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Residents view the conceptual Lakefront plan and speak with staff at the Oct. 6 public meeting. SUBMITTED PHOTO
A near standing-room-only audience attended the City of St. Cloud’s Oct. 6 workshop to share conceptual plans for the proposed St. Cloud Lakefront Park and Waterways Master Plan.
Representatives from the City’s consulting firm GAI briefed the crowd on the conceptual plan. St. Cloud Parks and Recreation Director Stephanie Holtkamp emphasized that the plan was a work in progress, and the purpose of the workshop was specifically for residents to make their input known.
Comment cards were distributed, and comments could also be written directly on the large drawings that were available for review.
The Park currently boasts features such as a marina, restaurant, beach, playground, and splash pad as well as many recreation opportunities along the East Lake Tohopekaliga shore. During the 2017, Envision St. Cloud Citywide Master Plan, Lakefront Park was identified as a node of opportunity to serve as the centerpiece for the growing city.
The Envision plan also highlighted bright spots, and some areas for concern, in any planning going forward. These included amplifying the Marina, Dan Terrell Point, multipurpose lawn, and the trail. Improvements to pedestrian access and crossings and vehicle flow and parking are also needed. Potential plans also include adding a seaplane base that some say would add a facet to the City’s economic base and exposure and travel to the park and eventually downtown.
In the proposed plan for review. the existing playground and splashpad have been relocated to give way to a large, stepped amphitheater lawn and pavilions improving event use of the park. The beach has been kept much the same with new buoys separating the swimming area from navigable waters where, to the east, a new jet ski and kayak launch point allows a separate entry point from the marina. A new promenade with shade trees leads to an enhanced Dan Terrell Memorial Point.
To the west, an expanded marina with additional angled parking leads to a new activity hub. The existing boat ramp has been relocated west to provide highquality development in this prime waterfront location. Economic opportunity components here include a hotel with a restaurant, retail offerings, and a new civic center. A new family zone including a larger splash pad and playground occupies shore space at the base of the pier that leads to the seaplane slips.
To address the identified pedestrian and traffic concerns, the trail has been separated into a pedestrian sidewalk and cycle track to prevent conflicts between these two users. Additionally, amenities and parking have been more evenly distributed throughout the park to ensure that parking pressures are more evenly distributed rather than being concentrated in one area. Additional shade trees, nature boardwalk sections, and bridge crossings to allow shorter walk loops round out the proposed plan’s offerings.
