UPDATE, Feb. 18, 2025 – YAY! St. Louis Park’s city council unanimously voted YES on a zoning plan amendment that included a recommendation to rezone Rock Island Park’s north meadow to ‘park and open space.’ Read more
Lilac Way’s historic Rock Island Park is facing another crucial St. Louis Park city council vote — rezone the north meadow to park and open space, or allow residential development.
The rock garden is now protected, but the north meadow is again under threat of development.
Lilac Way fans have already voiced support to keep Rock Island Park’s north and south parcels together as park and open space. Our successful 2021 ‘Say YES to Rock Island Park‘ campaign produced one of the highest email rates on a city issue.
All Minnesotans: Help us convince St. Louis Park’s city council to preserve the meadow and its 1930s lilacs. As part of Lilac Way’s historic old Lilac Park, it belongs with the rock garden.
Just click one button to email the entire council.
It’s easy. This button will send your email to the Mayor, seven Council Members and Restore Lilac Way. Here’s a sample to get you started.
“I live in (insert your city and state). I urge the city of St. Louis Park, MN to rezone Rock Island Park’s north parcel permanently to ‘park and open space’, not N-1 residential development. I do not support development on this open green space, just feet away from one of only two historic rock gardens in MN. Please vote to keep this treasured Lilac Way land parcel as park space, it belongs with the rare 1930s Lilac Way rock garden. I would like my comment to be part of the City staff’s report to Council.”
- It is important to include this last line so your comment will be in the report and on the record.
- Please include ‘Rock Island Park’s north meadow parcel’ in the subject line.
- Not restricted to St. Louis Park residents
Here’s more background.
What is happening?
- In 2023, the city accepted the rare 1930s rock garden in the south parcel from MnDOT at no charge, restricted to public park
- The city purchased the north meadow parcel for $186,000, with no restrictions
- Every property in St. Louis Park is being rezoned, see Proposed Residential Zoning Updates
- The council has two options: Vote to rezone the north meadow parcel near 2800 Toledo from right-of-way to ‘park and open space’ or ‘N-1 residential’ (date TBD)
- When asked in late 2024, a majority of the council said they wanted the option to develop on Rock Island Park’s north meadow
Why does it matter?
- Option One: Rezoning the north parcel to ‘park and open space’ will preserve the land for community
- Option Two: Rezoning the meadow to N-1 allows single family homes, bungalows, duplexes, twin homes and three-unit dwellings to be built right next to a historic 1930s rock garden, one of only two in MN
- Designed during Great Depression part of old Lilac Park near Minnetonka Boulevard
- Includes a nearly block-long row of original 1930s lilacs
- This treasured community green space supports native pollinators in decline, including monarch butterflies
- Home to deer, turkeys and wildlife
How can you help?
Click the button above to email the mayor and council to urge them to rezone this meadow to ‘park and open space.’
Please help us save this historic Lilac Way land parcel from development.
One of seven 1939 Lilac Way parks, the old Lilac Park had a beehive fireplace, picnic tables and two pond areas with waterfalls. It was located in the NE corner of Highway 100 and Minnetonka Boulevard in St. Louis Park, MN.
In 2008, the beehive fireplace and one remaining table were moved to another Lilac Way park on Highway 100 near Highway 7. That park was renewed and renamed new Lilac Park.
Today, only the rock garden and meadow of the old Lilac Park remains.
Rock Island Park’s rock garden and meadow are all that remains of the old Lilac Park.
More Resources
Read transcript of city staff presentation to Planning Commission (includes only Rock Island Park relevant sections)
Learn about the city’s plan for Expanding Neighborhood Housing Options – Processes and proposed updates to St. Louis Park’s Zoning Code
Learn about the city’s plan for Proposed Residential Zoning Updates
Watch full video of Jan. 8, 2025 Planning Commission meeting
View full packet of January 8, 2025 Planning Commission meeting (125 pages, searchable)
Rock Island Park has proven community support
The community supports rezoning Rock Island Park’s north parcel as ‘park and open space’, NOT N-1 development.
If needed, Restore Lilac Way will launch a new ‘Save Rock Island Park’s North Meadow from Development’ campaign during the decision-making process.
Photo gallery
Rock Island Park’s beautiful north meadow is home to a 1930s lilac hedge, deer, wild turkeys, and many native plants. The south parcel with the 1930s rock garden is safe from development.
