We’ve made history! St. Louis Park has voted to accept Rock Island Park’s south parcel from MnDOT for no fee, and to buy the park’s north parcel for $187,000. On May 1, 2023 the St. Louis Park City Council voted on the much-anticipated resolution to save Lilac Way’s historic Rock Island Park on 28th and…
The City Council will consider historic Rock Island Park options after reviewing MnDOT report. Background: MnDOT has designated Rock Island Park’s two land parcels as ‘surplus’ and wants to relinquish ownership. After meeting with MnDOT, city staff delivered an initial report to council on Nov. 22nd, 2021. It included background and potential land uses (listed…
Rock Island Park, Sept. 8, 2021. Looking east over the rock garden, one of only two left in MN. Rock Island Park, Sept. 8, 2021. Looking north to the park's open meadow. Here are the latest Rock Island Park updates from MnDOT’s West Area Engineer and the Engineering Director of the City of St. Louis…
October 15, 2021. A sister park to restored Lilac Park, Lilac Way’s historic Rock Island park is facing a critical decision: preservation as a public park, or sale to a private developer. On Sept. 30th, 2021 MnDOT met with the City of St. Louis Park to discuss their interest in park ownership. Join the Rally!…
Click just one button to write and send your own email to the Mayor, seven Council Members and Restore Lilac Way. Lilac Way’s historic Rock Island park is facing a critical decision: preservation as a public park, or sale to a private developer. Let’s show the City of St. Louis Park that Lilac Way fans, history…
MnDOT and the City of St. Louis Park have met to discuss the future of Rock Island and its surrounding green space. If you support historic Rock Island and its open meadow, please stay informed about this issue and support preservation of this historic park and green space. This Lilac Way park is at risk,…
September 9, 2021. Lilac Way’s rare Rock Island park in St. Louis Park, MN is surrounded by lovely wide open green space. This open urban oasis is a habitat for many native plants and creatures, including insects, birds, deer, and wild turkeys. A favorite nature spot for residents, it may support native pollinators in decline,…
May 8, 2021. The “Where to Live Now” May 2021 issue of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine featured the restored beehive fireplace in Lilac Park in St. Louis Park, MN. Their ‘Found Art’ article includes remnants of Twin Cities past that are hiding in plain site. According to writer Andy Sturdevant, “The beehive fireplace from Lilac Park, now…
Christmas Lake Park, Shorewood, MN. April 30, 2021. Overlook wall on N side of Hwy. 7. Designed by Arthur Nichols. Christmas Lake Park, Shorewood, MN. April 30, 2021. Council ring wall on S side of Hwy. 7. Designed by Arthur Nichols. Like Lilac Way, Christmas Lake Park was designed by Arthur Nichols, influenced by the…
April 9, 2021. Rock Island has a dramatic new look! This historic Lilac Way park hasn’t seen this much action in decades. After marking protected trees and shrubs with blue ribbons, MnDOT removed diseased, damaged and invasive trees and shrubs in late March 2021. Thanks to Historic Roadside Property Program (HRPP) Manager Andrea Weber for…