Carver County presents Baylor Regional Park long‑range plan with campground and barn modernization

Parks staff and WSB consultant Candice Amberg laid out a 20‑plus year plan for Baylor Regional Park focused on modernizing camping amenities, renovating the barn, improving circulation and exploring targeted land acquisition.

The plan, presented as a 163‑page document, highlights changes ranging from minor (campground operational improvements, restroom modernization) to major (up to six camper cabins, a community splash pad rather than a beach, a multi‑use park building, and potential land acquisition of about 20 acres adjacent to Eagle Lake). Consultant Candice Amberg said campground users specifically requested a water‑recreation amenity and that a centrally placed splash pad would better serve campers than the current beach arrangement.

Staff provided preliminary cost guidance for a phase‑1 program: an initial architectural/design effort and construction for a barn renovation currently estimated around $1,000,000 (design unknown), campground modernization estimated at $2.5–2.6 million, and a placeholder of $500,000 for potential land acquisition (not an appraisal). Staff emphasized the long‑range plan itself would be presented for adoption via consent on June 2 and that detailed funding and implementation would follow in separate budget cycles.