Project Status
Dec 1, 2023 update: CONSTRUCTION NEAR HIDDEN FALLS SOUTH ENTRANCE IS SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE.
The gate is now open until snow or ice prevent access. Work will resume in the spring to complete vegetation establishment on site.
Significant Flooding occurred from May-September 2019, resulting in deposition of silt within the park and substantial coverage of recreational trails. Please be advised when using trails to be safe and be aware there may be construction traffic in this area.
Flood Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated funds to address the silt deposition at Hidden Falls Crosby Farm Regional Park. The response plan is currently planned to occur in two phases:
PHASE I: Parks and Recreation Operations staff are working with contractors to remove excessive silt in the western area of Crosby Farm Park and along trails adjacent to the South Parking Lot in Hidden Falls Park. The silt will be deposited in the South Hidden Falls Parking Lot in anticipation of Phase II.
PHASE II: Reconstruction of the parking lot to reduce the amount of impervious surface and reconstruct trails to increase connection and recreational opportunities per the Master Plan recommendations for Hidden Falls Park South. Phase II construction will begin June 2023 and anticipate completion in September 2023. - stay tuned for updates.
Schedule
- December 2019-June 2020 - Phase I - Silt Removal in Hidden Falls and Crosby Farm Regional Park
- Fall-Winter 2020 - Complete Phase II Construction Documents
- Fall 2022 - Bid Hidden Falls Regional Park Phase II Project (Pending FEMA approval)
- Summer-Fall 2023 - Construction of new trails and parking lot in Hidden Falls Regional Park at the South Entry
- Spring 2024 - Vegetation establishment will be complete
Project Meetings
Project References
Hidden Falls History
Hidden Falls Regional Park dates back to 1887, when it was selected by Horace Cleveland, a nationally known landscape architect and park planner, as one of four major park sites for the City of Saint Paul. Except for the use of a portion of the land as a tree nursery, no improvement was made in Hidden Falls Park until 1936-37, when the WPA carried out an extensive improvement program on the site. A small spring-fed waterfall is featured in the park, which gives the park its name. In the mid 1960's the park took much of its present form as work began on the park's four primary use areas: the primitive area, boat launching area, general picnic area, and scenic falls area.
Crosby Farm History
Crosby Farm Regional Park is named after Thomas Crosby, an English immigrant who staked out 160 acres in the valley southwest of the present-day junction of Shepard Road and Interstate 35E in 1858. Before Crosby's death in 1886, the farm became one of the largest and longest running in the West End and Highland Park area. A succession of families farmed it between 1902 and 1962. The Saint Paul Port Authority purchased the land in the early 1960s and leased it to the City for park use. Today, Crosby Farm's potential as a nature area accessible to the public is being realized. With about 6.7 miles of paved trails, the park provides a beautiful setting for an afternoon's walk, run, or ride. Trails run along shady, wooded bottom lands next to the Mississippi River, along the marshes of Crosby Lake, past scenic picnic areas, and connects to the Mississippi River Boulevard parkway. Fishing and picnics are other popular activities in the park.
Project Manager
Anne Gardner
p. 651-266-6421
anne.gardner@ci.stpaul.mn.us
For more information about the Great River Passage Initiative or the River Learning Center, click here.
Project Funding
Legacy Parks and Trails Fund
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