More About Brownie Lake...
MORE ABOUT BROWNIE LAKE...
This notice was also released by the MPRB:
PARK BOARD TO HOLD TWO OPEN HOUSES FOR REVIEW OF BROWNIE LAKE AREA PLAN
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has been working with a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) to develop recommendations for an area plan for Brownie Lake. Two open houses will be held, one January 17 and the other February 14, for review of those recommendations before they are forwarded to the Board of Commissioners for approval. Both open houses will be held from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Kenwood Community Center, 2101 W Franklin Ave.
The first open house will offer community members an opportunity to comment on possible options for the area plan. Comments and ideas expressed at the open house will guide the CAC, park staff, and design consultants as they develop a preferred option. This preferred option will be presented for review and discussion at the second open house. Once the area plan has been approved by the Board, it will provide direction for improvements around the lake.
“Brownie is a small lake that packs a big punch,” said Fourth Park District Commissioner Anita Tabb. “I am delighted that so many community members and residents have participated in the CAC process. We have all learned a lot about the varied lake uses as well as its environmental aspects, and I look forward to the recommendations that come out of this very dedicated group.”
Brownie Lake, a secluded water body surrounded by steep wooded slopes, is located at the north end of the Chain of Lakes. This natural area is enjoyed by hikers, bikers, skiers, canoeists, and an occasional fisherperson. Amenities will support existing recreational uses, as well as cycling along Cedar Lake Parkway. Measures for environmental restoration, such as invasive species removal and slope stabilization, will be included in the plan.
The section of the Cedar Lake Parkway bike trail that runs along the east rim above Brownie Lake is a key link in a network of regional trails and receives over 370,000 visits per year. Originally built in 1976 as a combined-use trail, its six-foot width does not meet the current Grand Rounds standards.
The plan will encompass areas surrounding Brownie Lake bounded by Cedar Lake Parkway on the east, BNSF railroad tracks and N Cedar Lake Regional Trail on the south, Target offices and parking on the west, and S Wayzata Boulevard on the north.
Funding for the Brownie Lake Area Plan and Site Improvements was made possible through the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment passed by Minnesota voters in 2008. The amendment increased the general sales and use tax rate by three-eighths percent, and 14.25 % of the revenue generated by this increased sales tax is dedicated to the Parks and Trails Fund to support parks and trails of regional significance. Funds for the bike and pedestrian trail along Cedar Lake Parkway are provided by the federal Transportation Enhancement Act.
CAC members represent the range of park user groups. In addition to appointments by park commissioners and other elected officials, the CAC includes members appointed by the Cedar Lake Park Association, the Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association, the Cedar-Isles-Dean Neighborhood Association, and the Kenwood Isles Area Association.
For more information about the project, please visit the project page at www.minneapolisparks.org or call 612-230-6438. To sign up for email project updates, please visit www.minneapolisparks.org and click on the red envelope at the bottom of left menu bar.