North Lotus Lake Park Project

Background

Lotus Lake is impaired for nutrients, primarily total phosphorus (TP). This project was identifed as one of five projects in the Lotus Lake Water Quality Improvement Project needed to achieve a reduction in TP as outlined in the Lower Minnesota River Watershed TMDL: Part II (MPCA 2020).

Overview

The vision for this project is to create a space that improves Lotus Lake water quality while enhancing park visitor experience. Project benefits include:

Improve water quality of Lotus Lake
Promote diverse vegetation and soil health
Offer visitors a unique experience

The project area is located on the eastern side of the park in the large open grassy area between the tennis court and Lotus Lake.

Public Engagement

open house 6/8/2025

A mini-open house was held on June 8, 2025, 11 am-2 pm, at North Lotus Lake Park as part of RPBCWD's Creek Week activities. The exhibits including an overview of water quality projects identified in the Lotus Lake watershed, an updated preliminary concept for the North Lotus Lake Park project, and two exhibits to collect input on components including art that could be incorporated into the North Lotus Lake Park project.

View the exhibits from the 6/8/2025 open house

People look at informational displays near a baseball field; a dog stands nearby.

Open house 11/2/2024

Project staff hosted an open house on November 2, 2024, at North Lotus Lake Park to provide an opportunity for the public to provide input on round 1 of preliminary concepts for a water quality improvement project. Attendees were also asked to contribute their ideas for the next round of preliminary concepts.

View the exhibits from the 11/2/2024 open house

Preliminary Concepts

Current Concept

Click below to open a full view of the current concept, which provides stormwater management to help protect Lotus Lake and spaces for people to gather, relax, play, and explore.

A park layout with playgrounds, sports fields, basins, prairie area, walking paths, and nearby residential area. — Current preliminary concept (June 2025)

Fill out this form to provide feedback on the current concept.

Earlier concepts

Two initial preliminary concepts were developed in fall 2024. Feedback on these helped inform developement of the current concept.

Click below to see larger images of these earlier concepts.

Proposed water quality project layout with trails, meadows, art features, and stormwater management near Lotus Lake.

Proposed landscape with trails, art features, prairie restoration, tennis courts, and stormwater facilities.

Project Phase

The North Lotus Park Lake Water Quality Improvement Project is currently in the preliminary design phase. No timeline has been set for project construction.