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.…