The second parcel of land for East Community Park was deeded to the City with the Nordic Square/Brandtjen plat in 2005. Prior to that, the City already owned the parcel of land between Pilot Knob and the conservation area that runs along the tributary to North Creek. Construction and design of the park began in 2006 with completion in 2008. The original master plan included the development of the north side of the park but that did not occur at the time.
The Nordic and Brandtjen properties were primarily used for agricultural purposes as far back as 1937. This included soybeans, corn, dairy cattle and stables. Gravel mining operations began on the Nordic property in the 1970s and was used for this purpose up until its residential development in 2008. Extensive natural area resource management and wetland mitigation has occurred at the site including prairie restoration, surface water management, water quality improvements and trail construction. Approximately 24 acres of woodland located on the north side of East Lake have been designated as a natural resource area and was acquired through a Dakota County Farmland Area Grant in 2006.
In 2018, staff hosted several open houses to gather feedback from the neighbors on how they would like to see the second phase of the park developed. Funding for the project was secured with the 2021 Park Bond Referendum and a new master plan was developed. Completion of the second phase is slated for 2026. Project updates can be found on our Park Improvements and Updates webpage.
