The Process
The development of the “Riverfront Renewal” investment plan has been an ongoing process for many years. The initial Aiple Property Master Plan, developed in 1998 to guide future objectives for the riverfront land, integrated substantial public input via open houses and survey questionnaires.
Since then, the city and its consultant team have collaborated with numerous agencies, commissions, the local business community and the public to update previous plans. Former plans were aligned with current circumstances and the city's downtown planning efforts, leading to the creation of the "Riverfront Renewal" investment plan.
City leaders and staff worked closely with the community and various experts to identify the top priorities for Lumberjack Landing and Bridgeview Park.
Timeline
2014: The Bridgeview Park master plan is updated over a six-month-period.
2016-2017: The city evaluates site conditions at Lumberjack Landing and develops a preliminary site concept plan, based on input from stakeholders, city staff and elected officials.
March 2020: City gathers guidance and feedback from local, state and national agencies about the Lumberjack Landing concept and possible improvements.
2020: Residents provide feedback online using an interactive mapping tool.
Residents expressed interest in paddle sports, hiking trails along the river, beach access, fishing and restoration.
More than half of the people surveyed said keeping the existing Aiple residence is important or very important.
2021: Stillwater resident Geri Freels graciously donates $1 million to help fund the rehabilitation of the Aiple residence.
2021-2023: City develops the “Riverfront Renewal” plan to invest $13.5 million to expand access and recreational activities at Lumberjack Landing and Bridgeview Park.
2023: The City secures $6 million in state bonding funds from the MN Legislature to help pay for various projects at both Lumberjack Landing and Bridgeview Park.
The Minnesota Legislature authorized the City of Stillwater to seek voter approval of a local half-percent sales tax to raise $6.2 million to support the project.
2024: The city approves ballot language for the November 2024 ballot seeking a half-percent sales tax for a 10-year period.
