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SECTION FIVE: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
PARKS, OPEN SPACES, AND TRAILS PLAN
The City of Mendota Heights enjoys a park, open space, and trail system with over 290
acres of City parkland and 21 miles of trails. The City also has Fort Snelling State Park,
Big Rivers Regional Trail, North Urban Regional Trail (Mendota-Kaposia Trail), and
other park facilities located within or near its boundaries. The park system is recognized
as an important asset to the community because it provides opportunities for residents
to relax, recreate, and enjoy nature, while also enhancing the physical landscape and
improving property values.
Previous Comprehensive Plans (1959 & 1979) and Park Plans (1971 & 1985) have
guided the City in the development of its park system. As development has occurred,
parkland has been dedicated to provide residents with recreational opportunities. Since
the adoption of the 1979 Comprehensive Plan, the City has made improvements to all
parks and has developed the following new parks: Copperfield Ponds, Hagstrom-King,
Kensington, Mendakota, Sibley, Valley View Heights, and Victoria Highlands. The
location of these new parks closely resemble Plan recommendations and reflect the
City’s commitment to providing park services to all residents as opportunities arise.
Not only has the City made improvements and developed new parks, it has also made
efforts to retain existing open space. The City purchased the 17-acre Mendota Heights
Par 3 Golf Course after the private owners proposed to develop the property into
approximately 30 single family lots. The City also joined with other public entities and
purchased the 25.5-acre Pilot Knob area, which will be retained as open space.
The City of Mendota Heights currently has sufficient park acreage to serve its residents,
although not all residents have equal access to those facilities. Future improvements
will focus on updating existing facilities, adding trail facilities to neighborhoods that lack
access to parks, and increasing the amount of open space. This may be accomplished
through either park dedications or purchasing land. Trails are also an important
component and focus of this plan because they connect neighborhoods to one another
and the community to regional recreational opportunities.
The Parks and Recreation Commission is an appointed citizen body responsible for
evaluating park facility needs. The needs are determined based upon the adequacy and
accessibility of existing facilities, the availability of a desired piece of land, and budget
considerations. Recommendations are forwarded to the City Council during the City’s
annual budget and Capital Improvements Program (CIP) process.
City of Mendota Heights
2030 Comprehensive Plan
95
�SECTION FIVE: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
RECREATION PROGRAMMING
The City of Mendota Heights currently has one part-time recreation programmer. This
person is responsible for coordinating adult and senior activities, non-athletic youth
activities, and youth recreation activities not provided by the Mendota Heights Athletic
Association (golf, tennis, fishing, etc). The Mendota Heights Athletic Association
coordinates youth athletic activities within the City.
GOALS AND POLICIES
Goals:
1. To provide the optimum amount of active and passive open space for the
enjoyment of all Mendota Heights residents.
2. To provide a park system that assures the quality of facilities will match residents’
desires and standards of living.
3. To use the park system as a means to enhance the environment of each
neighborhood and the City as a whole.
4. To support the Dakota County 2030 Greenway Corridors Plan/Vision.
Policies:
1. Encourage the preservation of open space by private property owners and the
City.
2. Maximize the use of existing park facilities and consider establishment of
additional facilities for all age groups when necessary, including facilities for the
handicapped.
3. Explore new opportunities and continue to work cooperatively with School District
#197, St. Thomas, Visitation, Fort Snelling State Park, and other entities to
provide maximum recreational opportunities and avoid duplication of services.
4. Improve and expand bicycle and pedestrian connections to City parks and other
community destinations.
5. Provide neighborhoods of the City with trails, open space, and quality park
facilities and amenities.
City of Mendota Heights
2030 Comprehensive Plan
96
�SECTION FIVE: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
EXISTING CITY PARKS AND OPEN SPACES
Mendota Heights now has 295.7 acres of City parks and open space. A brief discussion
of the three types of parks that typically comprise a local park system is provided below.
The descriptions and standards should serve as a guide. Other factors, such as
proximity to regional or county parks, financing, or major trends in recreation, will also
influence the evolution of the City’s park system.
1) Neighborhood Park
Neighborhood parks are the basic unit of the park system and serve as the recreational
and social focus of the neighborhood. They accommodate a wide variety of age and
user groups, including children and adults. They create a sense of place by bringing
together the unique character of the site with that of the neighborhood. Mendota Heights
should seek to achieve a balance between active and passive neighborhood parks.
Neighborhood parks range from 5-30 acres and serve a ½ mile area. Communities
often will operate a joint neighborhood park with the school district and elementary
schools. The City’s neighborhood parks include Friendly Hills, Hagstrom-King, Ivy Hills,
Marie, Valley, Valley View Heights, Victoria Highlands, and Wentworth.
2) Community Park
Community parks are designed to meet the recreational needs of several
neighborhoods or larger segments of the community. They are intended for lit ballfields
and larger athletic facilities or community gatherings. They can also be designed to
preserve unique landscapes and open spaces. They serve a ½ mile to 5-mile radius.
The City’s community parks include Kensington, Valley, Roger’s Lake, Mendakota, and
Sibley Athletic Complex.
3) Natural Resource Area
Natural resource areas are areas set aside to preserve significant or unique
landscapes. They are often, but not always, properties unsuitable for development with
steep slopes, drainageways, and ravines or wetlands. In addition, there may be
locations where local tree protection, shoreland and critical area ordinances, or state
and local wetland ordinances restrict development in some way. Natural Resource
areas include Friendly Marsh, Copperfield Ponds, Valley Park, and Pilot Knob.
The table on the following page identifies the City’s Parks and Open Spaces, their
locations, and facilities offered:
City of Mendota Heights
2030 Comprehensive Plan
97
�•
•
Toilet
Portable
Boats
Bandshell
Parking
Skating Rink
Hockey Rink
Shelter(s)
Picnic Area
Equipment
Play
Volleyball
Basketball
Tennis
Soccer
Baseball
Softball/
Trail
Nature Area
4
C Court
Civic Center
Acres
City of Mendota Heights Parks & Facilities
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lexington & Hwy 110
Copperfield Ponds
24.9
•P
•
15.5
•P
•
33.4
•P
•
9.6
•P
•
•
•
9.3
•P
•
14.6
•P
•
6.2
•P
•
•
•
•
East of Huber Dr at Cheyenne Ln
Friendly Hills Park
•
•YO
•
•3
•
•
•
•
•
•5
Pueblo Ln & Decorah Ln
Friendly Marsh Park
North of Cheyenne Ln & Apache St
Hagstrom-King Park
•
•3
•
Mendota Heights Rd, East of Huber
Historic Pilot Knob
25.5
•
Just off Mendota Bridge, Between Acacia Cem & TH 55
Ivy Hills Park
•
•YO
•
•3
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•C
•
•
Butler & Maple Park Dr
Kensington Park
•F
•E
Concord Wa, South of Mendota Heights Rd
Marie Park
•
•3
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•E
•
•3
•4
•
•
•E
•
North of Marie Ave, Between Victoria & Lexington
Mendakota Park
19.7
•Y
•
•C
Dodd Rd & Mendakota Dr
Roger's Lake Park
9.2
•
•
•
•
•
Wagon Wheel Tr, East of I-35E
Sibely Athletic Complex
11
•
•
•F
•2
•
•C
Marie & Delaware
Town Center
0.5
•
•
NE Corner Dodd Rd @ Hwy 110; within "The Village"
Valley Park
94.4
•
•
•
•
•3
•
•3
•
•3
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Marie Ave, East of I-35E
Valley View Heights
0.7
•
6.7
•
•
•YO
•
•
•YO
Cullen & Timmy
Victoria Highlands Park
Victoria Rd & Douglas RD
Wentworth Park
10.5
•P
•
•3
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wentworth Ave, West of Dodd Rd
Total
1. Sibley Athletic Complex is a joint use facility owned and operated
by School District 197 (Additional fields not included in above table)
2. School District 197 maintains 12 tennis courts at Sibley High School.
295.7
3. Half-court only.
6. The city has no lighted ball fields.
4. Sand volleyball court – all others on grass. 7. All hockey rinks contain lights – rinks close at 10:00 p.m.
5. Paved rink for inline skating (summer).
C. Comfort station – Permanent toilet facility – Open seasonally.
E. Electrical service.
F. Full size soccer field(s).
O. Overlay.
P. Pond/Natural areas.
Y. Youth soccer fields.
�SECTION FIVE: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
EXISTING STATE, REGIONAL, AND PRIVATE PARKS AND OPEN SPACES
There are also a number of regional, county and private facilities within or near the
City’s borders.
Fort Snelling State Park
The largest park with 611 of its 2,642 acres located in the City. It provides outdoor
recreation opportunities and natural resource conservation for the public and is
considered part of the regional recreational open space system. Fort Snelling State
Park is a recreational state park offering swimming, large group and family picnic
grounds, a boat launch, interpretive center and historical areas, trails, and scenic
overlooks. Most of the park’s active facilities are located on the Bloomington side of the
River, requiring most Mendota Heights residents to drive or bike across the I-494, I-35E
and Mendota bridges. The Mendota Heights portion of the park is left primarily as a
natural area as it contains extensive floodplain marsh habitat. Facilities located in
Mendota Heights support less intensive uses, such as biking, hiking, cross country
skiing, and fishing. The Sibley and Faribault historic sites are also located on the
Mendota Heights side of the River.
Harriet Island-Lilydale Regional Park
Located just north of Mendota Heights, this park is managed by the City of St. Paul. The
lower portion of the park in the City of Lilydale is planned to remain passive open space.
A beach and concessions area is planned, but highly unlikely due to wetland issues.
The area also has a ramp for boat access to the River. A trail through the park, separate
from the roadway, is planned to link St. Paul to the Big Rivers Regional Trail.
Dodge Nature Center
A 170-acre private facility dedicated to the restoration of native plant and animal
communities. The nature preserve provides excellent educational programs and events.
School District 197
The City and School District work cooperatively to provide for joint use of facilities and
recreation programs within the community. Play equipment, two softball fields, soccer
and T-ball are provided at the Mendota and Somerset Elementary Schools. Friendly
Hills Middle School is utilized for soccer, two softball fields and fitness programs.
Tennis, baseball, softball, track, football, lacrosse, and soccer are all
accommodated at Sibley High School.
Big Rivers Regional Trail
Developed in 1996 by Dakota County along the old Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way,
this trail enables residents to bike, walk, and roller blade along the Minnesota and
Mississippi Rivers. This trail serves as an important link to other communities and has
greatly improved the awareness and accessibility of the River.
City of Mendota Heights
2030 Comprehensive Plan
99
�SECTION FIVE: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
North Urban Regional Trail (Mendota-Kaposia Trail)
This trail serves as a link from Big Rivers Valley Park to West St. Paul and to South St.
Paul.
Other Private Facilities / Open Space:
•
Mendakota Country Club (18 hole private golf course)
•
Somerset Country Club (18 hole private golf course)
•
Acacia Park Cemetery
•
Resurrection Cemetery
•
St. Thomas Academy
•
Visitation School
•
St. Peter’s Cemetery
•
St. Peter’s Church
Other Public Facilities / Open Space:
•
Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course (9 hole public golf course)
City of Mendota Heights
2030 Comprehensive Plan
100
�SECTION FIVE: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
REGIONAL PARK AND TRAIL NEEDS
The Metropolitan Council’s 2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan is the metropolitan system
plan for regional recreation open space with which local comprehensive plans must
conform. Needs of the metropolitan region were identified, and changes have therefore
been indicated that need to be implemented in order to meet the needs of the region.
The following Regional Park System Plan considerations would specifically affect the
City of Mendota Heights:
1. Dakota County North Urban Regional Trail – This trail is proposed to connect
the Dakota County Mississippi River Regional Trail to the Big Rivers Regional
Greenway in northern Dakota County. A master plan for the trail has been
completed and a portion of the trail is complete on the east end.
2. Dakota North/South Regional Trail Search Area – This is a proposed regional
trail that will connect the “Empire Wetlands” Regional Park to the proposed Chub
Lake Regional Park, the proposed Dakota South Cannon River Regional Trail,
and Lake Byllesby Regional Park. The regional trail does not have an approved
master plan yet. Dakota County will conduct a master planning process in the
future to determine the trail alignment.
LOCAL PARK and TRAIL NEEDS
Parks
City park needs can be determined by evaluating the number, size, and accessibility of
parks. It is often recommended a park system contain 25 acres of park for each 1,000
population, which is equal to 1,089 square feet per person. To meet this standard, the
City would need to provide 302.5 acres of parkland (based on the projected year 2030
population of 12,100 persons when fully developed). The City currently has 295.7 acres
of parkland and open space, and essentially meets the standard. Some additional
parkland may be obtained as the few remaining larger parcels develop.
It is also important to evaluate residents’ access to parks. Residents are typically willing
to walk ¼ to ½ mile to reach a neighborhood park. Major roads, wetlands,
drainageways, and bodies of water also restrict access. The Park and Trails Plan Map
identifies the existing parks, open spaces, nature preserves, cemeteries, and golf
courses within the City.
The following three areas of the City are under served by the City’s park system:
1. North of Somerset Country Club and east of Dodd Road. This neighborhood is
lacking a City Park facility. However, most of these residents are within walking
distance of Cherokee Regional Park in West St. Paul.
City of Mendota Heights
2030 Comprehensive Plan
101
�SECTION FIVE: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
2. North of Highway 110, east of Dodd Road and south of Wentworth Avenue
(Somerset). Although the Sibley Athletic Complex is located in this area, it does
not serve a neighborhood function. A new neighborhood park should be
considered as some of the larger lots re-subdivide.
3. North of Highway 110 and west of Lexington Avenue, there is a ball field at the
Civic Center site. Marie Park is the nearest permanent park facility (aside from
the aforementioned ball field) and for many residents is more than ½ mile away
on the other side of Lexington Avenue. There are limited opportunities for a
larger neighborhood park because the area is nearly fully developed. However, a
mini-neighborhood park should be developed to serve the residents.
The City has identified several sites for additional park, open space, or trail connecting
segments. The sites are identified as follows:
Areas of Interest:
•
•
•
•
•
Resurrection Cemetery “Break-Off” area
Visitation School property
St. Thomas property off Mendota Heights Road
Foss homestead by Wentworth Park
Somerset area
Mendota Heights will pursue additional park, open space land, and trail connections to
the extent it becomes available and is within the resources of the City.
Trails
Trails for biking, walking, and roller blading have become very popular in recent years.
Twenty-one (21) miles of trails currently extend through portions of the City’s
neighborhoods. These trails are both off- and on-road and serve as important
connections for recreational opportunities and travel.
Improved trail connections are important because many residential areas are divided by
highways and arterial roads. The recent construction of the Big Rivers Regional Trail
along the Minnesota River and the trail connection to the I-35E Bridge trailway have
also heightened the awareness and demand for improved access to the river valley.
Access to the Big Rivers Regional Trail is difficult due to the significant elevation
changes. As a result, many areas of the community cannot be easily accessed on
bikes, roller blades or foot from other areas of the community. Additional or improved
trail connections are needed to provide residents access to City parks and other
recreational opportunities in the region.
Trail connections and improvements planned by the City are shown on the following
map and are listed below.
City of Mendota Heights
2030 Comprehensive Plan
102
�SECTION FIVE: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
Planned Trail Connections and Improvements:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Delaware Avenue/TH 110
Lexington Avenue south of TH 110
Valley Park/Par 3 Golf Course/Wachtler/Wentworth
Highway 13 west of Opus
Dodd Road: TH 110 to Marie Avenue
Augusta Shores/Resurrection/Lexington
Wagon Wheel Trail
MRCA/MNRRA Plan Trail Connections – MRCA/MNRRA trail improvements
and who will be responsible for their development are listed below.
•
•
•
•
•
Huber/Friendly Marsh to Dodd/TH 110
TH 110/Delaware to Huber
Dodge Nature (Dakota County Greenway Corridor)
Future Upgrade through Valley Park (City of Mendota
Heights)
Highway 13 from Victoria Avenue to Lilydale Road – 6
‘ Trail on the north side (Lilydale side) (Mn/DOT)
City of Mendota Heights
2030 Comprehensive Plan
103
�2030
ST. PAUL
LA
KE
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
PI
CK
ER
I
E
R
Parks
State Park
City Park
Nature Preserve
HW
Y1
49
Par 3 Golf Course
x
Dakota County
Big Rivers Trail
County Trail
Sibley
Park
Cemetery
STA
TE
MIN
Park and Trails Plan
Sommerset
Golf Course
Marie Park
ER
R IV
TA
ESO
N
Y
Open Space
Victoria
Highlands
Park
VE R
MISSISSIPPI RI
HW
Wentworth
Park
Valley
Park
LI
LY
D
AL
I
PP
SI
IS
S
IS
M
AL
RI
O
EM
M
Ivy Hills Park
WEST SAINT PAUL
EY
BL
SI
VE
R
¬
COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN
EL
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Golf Course
Dakota County North
Urban Regional Trail
MENDOTA Center
Civic
Regional & State Trails
Ball Park
Existing
STATE HWY 110
City Trail
Copperfield
Ponds Park
Y
MA
Rogers
Lake Park
Po
nd
LE
s
Mendakota Park
Friendly
Hills Park
ROGERS LAKE
RD
DO
DD
55
Hagstrom
King Park
Existing
SUNFISH LAKE
Resurrection
Cemetery
ld
KE
LA
WY
Proposed
ie
A
UST
HW
Y
Planned
FRIENDLY
MARSH
A
ST
TE
13
Friendly Marsh
Park
AUG
Fort Snelling
State Park
GUN CLUB LAKE
§
¨
¦
35E
Dodge
Nature
Center
Co
pp
erf
E
LAK
Acacia
Park
Cemetary
Valley View
Heights Park
Mendakota
Golf
Course
Major River
Roads
City Boundary
ST
AT
EH
Water
Kensington Park
§
¨
¦
494
EAGAN
0
0.5
1
2
3
4
Miles
Source: City of Mendota Heights,
Dakota County, Metropolitan Council, and
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
July 2008.
�
SECTION FIVE: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
PARKS, OPEN SPACES, AND TRAILS PLAN
The City of Mendota Heights enjoys a park, open space, and trail system with over 290
acres of City parkland and 21 miles of trails. The City also has Fort Snelling State Park,
Big Rivers Regional Trail, North Urban Regional Trail (Mendota-Kaposia Trail), and
other park facilities located within or near its boundaries. The park system is recognized
as an important asset to the community because it provides opportunities for residents
to relax, recreate, and enjoy nature, while also enhancing the physical landscape and
improving property values.
Previous Comprehensive Plans (1959 & 1979) and Park Plans (1971 & 1985) have
guided the City in the development of its park system. As development has occurred,
parkland has been dedicated to provide residents with recreational opportunities. Since
the adoption of the 1979 Comprehensive Plan, the City has made improvements to all
parks and has developed the following new parks: Copperfield Ponds, Hagstrom-King,
Kensington, Mendakota, Sibley, Valley View Heights, and Victoria Highlands. The
location of these new parks closely resemble Plan recommendations and reflect the
City’s commitment to providing park services to all residents as opportunities arise.
Not only has the City made improvements and developed new parks, it has also made
efforts to retain existing open space. The City purchased the 17-acre Mendota Heights
Par 3 Golf Course after the private owners proposed to develop the property into
approximately 30 single family lots. The City also joined with other public entities and
purchased the 25.5-acre Pilot Knob area, which will be retained as open space.
The City of Mendota Heights currently has sufficient park acreage to serve its residents,
although not all residents have equal access to those facilities. Future improvements
will focus on updating existing facilities, adding trail facilities to neighborhoods that lack
access to parks, and increasing the amount of open space. This may be accomplished
through either park dedications or purchasing land. Trails are also an important
component and focus of this plan because they connect neighborhoods to one another
and the community to regional recreational opportunities.
The Parks and Recreation Commission is an appointed citizen body responsible for
evaluating park facility needs. The needs are determined based upon the adequacy and
accessibility of existing facilities, the availability of a desired piece of land, and budget
considerations. Recommendations are forwarded to the City Council during the City’s
annual budget and Capital Improvements Program (CIP) process.
City of Mendota Heights
2030 Comprehensive Plan
95
�SECTION FIVE: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
RECREATION PROGRAMMING
The City of Mendota Heights currently has one part-time recreation programmer. This
person is responsible for coordinating adult and senior activities, non-athletic youth
activities, and youth recreation activities not provided by the Mendota Heights Athletic
Association (golf, tennis, fishing, etc). The Mendota Heights Athletic Association
coordinates youth athletic activities within the City.
GOALS AND POLICIES
Goals:
1. To provide the optimum amount of active and passive open space for the
enjoyment of all Mendota Heights residents.
2. To provide a park system that assures the quality of facilities will match residents’
desires and standards of living.
3. To use the park system as a means to enhance the environment of each
neighborhood and the City as a whole.
4. To support the Dakota County 2030 Greenway Corridors Plan/Vision.
Policies:
1. Encourage the preservation of open space by private property owners and the
City.
2. Maximize the use of existing park facilities and consider establishment of
additional facilities for all age groups when necessary, including facilities for the
handicapped.
3. Explore new opportunities and continue to work cooperatively with School District
#197, St. Thomas, Visitation, Fort Snelling State Park, and other entities to
provide maximum recreational opportunities and avoid duplication of services.
4. Improve and expand bicycle and pedestrian connections to City parks and other
community destinations.
5. Provide neighborhoods of the City with trails, open space, and quality park
facilities and amenities.
City of Mendota Heights
2030 Comprehensive Plan
96
�SECTION FIVE: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
EXISTING CITY PARKS AND OPEN SPACES
Mendota Heights now has 295.7 acres of City parks and open space. A brief discussion
of the three types of parks that typically comprise a local park system is provided below.
The descriptions and standards should serve as a guide. Other factors, such as
proximity to regional or county parks, financing, or major trends in recreation, will also
influence the evolution of the City’s park system.
1) Neighborhood Park
Neighborhood parks are the basic unit of the park system and serve as the recreational
and social focus of the neighborhood. They accommodate a wide variety of age and
user groups, including children and adults. They create a sense of place by bringing
together the unique character of the site with that of the neighborhood. Mendota Heights
should seek to achieve a balance between active and passive neighborhood parks.
Neighborhood parks range from 5-30 acres and serve a ½ mile area. Communities
often will operate a joint neighborhood park with the school district and elementary
schools. The City’s neighborhood parks include Friendly Hills, Hagstrom-King, Ivy Hills,
Marie, Valley, Valley View Heights, Victoria Highlands, and Wentworth.
2) Community Park
Community parks are designed to meet the recreational needs of several
neighborhoods or larger segments of the community. They are intended for lit ballfields
and larger athletic facilities or community gatherings. They can also be designed to
preserve unique landscapes and open spaces. They serve a ½ mile to 5-mile radius.
The City’s community parks include Kensington, Valley, Roger’s Lake, Mendakota, and
Sibley Athletic Complex.
3) Natural Resource Area
Natural resource areas are areas set aside to preserve significant or unique
landscapes. They are often, but not always, properties unsuitable for development with
steep slopes, drainageways, and ravines or wetlands. In addition, there may be
locations where local tree protection, shoreland and critical area ordinances, or state
and local wetland ordinances restrict development in some way. Natural Resource
areas include Friendly Marsh, Copperfield Ponds, Valley Park, and Pilot Knob.
The table on the following page identifies the City’s Parks and Open Spaces, their
locations, and facilities offered:
City of Mendota Heights
2030 Comprehensive Plan
97
�•
•
Toilet
Portable
Boats
Bandshell
Parking
Skating Rink
Hockey Rink
Shelter(s)
Picnic Area
Equipment
Play
Volleyball
Basketball
Tennis
Soccer
Baseball
Softball/
Trail
Nature Area
4
C Court
Civic Center
Acres
City of Mendota Heights Parks & Facilities
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lexington & Hwy 110
Copperfield Ponds
24.9
•P
•
15.5
•P
•
33.4
•P
•
9.6
•P
•
•
•
9.3
•P
•
14.6
•P
•
6.2
•P
•
•
•
•
East of Huber Dr at Cheyenne Ln
Friendly Hills Park
•
•YO
•
•3
•
•
•
•
•
•5
Pueblo Ln & Decorah Ln
Friendly Marsh Park
North of Cheyenne Ln & Apache St
Hagstrom-King Park
•
•3
•
Mendota Heights Rd, East of Huber
Historic Pilot Knob
25.5
•
Just off Mendota Bridge, Between Acacia Cem & TH 55
Ivy Hills Park
•
•YO
•
•3
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•C
•
•
Butler & Maple Park Dr
Kensington Park
•F
•E
Concord Wa, South of Mendota Heights Rd
Marie Park
•
•3
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•E
•
•3
•4
•
•
•E
•
North of Marie Ave, Between Victoria & Lexington
Mendakota Park
19.7
•Y
•
•C
Dodd Rd & Mendakota Dr
Roger's Lake Park
9.2
•
•
•
•
•
Wagon Wheel Tr, East of I-35E
Sibely Athletic Complex
11
•
•
•F
•2
•
•C
Marie & Delaware
Town Center
0.5
•
•
NE Corner Dodd Rd @ Hwy 110; within "The Village"
Valley Park
94.4
•
•
•
•
•3
•
•3
•
•3
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Marie Ave, East of I-35E
Valley View Heights
0.7
•
6.7
•
•
•YO
•
•
•YO
Cullen & Timmy
Victoria Highlands Park
Victoria Rd & Douglas RD
Wentworth Park
10.5
•P
•
•3
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wentworth Ave, West of Dodd Rd
Total
1. Sibley Athletic Complex is a joint use facility owned and operated
by School District 197 (Additional fields not included in above table)
2. School District 197 maintains 12 tennis courts at Sibley High School.
295.7
3. Half-court only.
6. The city has no lighted ball fields.
4. Sand volleyball court – all others on grass. 7. All hockey rinks contain lights – rinks close at 10:00 p.m.
5. Paved rink for inline skating (summer).
C. Comfort station – Permanent toilet facility – Open seasonally.
E. Electrical service.
F. Full size soccer field(s).
O. Overlay.
P. Pond/Natural areas.
Y. Youth soccer fields.
�SECTION FIVE: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
EXISTING STATE, REGIONAL, AND PRIVATE PARKS AND OPEN SPACES
There are also a number of regional, county and private facilities within or near the
City’s borders.
Fort Snelling State Park
The largest park with 611 of its 2,642 acres located in the City. It provides outdoor
recreation opportunities and natural resource conservation for the public and is
considered part of the regional recreational open space system. Fort Snelling State
Park is a recreational state park offering swimming, large group and family picnic
grounds, a boat launch, interpretive center and historical areas, trails, and scenic
overlooks. Most of the park’s active facilities are located on the Bloomington side of the
River, requiring most Mendota Heights residents to drive or bike across the I-494, I-35E
and Mendota bridges. The Mendota Heights portion of the park is left primarily as a
natural area as it contains extensive floodplain marsh habitat. Facilities located in
Mendota Heights support less intensive uses, such as biking, hiking, cross country
skiing, and fishing. The Sibley and Faribault historic sites are also located on the
Mendota Heights side of the River.
Harriet Island-Lilydale Regional Park
Located just north of Mendota Heights, this park is managed by the City of St. Paul. The
lower portion of the park in the City of Lilydale is planned to remain passive open space.
A beach and concessions area is planned, but highly unlikely due to wetland issues.
The area also has a ramp for boat access to the River. A trail through the park, separate
from the roadway, is planned to link St. Paul to the Big Rivers Regional Trail.
Dodge Nature Center
A 170-acre private facility dedicated to the restoration of native plant and animal
communities. The nature preserve provides excellent educational programs and events.
School District 197
The City and School District work cooperatively to provide for joint use of facilities and
recreation programs within the community. Play equipment, two softball fields, soccer
and T-ball are provided at the Mendota and Somerset Elementary Schools. Friendly
Hills Middle School is utilized for soccer, two softball fields and fitness programs.
Tennis, baseball, softball, track, football, lacrosse, and soccer are all
accommodated at Sibley High School.
Big Rivers Regional Trail
Developed in 1996 by Dakota County along the old Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way,
this trail enables residents to bike, walk, and roller blade along the Minnesota and
Mississippi Rivers. This trail serves as an important link to other communities and has
greatly improved the awareness and accessibility of the River.
City of Mendota Heights
2030 Comprehensive Plan
99
�SECTION FIVE: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
North Urban Regional Trail (Mendota-Kaposia Trail)
This trail serves as a link from Big Rivers Valley Park to West St. Paul and to South St.
Paul.
Other Private Facilities / Open Space:
•
Mendakota Country Club (18 hole private golf course)
•
Somerset Country Club (18 hole private golf course)
•
Acacia Park Cemetery
•
Resurrection Cemetery
•
St. Thomas Academy
•
Visitation School
•
St. Peter’s Cemetery
•
St. Peter’s Church
Other Public Facilities / Open Space:
•
Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course (9 hole public golf course)
City of Mendota Heights
2030 Comprehensive Plan
100
�SECTION FIVE: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
REGIONAL PARK AND TRAIL NEEDS
The Metropolitan Council’s 2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan is the metropolitan system
plan for regional recreation open space with which local comprehensive plans must
conform. Needs of the metropolitan region were identified, and changes have therefore
been indicated that need to be implemented in order to meet the needs of the region.
The following Regional Park System Plan considerations would specifically affect the
City of Mendota Heights:
1. Dakota County North Urban Regional Trail – This trail is proposed to connect
the Dakota County Mississippi River Regional Trail to the Big Rivers Regional
Greenway in northern Dakota County. A master plan for the trail has been
completed and a portion of the trail is complete on the east end.
2. Dakota North/South Regional Trail Search Area – This is a proposed regional
trail that will connect the “Empire Wetlands” Regional Park to the proposed Chub
Lake Regional Park, the proposed Dakota South Cannon River Regional Trail,
and Lake Byllesby Regional Park. The regional trail does not have an approved
master plan yet. Dakota County will conduct a master planning process in the
future to determine the trail alignment.
LOCAL PARK and TRAIL NEEDS
Parks
City park needs can be determined by evaluating the number, size, and accessibility of
parks. It is often recommended a park system contain 25 acres of park for each 1,000
population, which is equal to 1,089 square feet per person. To meet this standard, the
City would need to provide 302.5 acres of parkland (based on the projected year 2030
population of 12,100 persons when fully developed). The City currently has 295.7 acres
of parkland and open space, and essentially meets the standard. Some additional
parkland may be obtained as the few remaining larger parcels develop.
It is also important to evaluate residents’ access to parks. Residents are typically willing
to walk ¼ to ½ mile to reach a neighborhood park. Major roads, wetlands,
drainageways, and bodies of water also restrict access. The Park and Trails Plan Map
identifies the existing parks, open spaces, nature preserves, cemeteries, and golf
courses within the City.
The following three areas of the City are under served by the City’s park system:
1. North of Somerset Country Club and east of Dodd Road. This neighborhood is
lacking a City Park facility. However, most of these residents are within walking
distance of Cherokee Regional Park in West St. Paul.
City of Mendota Heights
2030 Comprehensive Plan
101
�SECTION FIVE: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
2. North of Highway 110, east of Dodd Road and south of Wentworth Avenue
(Somerset). Although the Sibley Athletic Complex is located in this area, it does
not serve a neighborhood function. A new neighborhood park should be
considered as some of the larger lots re-subdivide.
3. North of Highway 110 and west of Lexington Avenue, there is a ball field at the
Civic Center site. Marie Park is the nearest permanent park facility (aside from
the aforementioned ball field) and for many residents is more than ½ mile away
on the other side of Lexington Avenue. There are limited opportunities for a
larger neighborhood park because the area is nearly fully developed. However, a
mini-neighborhood park should be developed to serve the residents.
The City has identified several sites for additional park, open space, or trail connecting
segments. The sites are identified as follows:
Areas of Interest:
•
•
•
•
•
Resurrection Cemetery “Break-Off” area
Visitation School property
St. Thomas property off Mendota Heights Road
Foss homestead by Wentworth Park
Somerset area
Mendota Heights will pursue additional park, open space land, and trail connections to
the extent it becomes available and is within the resources of the City.
Trails
Trails for biking, walking, and roller blading have become very popular in recent years.
Twenty-one (21) miles of trails currently extend through portions of the City’s
neighborhoods. These trails are both off- and on-road and serve as important
connections for recreational opportunities and travel.
Improved trail connections are important because many residential areas are divided by
highways and arterial roads. The recent construction of the Big Rivers Regional Trail
along the Minnesota River and the trail connection to the I-35E Bridge trailway have
also heightened the awareness and demand for improved access to the river valley.
Access to the Big Rivers Regional Trail is difficult due to the significant elevation
changes. As a result, many areas of the community cannot be easily accessed on
bikes, roller blades or foot from other areas of the community. Additional or improved
trail connections are needed to provide residents access to City parks and other
recreational opportunities in the region.
Trail connections and improvements planned by the City are shown on the following
map and are listed below.
City of Mendota Heights
2030 Comprehensive Plan
102
�SECTION FIVE: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
Planned Trail Connections and Improvements:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Delaware Avenue/TH 110
Lexington Avenue south of TH 110
Valley Park/Par 3 Golf Course/Wachtler/Wentworth
Highway 13 west of Opus
Dodd Road: TH 110 to Marie Avenue
Augusta Shores/Resurrection/Lexington
Wagon Wheel Trail
MRCA/MNRRA Plan Trail Connections – MRCA/MNRRA trail improvements
and who will be responsible for their development are listed below.
•
•
•
•
•
Huber/Friendly Marsh to Dodd/TH 110
TH 110/Delaware to Huber
Dodge Nature (Dakota County Greenway Corridor)
Future Upgrade through Valley Park (City of Mendota
Heights)
Highway 13 from Victoria Avenue to Lilydale Road – 6
‘ Trail on the north side (Lilydale side) (Mn/DOT)
City of Mendota Heights
2030 Comprehensive Plan
103
�2030
ST. PAUL
LA
KE
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
PI
CK
ER
I
E
R
Parks
State Park
City Park
Nature Preserve
HW
Y1
49
Par 3 Golf Course
x
Dakota County
Big Rivers Trail
County Trail
Sibley
Park
Cemetery
STA
TE
MIN
Park and Trails Plan
Sommerset
Golf Course
Marie Park
ER
R IV
TA
ESO
N
Y
Open Space
Victoria
Highlands
Park
VE R
MISSISSIPPI RI
HW
Wentworth
Park
Valley
Park
LI
LY
D
AL
I
PP
SI
IS
S
IS
M
AL
RI
O
EM
M
Ivy Hills Park
WEST SAINT PAUL
EY
BL
SI
VE
R
¬
COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN
EL
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Golf Course
Dakota County North
Urban Regional Trail
MENDOTA Center
Civic
Regional & State Trails
Ball Park
Existing
STATE HWY 110
City Trail
Copperfield
Ponds Park
Y
MA
Rogers
Lake Park
Po
nd
LE
s
Mendakota Park
Friendly
Hills Park
ROGERS LAKE
RD
DO
DD
55
Hagstrom
King Park
Existing
SUNFISH LAKE
Resurrection
Cemetery
ld
KE
LA
WY
Proposed
ie
A
UST
HW
Y
Planned
FRIENDLY
MARSH
A
ST
TE
13
Friendly Marsh
Park
AUG
Fort Snelling
State Park
GUN CLUB LAKE
§
¨
¦
35E
Dodge
Nature
Center
Co
pp
erf
E
LAK
Acacia
Park
Cemetary
Valley View
Heights Park
Mendakota
Golf
Course
Major River
Roads
City Boundary
ST
AT
EH
Water
Kensington Park
§
¨
¦
494
EAGAN
0
0.5
1
2
3
4
Miles
Source: City of Mendota Heights,
Dakota County, Metropolitan Council, and
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
July 2008.
�
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Laura Levitt
Dublin Core
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Mendota Heights Parks and Open Space Plan
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Mendota Heights Parks and Open Space Plan lists the parks in the Mendota Heights area and describes the goals of the Parks and Open Space plan for this area outside of Minneapolis, MN.
Creator
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City of Mendota Heights
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City of Mendota Heights
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City of Mendota Heights
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Public Domain
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Mendota Heights Parks and Open Space Plan.pdf
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Mendota Heights, Dakota County, Minnesota
Mendota Heights
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