Scott County envisions parks, trails of the future

The rural neighborhood has been abuzz for years: What's in store for Doyle-Kennefick Regional Park?

Scott County owns more than 400 acres near Lennon Lake, a bit south and west of Prior Lake. But the area is undeveloped -- no trails, no campgrounds, no park facilities.

This month, residents got a peek at what the park of the future might look like: More than twice as big, with a restored historic farmstead, hiking trails, group campsites and public stables and trails for horseback riding.

"I think I'm going to like living next to the park," Chad Larson said after surveying the plans. "Most of us are looking forward to the walking paths."

The Doyle-Kennefick vision is just one to emerge as Scott County draws up plans for more regional parks and trails. Also in the works are plans for a future park reserve in the Blakeley Bluffs area, more recreation at Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park and two trails -- one winding through Prior Lake and Shakopee and the other between Prior Lake and Jordan.

"All these plans are long-term visions that will take decades to fully complete," said Mark Themig, Scott County's parks and trails manager.

The plans, crafted over the past year with the help of residents across the county, will go to the county board for approval in April before being presented to the Metropolitan Council this summer.

The county recently formed an alliance with the Three Rivers Park District, based in suburban Hennepin County, to provide more regional parks. Three Rivers already owns two parks in Scott County -- Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve and Cleary Lake Regional Park -- and The Landing historical park in Shakopee.

And statewide, parks and trails advocates are eyeing money available through the Legacy Amendment approved by voters in 2008.

"I'm really glad that the Legacy Amendment passed because I think that will be the main way that anything will happen," said Jed Becher, a Prior Lake resident who served on the citizen design team that crafted the park plans. "Now that they have the plans done, they'll be able to apply for funds from that."

Fulfilling the county's long-range plans for the three parks and two trails is estimated to cost $52.3 million, but much of that won't happen for decades, and any land acquisition will be done as sellers are willing.

Projects and land acquisition that could be completed in the next 10 years are estimated to cost $10.4 million.

That amount does not cover park operating expenses, however.

"It all boils down to that one little five-letter word: Money," said County Board Chairman Tom Wolf. "There's some really nice vision there. They've put in a lot of good work. If they can be realized, it's great."

While all the parks will host a variety of activities, Doyle-Kennefick drew praise from residents who want to see the public stable and horseback riding trails.

Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park, already open seasonally, would be developed into a daytime destination, where families could swim, fish and visit a small working farm, gardens or orchard.

In the Blakeley area, the county is hoping to acquire land for a park reserve, which would keep the river bluffs largely undeveloped.

"When you walk on my ravines in the spring, it looks like Bachman's planted it. There isn't a spot you can walk on that isn't filled with wildflowers," Kjellesvig said. "If we don't preserve this land now, it's going to be gone."