What's New in the Anoka County Park System?

Project
New Long-Range Comprehensive Park System Plan

Location
All county and regional parks, and regional trail segments

The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department is very pleased to announce that the Anoka County Board of Commissioners has adopted a new long range comprehensive plan for the Anoka County Parks and Recreation System after more than two years of study.  The plan includes a wide variety of goals and strategies for the park system including land acquisition, parks development, facility rehabilitation, enhanced customer service, natural resources management, and parks maintenance.  The new plan replaces the last plan adopted by the board in 1998, entitled "2020 Vision," which led to $28 million in improvements to the park system.  The new plan focuses on several areas for the next 10 to 15 years, including:

  • Adding a new regional park in northwest Anoka County.

  • Amending three county parks into the regional system - Rum River North, Rum River South, and Coon Lake.

  • Increasing conservation efforts and developing a public access at Sandhill Crane Natural Area.

  • Developing Mississippi West Regional Park.

  • Planning and developing the regional trail system including two new trail segments.

  • Camping expansion and enhancement.

  • Adding facilities for dog parks, mountain biking, and disc golf.

  • Expanding program services in northern Anoka County.

  • Enhancing winter recreation opportunities.

The process of constructing this new plan would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the Parks and Recreation Department staff, which essentially researched, analyzed, and wrote the entire 300 page document.  In addition, the process was guided by a 20 member Citizens Task Force and the County Parks and Recreation Committee.  On August 1st, the plan was presented to the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission at a special meeting in Bunker Hills Regional Park.  Adoption of the plan by the Commission will assist in capital funding efforts for the regional parks and trails in Anoka County.

Project
Activity Center Building Roadway and Parking Lot Reconstruction

Location
Bunker Hills Regional Park

The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department will be reconstructing the entrance roadway to the Activity Center Building from Bunker Lake Boulevard to the Bunker Park Stables operation.  In addition, the Activity Center Building's parking lot will be reconstructed.  This project will improve the safety and aesthetics of the roadway and parking lot by utilizing curb and gutters, vegetated islands and rain gardens to infiltrate storm water runoff.  Native vegetation will not only provide a sustainable landscape but also an aesthetically pleasing landscape for visitors.  Construction is expected to start in September 2006 and end in May 2007.

Updated 09/25/2006