by MaryAnne Block
East Park has been simmering on the back burner of the St. Joseph park-and-trails system for a number of years. In 2018, there was a master plan created, a plan that was a rationale to write grants for development of what is the newest city park.
City planners decided with the expansion of construction and housing south of St. Joseph, it is time to move ahead with development for that area.
“One of the river-access points (of the park),” said St. Joseph Community Developer Nate Keller “will feature a small dock which will be wheelchair accessible to allow people with mobility issues to enjoy kayaking or canoeing activities. The parking and trail systems will all be wheelchair-accessible.”
East Park, which is due for a name change, is located along College Avenue, south of Kennedy Community School. At this point, the park is not developed, other than a few mowed natural walkway trails. The edge of the 95 acres is next to the bank of the Sauk River, just before crossing the bridge into Waite Park. The land winds south and westerly back toward Jade Road, south of Kennedy school.
The city is asking input from residents to choose a name for the park. Prairie Park, Stargazer Prairie Park, Prairie Colt Park, Rivers Bend Park are just some of the possible names.
People can take a survey about East Park at cityofstjoseph.com. Type in “Performance Survey” in the search box on top right and select the survey. There are 13 questions. The last one asks preference for a new park name. The survey runs through November.
For Phase I funding for East Park, the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources has committed a $700,000 grant. The Department of Natural Resources will provide a $250,000 grant, requiring the city to match $125,000 for park development. Phase I development of the park begins in 2024.
“A good portion of the 95-acre park area is in lowland or flood plain areas,” St. Joseph Mayor Rick Schultz said, “so the design will create a natural, passive park. It will initially feature a parking area, paved trails and two kayak/canoe loading areas to access the Sauk River. There are no plans for boat access.”
St. Joseph has a network of eight city parks of various sizes for human recreational and wildlife purposes. The city also has a trail system, including the larger Lake Wobegon Trail that connects area cities.
East Park, as it’s now known, lies between Jade Road and CR 121.
