Sherburne County is seeking the public’s input on opportunities for outdoor recreation and natural resource restoration of a potential future county park on the shore of Big Elk Lake in Palmer Twp., north of Clear Lake. 

The 430-acre property is currently in private ownership and not open for public access. The current owners are collaborating with Sherburne County staff on the master planning process to fulfill the wishes of the late owner, who desired that the land would become a public park. The site is also a significant cultural resource location related to previous Native American settlement in the area. 

The purpose of the master planning process is to develop a plan that would fill gaps in recreation facilities in the county park system and allow the county to apply for state funding to acquire the property for public use. The county has hired a consultant team to assist with the master planning process, which includes HKGi (landscape architects and park planners) and Emmons and Olivier Resources (natural resources evaluation and planning).  

Two Ways One Can Provide Input

Attend an event Sat., Jan. 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Public Water Access point on the east side of Big Elk Lake, at the terminus of 67th Street. At the event, one may walk onto the ice to view the shoreline of the potential park property and provide input to county staff and project consultants regarding one’s  ideas or concerns for park development and restoration. If one plans to attend the event, please RSVP for a time slot by visiting: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e4aa4ae28a4ff2-bigelk or email gina.hugo@co.sherburne.mn.us.  Plan to follow current COVID-19 guidelines for safety at the event, including wearing masks and social distancing. 

Online engagement platforms (interactive mapping and survey questions) will be available on the county’s website after Jan. 15. Please check the county’s web site to participate and provide your input.   

The master planning process is expected to be complete in June of 2021. A second round of community engagement is anticipated to take place in the spring. Stay up to date on the project process by checking the county’s website: https://www.co.sherburne.mn.us/604/Parks-Recreation.