DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
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Approval Of Schematic Design For Mississippi River Landing Use Area And Access In Spring Lake Park Reserve
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Approve the schematic design for the Mississippi River Landing Use Area and Access (MRLUA&A) project in Spring Lake Park Reserve (SLPR), County Project (CP) 2000410.
SUMMARY
By Resolution No. 21-313 (June 22, 2021), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners adopted the SLPR Masterplan, which outlines the development of the MRLUA&A project. By Resolution No. 23-309 (July 18, 2023), the 2024 Park’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Adopted Budget includes a project to develop the MRLUA&A.
The MRLUA&A, previously referred to as Bud’s Landing near Fischer Avenue in SLPR, is currently used to provide limited public water access to the Mississippi River for waterfowl hunting and limited recreation. The current one-lane road is subject to erosion. Minimal parking creates challenges for visitors and programming, and the road grade is steep and not Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant for pedestrian use.
The project will create multiple access paths to the Mississippi River Landing Use Area, including an accessible pedestrian path connecting Fischer Trailhead, a non-accessible soft trail along riverside connecting Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center, and a vehicular access route. New facilities will include two small parking areas, a non-motorized boat launch, an accessible floating pier, self-service kayak rentals, wayfinding and interpretation elements, picnic tables, portable toilets, an outdoor classroom, fishing access points, stormwater treatment features, and vegetation restoration. The team will also study the feasibility of providing a small pavilion building with storage.
The site has a long history of precontact use and habitation by Indigenous people and was previously identified on the Traditional Culture Properties Survey. In 2024, a non-invasive geotechnical survey was conducted to identify the specific nature of cultural sites in the project area. The initial survey found no evidence that would rule out development. County staff consulted with Tribal Partners in April 2025 and confirmed that they are informed of the preliminary archaeological findings and are ready to move ahead.
By Resolution No. 25-337 (July 8, 2025), SRF Consulting Group was selected to provide professional design for the project. Beginning in August 2025, staff collaborated with SRF Consulting Group to develop schematic design (Attachment: Presentation Slides). A public open house was held in person on September 30, 2025, and project materials were made available online for public comments (Attachment: Public Engagement). Wetland delineation was conducted in September 2025.
Because the project is located in a culturally sensitive area, the design is guided by a desire for a minimal footprint while still meeting the goals of the masterplan. A former homestead site that has already been disturbed is used for the primary road and trail alignments to reduce potential culturally sensitive areas. Staff reviewed the project design with Tribal Partners virtually on September 2, 2025. Per the State Historical Preservation Office’s requirement, archaeological shovel testing was carried out in October 2025. Staff will continue to engage Tribal Partners throughout the archaeological review process and design updates.
The location of the project has rich natural resources and environmental resources. Some species of interest include pearly mussel, northern long-eared bats, and rustic patched bumble bee. It is currently under review by multiple related agencies, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These ongoing reviews are expected to influence and inform the final design and project schedule. Due to federal government shutdown, the review time will be impacted and potentially causing the delay of the project.
Cost estimating was conducted in October 2025 based on the preliminary design. Staff worked on
strategies to lower the cost so that the proposed scope is within the project budget. The Small Pavilion with storage will be carried as an alternate scope, pending final price.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that the County Board approve the schematic design as presented at the November 6, 2025, Physical Development Committee of the Whole.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
By Resolution No. 23-309 (July 18, 2023), the 2024 Parks CIP includes a budget for this project. By Resolution No. 24-007 (September 24, 2024), the 2025 Parks CIP was amended, and the budget now includes $4,632,230 in total funding for this project, which will be sufficient for this professional design service contract and the construction work.
|
Funding Source |
Amount |
|
Dakota County allocated ELF (required match) |
$400,000 |
|
State Direct Appropriation (Omnibus Environment and Natural Resources Finance Bill) |
$400,000 |
|
State Parks and Trails Legacy Fund |
$2,077,230 |
|
Environmental and Natural Resource Trust Fund (LCCMR) |
$1,755,000 |
|
Total |
$4,632,230 |
In the currently budgeted Parks CIP, $800,000 of the overall budget comes from Dakota County Environmental Legacy Fund (ELF), which will be reduced to $400,000. The additional $400,000 will come from the 2025 State Direct Appropriation, total amount of $1,200,000, with the other $800,000 going to boat launch related project elements at the Fischer Ave Trailhead project.
Annual Facilities Management operational costs (funded by levy) for these improvements are estimated to need 0.2 FTE totaling approximately $25,000 for staff, cleaning, and maintenance of the new areas. To fund this work, additional budget and staff will be requested or work in other areas of the County will be reduced.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 21-313 (June 22, 2021), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners adopted the Spring Lake Park Reserve (SLPR) Masterplan, which outlines the development of the Mississippi River Landing Use Area and Access (MRLUA&A) project; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-309 (July 18, 2023), the 2024 Parks Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Adopted Budget includes a project to design and construct the MRLUA&A project; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 25-337 (July 8, 2025), SRF Consulting Group is selected to provide professional design for the project; and
WHEREAS, staff reviewed the initial concept with tribal partners virtually on September 2, 2025; and
WHEREAS, a public open house was held in person on September 30, 2025, and project materials were made available online for public comments; and
WHEREAS, schematic design was developed, incorporating the result of wetland delineation and archaeological shovel testing; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends that the County Board approve the schematic design for the MRLUA&A as presented by County staff on July 22, 2025.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the schematic design for the Mississippi River Landing Use Area and Access project as presented at the Physical Development Committee of the Whole on November 6, 2025.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
21-313; 06/22/21
23-309; 07/18/23
24-007; 09/24/24
25-337; 07/08/25
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Public Engagement
Attachment: Presentation Slides
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Niki Geisler
Author: Yao Xiao