Rob Stein‑led team pitches Minneopa campground modernization to State Designer Selection Board

An EOR‑led design team presented its approach to modernizing the Minneopa State Park campground during a State Designer Selection Board interview, emphasizing an integrated focus on hydrology, ecology and community use.

"I'm Rob Stein. I'm a landscape architect. I will be leading site design from day 1," Stein said, describing a team that includes civil, wastewater, wetland and MEP specialists. He told the board the firm’s three pillars—water, ecology and community—would guide schematic and subsequent design work and that many team members have prior park experience.

Stein said the team would embed wetland and plant community assessments and early agency coordination into schematic design to avoid delays. "We don't wanna just build a building, design a building. We wanna design a place," he said, arguing that integrated staffing from project start reduces late‑stage conflicts.

Board members and agency reviewers questioned the team about specific constraints—shallow bedrock, a nearby wetland and wastewater disposal options—as well as accessibility and family‑friendly building layouts. The team said early borings, SHPO engagement and close coordination with park staff would inform alternatives and help meet the RFP schedule. The board said the executive secretary would notify the team later of the selection decision.