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What's New!
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park – Road and Parking Lot Improvements
In 2011, the first phase of the road and parking lot improvements was completed. This phase reconstructed the entrance road of Egret Boulevard and the main parking lot by the Visitor Center. The plaza at the Visitor Center was also reconstructed with planters, seating and informational signing.
The second phase is scheduled to begin in Fall 2012. This project will reconstruct the remaining park roadway and parking lots south of the Visitor Center. The goal of the project is to provide a safe driving surface while reducing the amount of imperious surfaces so close to the river. A few trails will be reconstructed and a new trail constructed to provide a loop around Cenaiko Lake. This project is anticipated to be completed by Fall 2013. Funding for this project comes from two Metropolitan Council grants.
Lake George Regional Park
 Construction was completed on a new restroom building in 2011. 2012 will bring the reconstruction of the existing beach wall. Over the years, water and wave action have undermined the block retaining wall separating the beach from the park area. The new wall will be terraced to provide interest and better views of the lake. The terraces also allow the County to reduce the steep grade at the beach reducing sediment and erosion at the lakes edge. Construction is expected to begin in April and be substantially complete by June 2012. Funding for this project is provided through a grant from the Metropolitan Council.
Mississippi West Regional Park
Anoka County recently completed construction of a new public access to the Mississippi River at the park. This launch is accessed by Traprock Street off of Highway 10 in Ramsey, MN. The new launch has a paved parking lot with eight vehicle and trailer stalls an six vehicle only stalls. Due to the topography of the river, boaters may encounter low water levels at times and should be advised to launch at their own risk. In addition to the boat launch, the County is also constructing a fishing deck or observation deck. The deck will be constructed in the winter of 2012 and should be complete by June 2012. The funding for this project is provided through a Legacy grant from the Metropolitan Council.
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Campground
Starting after Labor Day 2012 the campground will closed to upgrade utility services. All of the existing electrical lines will be abandoned and new “rodent proof” lines will be installed. This will reduce the amount of blown circuits and service interruptions in the campground. Existing septic systems will be taken off line and rerouted to city services; storm water drainage improvements will occur throughout the campground; new lighting will be installed and the roadway will be paved past the existing dump station. In addition, the County will be adding electric and water service to an additional 15 sites. Construction is expected to be complete by the following spring 2013 camping season. Funding for this project is through a Parks and Trails Legacy grant from the Metropolitan Council.
Heritage Lab Improvements
 2012 will bring improvements to the Heritage Living History Lab. This phased project proposes to construct a small shelter at each of the lab stations as well as construct one larger scale shelter for large group gathering; an enclosed structure for storage; portable toilet enclosures; field restoration; road repair and new signs for the area. Site analysis is expected to start in spring 2012, with design occurring during the summer and construction is expected to start in the fall of 2012. Funding for this project is through a Parks and Trails Legacy grant from the Metropolitan Council.
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve (Master Plan Update)
Anoka County is in the process of amending the park reserve’s Master Plan. The amendment will include the potential acquisition of 87 acres in the City of Columbus. A small parking lot and trail will provide access to the park reserve north of Interstate 35W. An open house is scheduled for January to receive public comment. If approved by the County Board and the Metropolitan Council, acquisition would occur in 2013. Funds for the acquisition are anticipated to come from the Metropolitan Council’s Emergency Acquisition fund.
Rice Creek West Regional Trail/Manomin County Park
The County recently submitted an amendment to the Rice Creek West Regional Trail Master Plan to the Metropolitan Council. This amendment proposes to incorporate Manomin County Park into the regional trail corridor. This will allow the County to pursue regional park and trail grants for improvements at Manomin that are not available to county park facilities. Proposed improvements to park include reconstructing the parking lots and trails; reconstructing the restroom facility for ADA compliance; improving fishing access below the dam; and improving the lighting and signing throughout the park facility. The Metropolitan Council is expected to take action on the amendment in the next few months. Improvements are planned for 2014.
Anoka County Riverfront Regional Park
Anoka County will be receiving a grant from the Metropolitan Council to redevelop the south one-half of the park. This will include reconstruction of the entrance, roadway and parking lots and rehabilitation of the restroom and shelter. In addition, a nine basket disc golf course will be added to the southernmost portion of the park. Site analysis and design will begin summer 2012 with construction occurring in the spring of 2013.
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