Carver County begins updates to Baylor Regional Park master plan, discusses possible land purchase

Sam Pertz, parks and trails supervisor, told the Carver County Board of Commissioners that staff has started a long-range plan update for Baylor Regional Park and asked the board for direction on public engagement and whether it wants staff to pursue a potential park-boundary expansion.

Pertz said the plan update is intended to be a two-phase process with public engagement, consultation with the Metropolitan Council’s parks and open-space policy requirements, and Milestones that would bring a draft back to the board in September and a final plan to the Metropolitan Council for approval in early 2026. He described the long-range plan as a 30,000‑foot guide for park development rather than site-level construction documents.

Pertz told the board that staff has identified a willing landowner (Tim Zelman) who owns two parcels totaling about 70 acres adjacent to Baylor Park. He said the county would engage appraisers to establish market value for both parcels — staff estimated appraisal costs in the $3,000–$4,000 range — and that the county could reimburse a landowner for appraisal costs under a memorandum of understanding. Pertz said any purchase agreement would need board approval and that a signed purchase agreement could make the county eligible for Metropolitan Council Park Acquisition Opportunity Funds, which provide up to 75% regional funding with a 25% local match.

Board members asked whether the landowner was ready to sell. Pertz said there was interest but that no timeline had been set; he emphasized staff would respect the landowner’s preferences for transaction timing and structure. Commissioners also discussed the park’s current uses — camping, trails and heavy weekend visitation — and the need to address aging restroom facilities and other infrastructure. One commissioner said Baylor Park is underutilized relative to its potential and urged staff to consider bold options and the opportunity to secure adjoining parcels if funding becomes available.

Pertz said staff will also reach out to adjacent property owners as part of the master-plan process to explore other acquisition possibilities, and that they will engage the Metropolitan Council early to ensure plan requirements are met. No purchase was approved at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to continue the planning process, to obtain appraisals if appropriate, and to return with further recommendations.