The Three Rivers Park District has added to its extensive land holdings throughout the metro area, acquiring a 38.6-acre parcel in Rogers adjacent to its Crow-Hassan Park Reserve.

The district said the property, currently leased to a local farmer, has been a high priority for acquisition for several years. The purchase price was not disclosed Friday.

Located on the Crow River west of Rogers, Crow-Hassan is a 2,600-acre park that includes restored prairie, hiking and horseback riding trails, and an off-leash dog area. The park reserve is connected to the Lake Independence Regional Trail.

The park district over the years has gradually expanded Crow-Hassan since the first 145-acre parcel was acquired in 1962. Next winter, part of the park will begin to undergo a prairie restoration project that will provide a nesting habitat for several species of birds, mammals and reptiles, as well as native pollinators.

Three Rivers said the newly acquired land is a good candidate for oak and aspen reforestation. That work would not begin for another year and would be done over three years.

There are several buildings on the site, and all but one will be demolished. The remaining building will be used for cold storage.

Three Rivers representatives told the Rogers City Council in 2009 that the park district was pursuing purchase of the property after being contacted by the owner in 2008. The district was interested because the parcel was right next to its park reserve and not separated by a road.

Three Rivers owns and operates more than two dozen park reserves, regional parks and regional trails on about 27,000 acres, mostly in suburban Hennepin County.

Susan Feyder • 612-673-1723