Park Projects

The Parks and Natural Resources Division is responsible for all City of Eden Prairie natural resources and park construction projects.

To find information about City infrastructure construction projects, visit edenprairie.org/InfrastructureProjects.

Forestry and Natural Resources Projects

If you are interested in volunteering to support the City's restoration projects, please fill out a Parks and Natural Resources Volunteer Interest Form.

Cardinal Creek Habitat Restoration

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Buckthorn and other invasive species are being removed to restore Cardinal Creek. Once the invasive species are removed, the City will seed the area with native plants. This work will help stabilize the soil, filter water runoff and allow native plants to provide pollinator habitat. This work is being done in partnership with 9 Mile Creek Watershed District through their habitat restoration grant.

The City encourages property owners to remove buckthorn on their properties and replace it with native plants. Please reach out to the City's water resources coordinator or 9 Mile Creek Watershed District if you are looking for information on the benefits of buckthorn removal, how to remove buckthorn and cost-share programs available with the City.

**Before and After Buckthorn Removal**

Edenbrook Conservation Area Restoration

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Buckthorn and other invasive species are being removed to restore Edenbrook Conservation Area. Once the invasive species are removed, the City will seed the area with native plants. This work will help stabilize the soil and allow native plants to provide pollinator habitat. This work is being done in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources through its Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program, and with Friends of Eden Prairie Parks volunteers.

The City encourages property owners to remove buckthorn from their properties and replace it with native plants. Visit edenprairie.org/Buckthorn if you are looking for information on the benefits of buckthorn removal and how to remove this invasive plant species.

Miller Park Habitat Restoration

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Project Area
Forested areas along the shoreline, from the boat launch to Belfast Curve and wetland near Shoreline Drive and Miller Parkway

Project Goals
Buckthorn, garlic mustard and other invasive species are being removed to restore the maple-basswood and oak forest habitat. The City has been working to remove buckthorn from the park since 2022. The next stage of the project will include planting native plants with the Friends of Eden Prairie Parks. Park users can expect to see fencing around these planting areas for the next three years to protect from deer.

This work is being done in partnership with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources through its Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program and with volunteers from Friends of Eden Prairie Parks.

Project Phase: Enhancement and invasive species removal

Anticipated Construction: May 2025

Anticipated Completion: June 2026

Prairie Bluff Conservation Area Restoration

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Due to off trail use, damage has occurred along the paved trail and dirt path referred to as the “Overlook Trail."

Project Area
Areas surrounding the Overlook Trail

Project Goals
The City is restoring these areas with seed collected from Prairie Bluff to repair damage and prevent future erosion from the exposed sandy soils. Additionally, the City has partnered with Hennepin County to restore ecologically degraded sections of the Prairie Bluff Conservation Area. City crews and County-hired contractors are working to remove invasive species, such as buckthorn. The projects will focus on preventing future erosion, increasing diversity, reestablishing areas damaged from overuse, protecting state-threatened plants and animals, and reducing invasive plants.

Impacts
The Overlook trail will remain closed until native plants have established, which is estimated to take 3–5 years. The sandy soils are highly erodible with increased foot-traffic causes plants to die back from soil compaction and disturbance.

The public is asked to respect trail closures as any additional damage will prolong the closure of this trail. Thank you for your help in protecting one of the last remaining prairies in the state!

Project Phase: Enhancement and invasive species removal

Anticipated Construction: September 2025

Richard T. Anderson Maintenance Trail Project

Project Area: The paved trail connecting the upper and lower parking lot of Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area

Project Goals: A stone retaining wall and a vegetated wall will be built along the north portion of the paved trail. The impeding slope failure would force the City to close the paved trail in the absence of new erosion control measures. In addition, an ecological restoration project will occur to enhance the plant communities along the newly constructed wall system.

Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources.

Project Phase: Planning and Development

Anticipated Construction: Winter 2026

Anticipated Completion: Fall 2026; restoration will continue until June 2028

Impacts: The paved trail connecting the two parking lots will be closed to the public during construction. The two parking lots may be closed in late fall and/or spring to allow for construction staging.

Project Manager
Karli Wittner, Forestry and Natural Resources Supervisor

Stable Path and Pioneer Trail Tree Removal

Project Area: Pioneer Trail adjacent to Stable Path

Project Goals: Remove ash trees before they become severely infested with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). After the removal is complete, replacement plantings will occur in the fall 2026.

This project is funded through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Shade Tree Bonding Grant.

Project Phase: Contract

Anticipated Start: November 2025

Anticipated Completion: April 2026

Park and Trail Construction Projects

Carmel Park Hard Court Replacement

The tennis and basketball courts at Carmel Park will be reconstructed and the old tile surface will be replaced with a traditional bituminous surfacing.

Anticipated Construction: June 2025

Anticipated Completion: Fall 2025

Impacts: The playground, open green space, trails and parking lot will remain open during construction. Visitors should expect parking lot and park entrance to be full with contractor equipment during construction.

Franlo Park Water Service

Franlo Road Trail Rehabilitation

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Project Area: Trail section along Franlo Road from Pioneer Trail to Tuscany Way

Project Goals: Remove the old degraded bituminous trail and install a new trail connection along Franlo Road from Pioneer Trail to Tuscany Way. ADA pedestrian ramps will be reconstructed.

Project Phase: Planning and Development

Anticipated Construction: Fall 2025

Anticipated Completion: TBD

Impacts: This trail section will be closed for the duration of the project. Adjacent property owners may have private utilities in the area that will need to be marked.

Homeward Hills Playground Renovation

**Click image to enlarge and view park renderings**

The play area at Homeward Hills Park will be redesigned and include new play equipment, splash pad, shaded seating areas and other amenities.

More details will be available as the project plan is finalized.

Project Phase: Planning and Design

Anticipated Construction: Fall 2025

Anticipated Completion: Summer 2026

Miller Park Playground Fencing Rehab

The old wooden fence along the Miller Park playground parking lot will be removed and replaced with a decorative metal fence to enhance durability and appearance.

Additionally, the playground will be enclosed with black fencing that matches the existing fence extending behind the playground.

Project Phase: Planning and Development

Anticipated Construction: July 2025

Anticipated Completion: August 2025

Impacts: None. The playground and parking lot will remain open throughout the project.

Red Rock Lake Boat Launch Rehabilitation

In conjunction with the MN Department of Natural Resources, the City will update the existing boat launch to feature an even slope with new and aligned planks.

Project Area: Boat launch, boat launch dock and adjacent parking spaces

Project Phase: Planning and Development

Anticipated Construction: November 2025

Anticipated Completion:

Impacts: The boat launch will be closed throughout construction. Access to the lake will be limited and visitors will not be able to launch personal watercraft for recreational use. Homeowners with waterfront property also will not have access to the boat launch to land or launch personal watercraft.

Staring Lake Dog Park Erosion Project

Approximately 20 hazardous trees in the area will be removed to improve safety and environmental health. In addition, the hillside will be regraded and reinforced with new riprap to help stabilize the slope and prevent future erosion.

Project Area: Staring Lake off-leash dog area

Project Phase: Planning and Development

Anticipated Construction: Late October 2025 (weather permitting)

Anticipated Completion: Approximately 1 week

Impacts: For the safety of the crew, park visitors and pets, the off-leash dog area is closed throughout construction. Portions of the parking lot will be temporarily barricaded for equipment and material staging. Most of the lot will remain open to the public.

For alternative off-leash dog park sites, visit edenprairie.org/DogParks.

Staring Lake Trail Bridge Replacement

Valley View Road Trail Extension