Project Overview: 

Stearns County commissioned Brauer & Associates, Ltd. to prepare a master plan for one of the most unique and intriguing regional park settings in Minnesota.  The park is 220 acres, with an additional 400 acres of land slated for acquisition.  The park offers a diversity of natural and cultural features, ranging from unique geological formations and remnant native plant communities to a vibrant history of quarry mining. 

Received the 2000 Honor Award for Public Landscape Design by MASLA.

Key Objectives of the Master Plan Included:

• Protect the park’s innate character - from both a natural and cultural perspective

• Provide extensive education and interpretive programming opportunities for all age groups

• Provide regionally-based recreation facilities to serve a rapidly expanding regional population center

 

Recreational amenities master planned for the park include an outdoor and indoor interpretive center, extensive network of trails (nature, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking), an outdoor classroom, observation points, quarry swimming and fishing, and a group camp area.

The master plan was completed in 1996.  A variety of trails, overlooks and interpretive areas have been constructed in phases.  The main visitor center and interpretive cultural display area is in the process of being designed with Brauer & Associates assistance for construction in 2007/2008.

Brauer & Associates, Ltd. Services:

• Facilitation of public involvement

• Master planning through construction documents

• Construction bidding and observation for initial phases

Quarry Park and Nature Preserve

BRAUER & ASSOCIATES, LTD.

LAND USE PLANNING AND DESIGN

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources