Dakota County is adding more places for recreation, education and celebration in the wild with the new 460-acre Whitetail Woods Regional Park in Empire.
Park planning is underway to define a future vision for Whitetail Woods including its natural resources, recreation, services, and facilities.
Whitetail Woods is already positioned to be unique as part of the 4,000-acre natural area complex that includes Vermillion Highlands. Dakota County contracted planning and design services with Sanders, Wacker, Bergly, Inc., and is working with project partners—Empire Township, the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources—on innovative, connected opportunities for recreation on the adjacent Vermillion Highlands.
Whitetail Woods Master Plan
The park plan includes a visitor center, trails, event and nature/water play areas, camping cabins, off-leash dog area, disc golf and a variety of gardens; and it addresses park management, budget and more. An open house will be held at the Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley, on Jan. 5 from 5:30–8 p.m. with a presentation and question-answer period from 6–7 p.m.
Questions and comments can be sent to planning@co.dakota.mn.us.
Four Phases of Park Planning
1) Explore, Fall 2010
The project team evaluated public recreation interests and park characteristics, including geology, soils, vegetation, habitat, hydrology, connectivity and history, to identify potential recreation opportunities and areas for resource preservation and restoration.
2) Create Park Concepts, Spring 2011
Building on the evaluation phase, three concepts for the park were developed for public review. All concepts included diverse recreation opportunities: picnicking, cabin camping, canoeing and kayaking, community events, education, disc golf, an off-leash dog area, wildlife viewing, a visitor center, biking and hiking trails, and cross country skiing. Two concepts included collaborative food production with community gardens, fruit trees, vine and bush crops, and research. Public review of the concepts was completed in April, concluding with an open house in Farmington on April 18, 2011.
Review the three park concepts:
All concepts include diverse recreation opportunities, including picnicking, unique cabin camping, canoeing and kayaking, larger community gathering space, collaborative education facilities, disc golf, an off-leash dog area with hunting training and an agility course, wildlife viewing blinds, a visitor center, biking and soft-surfaced trails, trails, and cross country skiing. Two concepts include a collaborative food production area for community gardens, fruit trees, vine and bush crops, and research.
Concept1.pdf - Strength through Collaboration
Concept2.pdf - Community Commons
Concept3.pdf - Northwest Gathering
RegionalOverview.pdf
3) Refine and Select that Park Concept, July 2011
A refined concept was prepared, based on public comment and continuing discussion with project partners. The County Board and Dakota County’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee selected the refined concept as the foundation for the park master plan in July 2011.
Review the Refined Concept:
The refined concept builds on a general theme of health as it relates to the community, natural resources, and individual well-being. The concept of health is expressed throughout the park and collaborative facilities on Vermillion Highlands, through sustainable facility design, community gatherings, energy and food production, diverse recreation activities, public art, natural resource management, and education opportunities. The refined concept also includes a segment of regional greenway that will connect the park to UMore Park, Lebanon Hills Regional Park, and the Vermillion River in the future.
DetailedConceptOverviewDescriptionandSketches.pdf
Comments? Please send an email to: Planning@co.dakota.mn.us
4) Complete a Draft Plan, Fall-Winter 2011
With a preferred park concept for natural resources and recreation, the project team will develop a detailed plan document to guide park improvements and develop a phasing approach over time. Discussion will continue with project partners on refining collaborative opportunities on Vermillion Highlands. Look for a draft park master plan document in late fall.