-out equipment available I
Naturalist-led hikes and/or classes II
General
Programming (Not
Age Specific)
Instructor-led ice fishing with check-out kits after daytime work hours I
Handicap accessible and adaptive recreation programming II
Bird and owl watching I
Camping (instruction/pop up) I
Snowboarding/downhill skiing (instruction/pop up) I
Bilingual programming I
Kiteboarding in winter I
Night photography (after park closes) I
More pop-ups that do not require infrastructure I
Cross-Country Ski
Programming
Groom ski trails on Medicine Lake I
Luminary lit walks and ski on lake I
Programming specific to preschool cross-country skiing I
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT85
General Park District Task Force Team Responses to Open Ended Suggestions
• Offer more repeating special events - just not large ones, that have the ability to exceed the
parking/park carrying capacity.
• Continue to offer small children, teen and tween programming.
• Homeschool programming did not resonate as a priority with in-person engagement participants.
• Continue to support preschool programming District-wide.
• Until Medicine Lake water allows predictable conditions, do not pursue extensive submersive
water-based programming (including swimming lessons). The beach is currently closed 27% of
summer and is unpredictable.
• Family programming is popular (scavenger hunts, animal interpretation) but suburban light
pollution poses potential problems for astronomy/sky watching.
• Adults over 45 are underrepresented at French, thus adult programming is critical. To reach desired
target, French needs 210 additional visitors/day to reach target.
o Outdoor fitnness is popular with this age demographic (over 45) and they desire organized
outdoor exercise classes/groups (yoga series, drop-in daily exercise groups).
o They also desire adult-only programming.
• Consider Mom/child and/or Dad/child events that are more inclusive.
• Mini science projects have partnership opportunities.
I:\RFA\City Manager\2022\Q‐elec jud appt 2022 Nov Election.docx
Request for Action
October 10, 2022
Approved by: Tim Hoyt, Acting City Manager
Originating Department: City Manager
By: Valerie Leone, City Clerk/Treasurer
Agenda Title
Resolution appointing election judges for General Election of November 8, 2022
Requested Action
Staff recommends adoption of the resolution appointing election judges.
Policy/Past Practice
The city must follow state statutes relative to election law.
Background
M.S.§204B.21 requires each municipality to adopt a resolution appointing election judges. In June the Council
appointed Election Judges for the August 9 Primary Election. Since that time there have been some cancellations
and new hires. Council is asked to approve the list of 75 Election Judges for the November 8 General Election.
Many persons work half‐day shifts. Election judges are paid $12 per hour. Any Minnesota resident who is eligible
to vote and is able to read, write, and speak English may apply to serve as an election judge.
Attachments
Resolution
Exhibit A ‐ list of election judges
Agenda Section
Consent
Item Number
6.5
City of New Hope
Resolution No. 2022 ‐
Resolution appointing election judges for
General Election of November 8, 2022
WHEREAS, the City Clerk has submitted for approval a list of election judges to officiate at
the General Election of November 8, 2022; and
WHEREAS, said list includes those individuals who have agreed to serve as Election Judges;
and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute Section 203B.121 requires establishment of an Absentee Ballot
Board to facilitate the absentee process for an upcoming election;
WHEREAS, City Hall serves as an absentee ballot center for the residents of New Hope; and
Hennepin County staff may also serve as election judges to administer absentee
ballots on behalf of New Hope voters under the direction of the Hennepin
County Elections Manager; and
WHEREAS, the City Clerk has the authority per MS 204B.21 subd. 2 to add additional
Election Judges within the 25‐day period before each election if it is determined
that additional elections judges are required to conduct the election; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the New Hope City Council hereby approves the
attached list of election judges to officiate at the General Election.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of New Hope, Hennepin County, Minnesota, this 10th
day of October, 2022.
____________________________
Mayor
Attest: ______________________________
City Clerk
EXHIBIT A
Last First
Albrecht‐Feld Eva
Allen Kristine
Allen John
Birkholz Corey
Boitz Annette
Boitz Steve
Burns Thomas
Butler Sarah
Cannon Tina
Collier Patti
Cranbrook Carole
Derfus Gloria
Derr Douglas
Eckes Mark
Fernandez Wilmer
Fernandez Shanelle
Flesner Joanne
Fundingsland Donna
Gabriel Judith
Gale III Edward
Goldman Joseph
Goldman Beverly
Grant Marcia
Grant Robert
Hamilton Colleen
Hector Steve
Hodgson Alice
Hohenstein Suzanne
Hohenstein Norman
Holm Ilene
Jain Rodger
James Sandra
Jans Glenn
Jayne Michelle
Johnson Nancy
Johnson Alicia
Jones III Alphonso
Kaufman Jill
Knutzen Rachel
Konkiel Stacy
Last First
Landy Roger
Lange Emily
Larson Janine
Lietzow Jay
Meyer Donna
Moline Timothy
Novitsky Faith
Novitsky Gary
Nyce David
Osterkamp Laurel
Pagel Dewane
Peterson Margaret
Peterson Brian
Peterson Judy
Phillips Elizabeth
Picquet Thomas
Pronovici Juliana
Pronovici Kenneth
Sankey William
Schafer Matthew
Smith Wendy
Stevenson Andrew
Stulberg Elizabeth
Thommes LeeAnn
Tolck Jo
Torgerson Jason
Totten Karen
Vesper Janine
Ware John
Wiechmann Marian
Willenbring Bede
Yazvec James
Yazvec Diane
Youngbauer Sharon
Youngbauer Daniel
I:\RFA\City Manager\2022\siren maint\6.6 Q&R ‐ siren maint 10.10.22.docx
Request for Action
October 10, 2022
Approved by: Tim Hoyt, Acting, City Manager
Originating Department: City Manager
By: Valerie Leone, City Clerk‐Treasurer
Agenda Title
Resolution approving 2023 maintenance agreement with Embedded Systems, Inc. for tornado/civil defense
siren maintenance in the amount of $1,743.48
Requested Action
Staff recommends the City Council approve the enclosed resolution which approves the attached 2023
maintenance agreement. The cost for the agreement is $1,743.48 or $48.43 per month for each of the three
warning sirens located in the city. This is a slight increase over last year. Adequate funds are budgeted in the
2023 Fire/Emergency Management Services budget to cover this agreement.
Policy/Past Practice
One of the top priorities in the New Hope City Plan is to keep all residents and businesses in the city safe and
secure and the City Council supports programs and agreements that promote a safe and healthy environment.
Background
The city has utilized the services of Embedded Systems, Inc. for tornado/civil defense siren maintenance since
1997 and has found them to be a reliable provider. The contract includes preventative maintenance as well as
service call requests. The “decoder” portion of the siren system is responsible for the receipt and transmission of
control commands and information and the activation of the circuitry which sounds the siren.
There are three sirens in the city. They are at the following locations:
5437 Yukon Avenue N
4301 Xylon Avenue N on a pole behind the fire station
8800 32nd Avenue N on a pole at northeast corner of Hidden Valley Park on the west side of Boone
Avenue N
The sirens include battery backup systems. The monthly siren maintenance fee is $48.43 per siren, per month.
The cost to the city on an annual basis is three sirens x $48.43 per month = $145.29 per month x 12 months =
$1,743.48. A brief history of contractual costs is as follows:
YEAR
PER MONTH SIREN
MAINTENANCE
COST
TOTAL COST
FOR
THREE SIRENS
2008‐2010 $37.95 $1,366.20
2011 $39.85 $1,434.60
2012‐2014 $41.84 $1,506.24
2015‐2017 $43.93 $1,581.48
2018‐2022 $46.12 $1,660.32
2023 $48.43 $1,743.48
Agenda Section
Consent
Item Number
6.6
Request for Action, Page 2
Battery replacement occurs every two years for cities in Hennepin County. The cost of the battery replacement is
included in the monthly maintenance fee.
Staff recommends approval of the resolution approving the agreement.
Funding
The cost for this maintenance agreement is included in the 2023 Fire/Emergency Management Services budget.
Attachments
Resolution
Embedded Systems 2023 Siren Maintenance Contract Renewal
City of New Hope
Resolution No. 2022‐
Resolution approving 2023 maintenance agreement
with Embedded Systems, Inc.
for tornado/civil defense siren maintenance in the amount of
$1,743.48
WHEREAS the City of New Hope has three civil defense siren systems which must be in working
order at all times; and
WHEREAS the “decoder” is defined as the portion of the siren system which is responsible for the
receipt and transmission of control commands and information and the activation of
the circuitry which actually sounds the siren; and
WHEREAS service covered by the agreement includes preventative maintenance, battery
replacement, and service call requests; and
WHEREAS Embedded Systems, Inc. will provide maintenance of the three civil defense siren
receiver/decoders at a cost of $1,743.48 per year.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the New Hope City Council hereby approves entering into an
agreement for 2023 with Embedded Systems, Inc. for siren receiver/decoder
maintenance.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of New Hope, Hennepin County, Minnesota, this 10th day of
October, 2022.
Mayor
Attest:
City Clerk
I:\RFA\City Manager\2022\delinquent utilities-Hearing\Q - certify delinquent UB 10.10.22.docx
Request for Action
October 10, 2022
Approved by: Tim Hoyt, Acting City Manager
Originating Department: City Manager
By: Valerie Leone, City Clerk-Treasurer
Agenda Title
Public hearing and resolution adopting and confirming assessments for delinquent utility service charges,
administrative citations, alarm, mowing and abatement charges
Requested Action
A public hearing has been scheduled for October 10th to assess unpaid bills for delinquent city service charges
including utilities, administrative citations, alarm, mowing and abatement charges. Staff requests the adoption of
the resolution after the public hearing is closed.
Policy/Past Practice
In accordance with M.S. 429.101 the city may collect unpaid charges against properties through certification to
property taxes.
Background
All affected property owners were notified of the hearing date and time, the process for challenges, and the total
to be assessed. Delinquent accounts from June 1, 2021, through May 30, 2022, are included. As of October 5, 2022,
the total for delinquent utility charges is $229,329.80. The total of delinquent city services (alarm, mowing and
abatement fees) is $3,237.31, and the total of delinquent administrative citations is $15,990. Payments will be
accepted up to 4:30 pm on November 15, so the final assessment total may be slightly lower. The assessment
payment term is one year. The proposed assessment rolls of delinquent accounts as of October 5th are attached
to the resolution.
The public hearing notice instructs persons with objections to appear in person at the public hearing or to submit
a written objection. As of October 5th we have not received any written objections.
Financial assistance programs may be available to assist individuals with past due accounts. The telephone
number for the Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County is 952-930-3541.
Funding
There is no budgetary impact as penalties and a $50 service charge on the delinquent accounts are added to the
assessments. Interest is due and payable at the rate of 7%, thirty days after the assessment roll is adopted.
Attachments
• Notice of Hearing which was mailed to property owners
• Notice of Hearing which was published in the Sun Post
• Resolution and Assessment Rolls showing Delinquent Charges
Agenda Section Public Hearing
Item Number
7.1
CITY OF NEW HOPE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON ASSESSMENTS
FOR 2022 DELINQUENT CITY SERVICES CHARGES
1. Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of New Hope will meet at the City
Hall, 4401 Xylon Avenue North, in said City on Monday, October 10, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.
or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, to pass upon the proposed assessment
for the delinquent billings for city services. The proposed assessment rolls are now on
file in the office of the city clerk and are open to public inspection by all persons
interested. Written or oral objections, if any, to the proposed assessments for the charges
and services described in the caption, and hereinafter, will be considered at this meeting.
Delinquent accounts for city services must be paid by November 15, 2022, or they will
be certified for collection (bearing 7% interest from date of certification) on property
taxes payable in 2023.
2. The assessments are for the following city services:
Delinquent Utility Charges $257,386
Delinquent Administrative Citations $29,450
Delinquent Alarm Charges, Mowing Services, Abatement Charges $3,237
3. No appeal may be taken to the amount of any assessment unless a written objection
signed by the affected property owner is filed with the city clerk prior to the assessment
hearing, or presented to the presiding official at the hearing.
4. An owner may appeal an assessment to district court pursuant to Section 429.081
Minnesota Statutes, by serving notice of appeal upon the mayor or clerk of the
municipality within thirty (30) days after the adoption of the assessment and filing such
notice with the district court within ten (10) days after service upon the mayor or clerk.
5. The City has no ordinance permitting the deferment of the levy of special assessments for
city services on a hardship basis for citizens age 65 or over as authorized in M.S.
435.193.
Valerie Leone
City Clerk
(for publication in the Sun Post September 22, 2022)
Date MDY PENDING ASSESSMENT NOTICE
(This is the only notice you will receive)
Dear Property Owner:
The above-referenced “Service Address” has a past-due utility account. The delinquency may include charges for
water, sewer, storm drainage, street lighting, weed removal, snow removal, diseased tree removal and recycling
services that were assessed as of June 1, 2022. Payments will be accepted as follows:
• To avoid an administrative charge of $50, the above “Amount Past Due” must be paid by 4:30 p.m. on
Monday, October 17, 2022.
• Payments made from Tuesday, October 18, 2022, through 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 21, 2022 MUST
include the $50 administrative charge.
• In addition, payments made from Monday, November 1, 2022 through Monday, November 21, 2022 will ONLY
be accepted in the form of cash, money order, echeck online, or credit card (MasterCard or Visa only).
• Payments can also be made online or by phone 24/7 by calling (844) 869-3219. (Visa, MasterCard, PayPal
and/or Electronic Check)
Delinquent balances not paid by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 21, 2022 will be assessed against the above
property. This means that the delinquent balance will be reported to Hennepin County, which will then be added to
the 2023 property tax statement for the “Service Address.” Assessed amounts will accrue interest at an annual rate of
seven percent (7%) from December 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023.
Certification letters will NOT be sent to properties with tenants. It is the owner’s responsibility to notify their
tenants of any past due amounts that have been accrued throughout the year.
The City Council will meet in the Council Chambers at New Hope City Hall, 4401 Xylon Avenue N., on Monday,
October 10, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, to consider assessments to be
levied against properties benefiting from the services provided. Property owners may appear at this public hearing to
object to proposed assessments against their property.
If you wish, you may appeal the assessment of unpaid utilities to Hennepin County District Court under Minnesota
Statutes, Section 429.081. To do so, you must:
• File a signed, written objection to the amount of the assessment with the City Clerk prior to the October 10,
2022, assessment hearing, or present the written objection to the presiding officer at the assessment hearing;
and
• Serve notice of the appeal to the Mayor or the City Clerk within 30 days after the adoption of the assessment
and file such notice with the District Court within 10 days after the notice was served to the Mayor or the City
Clerk.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please call the City of New Hope Utility Billing Department at
763.592.6760. Thank you.
CITY OF NEW HOPE
5500 International Pkwy ~ New Hope, Minnesota 55428-4858 ~ www.newhopemn.gov
City Hall: 763.531.5100 ~ Police (non-emergency): 763.531.5170 ~ Public Works: 763.592.6777
City Hall Fax: 763.531.5136 ~ Police Fax: 763.531.5174 ~ Public Works Fax: 763.592.6776
Mailing Address Line 1 ACCOUNT NUMBER : Account Number
Mailing Address Line 2 CUSTOMER NUMBER: Customer Number
Mailing Address Line 3 SERVICE ADDRESS: Service Address
Mailing Address Line 4 PROPERTY ID: Tax Roll Numeric
Mailing Address Line 5 AMOUNT PAST DUE: Current WO Balance
Mailing Address Line 6 ADD’L CHG AFTER 10/17/22: $ 50.00
I:\RFA\City Manager\2022\Council Salaries\q‐council salary 10 11 22.docx
Request for Action
October 10, 2022
Approved by: Tim Hoyt, Acting City Manager
Originating Department: City Manager
By: Valerie Leone, City Clerk‐Treasurer
Agenda Title
Ordinance No. 22‐9, An ordinance amending New Hope code section 2‐11 setting mayor and councilmembers’
salaries
Requested Action
Staff requests adoption of the ordinance to increase council salaries for years 2023 and 2024.
Policy/Past Practice
Minn. Stat. 415.11 gives City Councils authority to set their salaries by ordinance. However, “No change in
salary shall take effect until after the next succeeding municipal election.” In order to make adjustments in
compensation for 2023 and 2024, an ordinance change must be adopted and published prior to the General
Election on November 8, 2022. The salary change will become effective beginning in January, 2023.
Background
The city attorney has prepared an ordinance amendment based upon the following:
Current Salary
Proposed 2023
(3% increase)
Proposed 2024
(3% increase)
Annual Bi‐Weekly Annual Bi‐Weekly Annual Bi‐Weekly
Mayor $14,233 $548 $14,660 $564 $15,100 $581
Council Member $10,395 $400 $10,707 $411 $11,028 $424
Funding
The 2023 budget contains funds for the salary increase.
Attachments
Ordinance 22‐9
Agenda Section
Ordinances &
Resolutions
Item Number
10.1
1
ORDINANCE NO. 22-9
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING NEW HOPE CODE
SECTION 2-11 SETTING MAYOR AND
COUNCILMEMBERS’ SALARIES
The City Council of the City of New Hope ordains:
Section 1. Section 2-11(a) “Mayor and councilmembers’ salaries.” of the New Hope City
Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
(a) Mayor and councilmembers’ salaries. The salary of the mayor is hereby
established at $564.00532.00 per two-week pay period effective January
20231 and shall increase to $581.00548.00 effective January 20242. The
salary of each councilmember is hereby established at $411.00389.00 per
two-week pay period effective January 20231 and shall increase to
$424.00400.00 effective January 20242 These salaries shall remain in place
until amended by ordinance per Minn. Stat. §415.11.
Section 2. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be effective upon its passage and
publication.
Dated the 10th day of October, 2022.
____________________________________
Kathi Hemken, Mayor
Attest: ___________________________
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
(Published in the New Hope-Golden Valley Sun-Post the 20th day of October, 2022.)
P:\Attorney\SAS\1 Client Files\2 City of New Hope\99-82209 - Council Salary Increase\Ordinance 22-9.docx
I:\RFA\P&R\Central Garage\2022\Toro Workman ‐ Parks\Q&R 2022 Toro Workman HDX for Parks.docx
Request for Action
October 10, 2022
Approved by: Tim Hoyt, Acting City Manager
Originating Department: Parks & Recreation
By: Susan Rader, Director
Agenda Title
Resolution authorizing the purchase of equipment and appropriation of funds in the amount of $25,833.87
for the purchase of a 2022 Toro Workman HDX from MTI Distributing and $2,000 for fabrication of ancillary
equipment
Requested Action
Staff requests that the City Council approve a resolution authorizing the purchase of a 2022 Toro Workman
HDX from MTI Distributing for $25,833.87, which includes a trade‐in value of $6,000 for the existing
equipment. Staff is also requesting use of an additional $2,000 for the fabrication of ancillary equipment that
will allow the new workman to utilize specialized field maintenance equipment already owned by the city.
Policy/Past Practice
The city develops a ten‐year capital improvement program (CIP) for capital equipment. Each year the CIP is
reviewed, updated, and extended for another ten‐year period. The replacement of a Toro Workman (Unit
#13) was included in the 2021 CIP.
Background
The new Toro Workman HDX would replace a 2015 Toro Workman, which is used by the Parks department.
The workman is used frequently for a variety of tasks for sports field maintenance activities including
painting athletic fields, spraying weeds and is a backup ballfield groomer.
The Streets/Parks Supervisor, along with staff who perform ballfield maintenance, tested and rated different
models of vehicles. Of those tested, the Toro HDX model was the preferred vehicle and would replace the
city’s existing seven‐year‐old Toro Workman.
Staff is recommending trading in the 2015 Toro Workman to MTI Distributing for $6,000 as part of the
purchase. When possible, staff looks at opportunities to repurpose equipment; however, the Central Garage
Supervisor does not recommend keeping this piece of equipment.
Staff is recommending use of the purchasing opportunity provided through the State of Minnesota
Cooperative Purchasing Venture (CPV) to purchase the Toro Workman HDX. MTI Distributing has been
awarded Contract No. 206789 under the CPV.
Funding
The total purchase price for the 2022 Toro Workman HDX is $31,883.87 and MTI Distributing has offered a
$6,000 trade‐in value on the old Toro Workman. The additional $2,000 requested for the fabrication of
ancillary equipment would bring the total cost to $27,833.87. The current vehicle replacement fund has
$31,423.90 dedicated for this vehicle replacement.
Agenda Section
Ordinances &
Resolutions
Item Number
10.2
Attachments
Resolution
Quotation from MTI Distributing
Central Garage Supervisor Memorandum
City of New Hope
Resolution No. 2022‐
Resolution authorizing the purchase of equipment and appropriation of funds in the amount of $25,833.87 for
the purchase of a 2022 Toro Workman HDX from MTI Distributing and $2,000 for the fabrication of ancillary
equipment
WHEREAS, the city of New Hope prepares a ten‐year capital improvement program (CIP) as a guiding
document for equipment acquisition and improvement projects to assist with preparation of each
annual operating budget; and,
WHEREAS, the CIP is not formally adopted as a budget document, nor does it authorize the acquisition of
individual equipment and/or projects listed therein; and,
WHEREAS, staff recommends the purchase of a 2022 Toro Workman HDX from MTI Distributing; and,
WHEREAS, staff also recommends the appropriation of $2,000 for the fabrication of ancillary equipment;
and,
WHEREAS, funds for this equipment are available within the Central Garage Equipment Replacement Fund.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the city of New Hope, Minnesota that the
appropriation of $25,833.87 from the Central Garage Equipment Replacement Fund for payment
to MTI Distributing for a 2022 Toro Workman HDX and $2,000 dedicated for the fabrication of
ancillary equipment is hereby authorized.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of New Hope, Hennepin County, Minnesota, this 10th day of October,
2022.
________________________________
Mayor
Attest: _________________________________
City Clerk
Andrew Kramer Quote Expiration Date:10/21/2022
City of New Hope
Qty Model
Number Description Quote Price Each Quote Price
Extended
1 07384 Workman HDX - 2WD (Kubota Gas)$28,626.78 $28,626.78
1 07372 Canopy $631.80 $631.80
1 145-2296 HD Series Signal Light Kit $182.82 $182.82
1 133-0627-03 Canopy Light Bracket $45.92 $45.92
1 117-4825 ROPS Signal Lights $737.78 $737.78
2 115-7849 Rear View Mirror Kit $118.63 $237.26
1 110-2626 Remote Hydraulic Manifold Kit $1,134.29 $1,134.29
1 121-6285 High Air Intake Kit $237.21 $237.21
Trade:
1 XV-UE Toro HDX-D model #07385, serial #315000517 ($6,000.00)
Equipment Total $31,833.87
Trade ($6,000.00)
7.525% Sales Tax Exempt
Total $25,833.87
Net 30 Terms with qualified credit
New Toro commercial equipment comes with a two-year manufacturer warranty
Equipment delivery and set-up at no additional charge
All commercial products purchased by a credit card will be subject to a 2.5% service fee.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit this quote. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate in contacting us.
Larry Gorman Karen Wangensteen
Outside Sales Representative Inside Sales Representative
612-877-0830 763-592-5643
I commit to the purchase as detailed on quote above. I reserve the right to opt out of intended purchase at any time prior to scheduled delivery. I understand that the
quoted pricing above is not guaranteed and that I will be provided a new proposal when product becomes available.
Name:
Signature:
Date:
MTI Distributing
Equipment Quote
September 21, 2022
MTI Distributing, Inc. • 4830 Azelia Avenue N. #100 • Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
MINNESOTA STATE CONTRACT PRICING - CONTRACT #206789
Quote validity: As a result of supply chain disruptions effecting availability and pricing, the pricing above cannot be guaranteed. Should
you commit to a non-binding purchase commitment, a firm quote (including finance rates) will be provided when product becomes
available.
Memorandum
To: Susan Rader‐Director of Park and Recreation
From: Bill Robberstad‐Central Garage Supervisor
Date: 10/3/2022
Subject: Purchase of a 2022 Toro Workman
Staff is recommending the city purchase a Toro Workman HDX‐D 2wd from MTI Distributing for
$25,833.87 and $2,000 for fabricating specialized ancillary equipment, totaling $27,833.87.
The city develops a ten‐year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for capital equipment, facility
improvements, and infrastructure projects. Every two years the CIP is reviewed, updated, and
extended two years for another ten‐year period. The current CIP has a Toro Workman listed in
its capital equipment section for purchase in 2022 for the Public Works department. This is a
carried over purchase, originally slated to be acquired in 2021.
The new Toro Workman would replace the Public Works Department’s 2015 Toro Workman. The
Toro Workman, that we currently utilize, is used frequently for a variety of tasks for New Hope’s
sports field maintenance activities. It is a piece of equipment that has specific functions and needs to
be reliable. This is why staff recommends the replacement of the equipment this year as scheduled.
The base price of the Toro Workman is $31,833.87. Staff is recommending trading in the 2015 Toro
Workman to MTI Distributing for $6,000 as part of the Public Works Toro Workman purchase. When
possible, staff looks at opportunities to repurpose equipment. In this case, the motor burns oil and is
not in a condition where I would recommend keeping the workman for use by the city of New Hope.
Staff is recommending that the city use the State of Minnesota Cooperative Purchasing Program
to purchase the Toro Workman HDX‐D 2wd. Toro has been awarded Contract No. 206789 under
the State of Minnesota Cooperative Purchasing Program and MTI Distributing is listed as an
authorized vendor under the contract.
Funding
The price of the Toro Workman HDX‐D 2wd, including ancillary equipment and all set‐up costs,
is $27,833.87 after the $6,000 trade in credit. The CIP equipment replacement fund has $31,423.90
for the purchase of a Toro Workman in 2022.
S:\October 10, 2022 Council Meeting\12.1 Q ‐ Upcoming Events.docx
Request for Action
October 10, 2022
Approved by: Tim W. Hoyt, Acting City Manager
Originating Department: City Manager
By: Tim W. Hoyt, Acting City Manager
Agenda Title
Exchange of communication between members of the city council
Upcoming meetings and events:
Oct. 11 7 p.m. – Citizen Advisory Commission Meeting
Oct. 12 6:30 p.m. – West Metro Fire‐Rescue District Board Meeting at Station #3,
4251 Xylon Avenue North
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Tri‐City Community Engagement Forum at Crystal Community
Center, 4800 Douglas Drive North
Oct. 13 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – New Hope Job Fair at New Hope City Hall
12:30 p.m. – Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission Meeting
Oct. 17 6/6:30 p.m. – City Council Work Session
Oct. 18 7:30 a.m. – District 281 Partnership Meeting
Oct. 19 11:30 a.m. – North Metro Mayors Operating Committee Meeting at Champlin
Oct. 20 8:30 a.m. – Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission Meeting
Oct. 24 7 p.m. – City Council Meeting
Agenda Section
Other Business
Item Number
12.1