At Spring Lake Park Reserve, there is the opportunity to develop a signature park that builds on the park reserve’s inherent assets - the Mississippi River, outstanding ecological quality, and rich history as an area where ancestors of today’s Dakota tribal communities lived, prayed, hunted, gathered, battled, and buried their relatives. The landscape of Spring Lake Park Reserve has been shaped by human activities and natural processes throughout time.

Spring Lake Park Reserve is defined by its location on Spring Lake and the Mississippi River. The power and dynamism of the river and people who have made this place their homeland - the Dakota People - shaped it into the unique landscape that visitors experience today. The park is well known for its distinctive riverine landscape; diverse, high-quality, and regenerated plant communities; and many identified sites of cultural significance. It’s designation of park “Reserve” signifies the rich ecological and cultural assets exhibited at the park. These natural and cultural assets deserve protection and celebration. Each plan recommendation reacts to these significant resources using a sensitive approach to balance recreational and educational opportunities with responsible stewardship.

TEN x TEN led the master planning effort with Quinn Evans (cultural landscape architects) and Barr Engineering (natural resources). The design team worked collaboratively with County staff, the THPO’s, the community, and key stakeholders with open communication about plan development to gain a well-rounded sense of community preferences and concerns.