DEPARTMENT: Parks, Facilities, and Fleet Management
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Pursue Federal Grant Funding For Land Bridge And Sound Mitigation Construction And Update On Schematic Design For Thompson County Park Phase Two Master Plan Improvements
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the pursuit of federal grant funding for land bridge and sound mitigation construction and review schematic design for Thompson County Park Phase Two Master Plan Improvements.
SUMMARY
By Resolution No. 20-037 (January 21, 2020), the Thompson County Park Master Plan was approved by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners. Since that approval, several improvements related to visitor services, natural resources, and infrastructure were completed. Design for phase two of the Master Plan improvements received State funding in 2023. By Resolution No. 23-484 (October 24, 2023), the County Board approved the consultant selection of Hoisington Koegler Group Inc (HKGi) for pre-design and schematic design of the next round of improvements.
Staff presented the pre-design to the Board in February 2024, and the Board authorized staff to move the selected projects forward into Schematic Design by Resolution No. 24-089 (February 27, 2024). These design features, grouped as subprojects, include an addition to and renovation of Dakota Lodge/Thompson Park Activity Center that will create a park Visitor Center and an associated maintenance building adjacent to an expansion of the parking lot; a pollinator promenade alongside a newly daylit stream; an amphitheater used for programs and the rental venue; a new picnicking area near Emerson Pond; expanded trails and an overlook at Simon's Ravine; nature play areas; a paddle launch dock; and a land bridge with associated sound mitigation barrier along Highway 52.
To support the schematic design, an online public-engagement platform went live on April 8th, and an in-person Open House was held at Thompson County on Ap...
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