Dakota County Invites Feedback of Mendota Heights Area Residents on Proposed Minnesota River Greenway

Dakota County Parks is asking for your feedback in refining the details of a proposed greenway that would connect Lilydale Regional Park to Scott County along the Minnesota River.

Greenways are typically corridors that provide a trail, recreation opportunities, natural areas for wildlife habitat and features that improve water quality, according to Steve Sullivan, director of parks for Dakota County.

An open house on the topic is scheduled from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Avenue in Apple Valley, Room L139. There, residents can view a draft corridor and talk to county and city representatives about what they like and what they want to see change.

The master planning process is being funded through a Blue Cross Blue Shield grant, and funding has been secured for the first phase of construction in the south to begin in 2012-2013. Public feedback will help to determine which segments of the trail will constitute the next phases.

Mendota Heights and Lilydale each have representation in a stakeholders group advising the county in the planning process. The greenway could be developed to connect with the city's trail system at Lilydale Road and the Big Rivers Scenic Overlook, according to Mendota Heights's representative, Assistant City Administrator Jake Sedlacek.