Carver County reviews two concept plans for Baylor Regional Park; staff to take preferred design to public

Carver County officials and consultants presented two conceptual long-range plans for Baylor Regional Park and asked the County Board for direction before taking a preferred design back to the public.

The plan update, led by Sam Pertz, Parks and Veil supervisor, and Candace Amberg, a landscape architect with WSP, sketches alternatives that prioritize campground modernization, new day‑use facilities and improved trail connections while balancing natural‑resource management and potential revenue opportunities.

Why it matters: The county’s long‑range plan will guide investments and phasing for the park over decades. The concepts respond to public input on camping, trails, the observatory, lake access and other amenities, and they will shape future capital and operating decisions, including potential venue rentals and camp‑based revenue that commissioners said could help offset operating costs.

Consultant presentation and public input Candace Amberg of WSP said the team is “about, oh, I’d say 2 thirds to 3 quarters of the way through our schedule” and summarized findings from a multi‑pronged community engagement program that included open houses, stakeholder interviews, an online map and a technical advisory committee. Amberg said frequent requests from users included improved camping utilities and larger RV stalls, additional camper‑cabin or “glamping” options, more paved and accessible trail segments, and stronger promotion of park programs. She also noted strong regional interest in the site’s observatory, which draws visitors from across the Twin Cities metro.

Concept highlights - Concept 1: Campground‑focused. This alternative concentrates improvements in the existing developed area and reconfigures the north and south campground loops to add longer stalls and pull‑through RV sites, three small and two larger camper cabins, new restroom/shower buildings located so no campsite is farther than about 400 feet from a restroom, a relocated dump station at the park entrance and a campground “clubhouse” in a renovated portion of the barn. The consultant said the existing farmhouse would be removed in this concept and the former dump station area would become a group RV campsite.

- Concept 2: More robust park core and lakefront facilities. The second option shifts the park entrance, keeps the farmhouse as a possible rental, and contemplates a larger lakefront building (described as roughly a 6,000–8,000 square‑foot park building in the presentation) to house rentals, equipment checkout and programming. That alternative shows a nature‑themed playground and interactive water feature near the central recreation area, expanded event and meeting space in the barn, and a proposed “Lakefront Observatory Building” near the shore that would include observation decks, restrooms and rental operations. The consultant also described a version of the park with lights on the main loop trail that could be tuned to limit impacts on the observatory.

Natural resources, connectivity and land‑holding options Amberg said natural‑resource management and water quality are central to the plan. The consultants identified two adjoining parcels that a willing seller has offered; the northern parcel lacks road access and would primarily add natural resource area or trail connections, while the southern parcel sits adjacent to Eagle Lake and could support wetlands restoration, trail loops and scenic knolls. One concept also shows an option to relocate the park maintenance facility out of the developed core, which could open space for a sugar‑shack or maple‑syrup activity area within the woodlands.

Board questions and feedback Commissioners asked whether campground‑style amenities such as half‑courts, sand volleyball and pickleball are appropriate for a regional or county park; Amberg replied that such features can be found in regional parks and that many of the proposed small courts and playgrounds are intended to serve campground users specifically. Commissioner comments emphasized revenue potential from camper cabins and event rentals, regional draw for the observatory, and the importance of preserving the park’s rural character even while adding new amenities.

Timing and next steps Staff said they will hold two public open houses and post both concepts online through Social Pinpoint with a survey for those who cannot attend in person. The consultant said public hearings and outreach are scheduled through November; staff expect to synthesize feedback into a preferred layout, then return to the board with a preferred plan and projected phasing and cost estimates in late fall to early winter. The board signaled no objection to moving forward with public engagement.

Quotes “I’m Candace Amberg from WSP. I’m a landscape architect, planning and design for parks and recreation,” Amberg said while presenting the concepts. Sam Pertz told the board the project is progressing: “we are about, oh, I’d say 2 thirds to 3 quarters of the way through our schedule and, with the project. I do think we’re on track for success here.”

What wasn’t decided The board did not adopt a preferred design or approve any capital budget; staff and the consultant repeatedly said the presentation was to solicit board direction and public feedback before developing a single preferred plan. No price tag was presented; the consultant said that cost estimates will follow once public priorities are consolidated into a preferred plan and will be adjusted for inflation over the multi‑decade implementation horizon.

Context and contact The consultant said the planning effort is being aligned with the Metropolitan Council’s 2050 regional park policy guidance. Staff and the consultant asked for help publicizing the open houses and online comment opportunities so the public can review the two concepts and indicate priorities.