Urban Park Planning

Lake of the Isles Master Plan

Led by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB), this project had a strong focus on natural resource and water quality enhancement. EOR worked directly with the lead planning firm and served as the technical resource to ensure ecological restoration strategies were incorporated into the Master Plan. This park is expected to receive more use in the future resulting from a new light rail stop planned at the Cedar Beach access point. Natural areas of the park are highly valued by the public which required thoughtful planning to ensure increased access is provided whilst protecting existing ecological resources. 

Water quality of the lakes is a challenging issue since most of the watershed is fully developed. EOR conducted a comprehensive water quality BMP siting analysis that identified suitable locations for creation of stormwater enhancement features within the space-constrained park boundary. Proposed water quality treatment features include rain-gardens, infiltration trenches, and wetland restoration. Lake management planning was brought into the Master Plan process and future resources will be allocated to cooperative projects with partners in the watershed and in-lake water quality treatment. Natural resource management and implementation plans were prepared for the ecological enhancement recommendations incorporated into the Master Plan.