Braemar Park Master Plan Implementation

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The Braemar Park master plan was created in 2017 with the help of residents and community members. City Council approved the master plan on Jan. 3, 2018. On Nov. 8, 2022, voters approved via referendum a local option sales tax to allocate $8.1 million of project funding for implementation and next phases of the Braemar Park master plan. Project planning efforts are moving forward for completing final design and constructing improvements in the park. Additional stakeholder and public engagement will occur during preliminary and final design to integrate comment and feedback into the design process.

Current proposed trail and park improvements include:

  • Walking trails
  • Mountain bike trails
  • Cross-country skiing trails
  • Pickleball
  • Courtney Fields baseball complex improvements
  • Wayfinding signs and trail connections
  • Natural resource restoration
  • Improved parking and access to Braemar Golf Course, Braemar Arena, and Courtney Fields

The Braemar Park master plan was created in 2017 with the help of residents and community members. City Council approved the master plan on Jan. 3, 2018. On Nov. 8, 2022, voters approved via referendum a local option sales tax to allocate $8.1 million of project funding for implementation and next phases of the Braemar Park master plan. Project planning efforts are moving forward for completing final design and constructing improvements in the park. Additional stakeholder and public engagement will occur during preliminary and final design to integrate comment and feedback into the design process.

Current proposed trail and park improvements include:

  • Walking trails
  • Mountain bike trails
  • Cross-country skiing trails
  • Pickleball
  • Courtney Fields baseball complex improvements
  • Wayfinding signs and trail connections
  • Natural resource restoration
  • Improved parking and access to Braemar Golf Course, Braemar Arena, and Courtney Fields

Question and Answers

Staff and Consultants will do our best to answer any questions you may have about project process, progress, and features.

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  • Share I have now walked the entirety of the new walking trail around the perimeter of the park as well as the hill spur on the east side. There are some areas where the signage indicating the location of the walking trail needs to be improved. I had to walk around some of the intersections to find out where the trail continued. Also maybe add more signage at the start of the walking trail on the east end. I’ve seen tire treads on the path there which leads me to believe folks are missing the trail indicators. on Facebook Share I have now walked the entirety of the new walking trail around the perimeter of the park as well as the hill spur on the east side. There are some areas where the signage indicating the location of the walking trail needs to be improved. I had to walk around some of the intersections to find out where the trail continued. Also maybe add more signage at the start of the walking trail on the east end. I’ve seen tire treads on the path there which leads me to believe folks are missing the trail indicators. on Twitter Share I have now walked the entirety of the new walking trail around the perimeter of the park as well as the hill spur on the east side. There are some areas where the signage indicating the location of the walking trail needs to be improved. I had to walk around some of the intersections to find out where the trail continued. Also maybe add more signage at the start of the walking trail on the east end. I’ve seen tire treads on the path there which leads me to believe folks are missing the trail indicators. on Linkedin Email I have now walked the entirety of the new walking trail around the perimeter of the park as well as the hill spur on the east side. There are some areas where the signage indicating the location of the walking trail needs to be improved. I had to walk around some of the intersections to find out where the trail continued. Also maybe add more signage at the start of the walking trail on the east end. I’ve seen tire treads on the path there which leads me to believe folks are missing the trail indicators. link

    I have now walked the entirety of the new walking trail around the perimeter of the park as well as the hill spur on the east side. There are some areas where the signage indicating the location of the walking trail needs to be improved. I had to walk around some of the intersections to find out where the trail continued. Also maybe add more signage at the start of the walking trail on the east end. I’ve seen tire treads on the path there which leads me to believe folks are missing the trail indicators.

    JennyC asked 9 months ago

    Staff, consultants, and MORC are working on identifying additional signage needs.  Additional indicator signs and permanent trail signs will be added in 2025 to help users navigate trail system.


    Rachel Finberg

    Park Planner

  • Share Hi,  Love the new trails! Is there a place where you post updates if the trails are closed? Yesterday and today the South East trail has been closed. Is it closed for the season or just maintenance?  Thanks Bret on Facebook Share Hi,  Love the new trails! Is there a place where you post updates if the trails are closed? Yesterday and today the South East trail has been closed. Is it closed for the season or just maintenance?  Thanks Bret on Twitter Share Hi,  Love the new trails! Is there a place where you post updates if the trails are closed? Yesterday and today the South East trail has been closed. Is it closed for the season or just maintenance?  Thanks Bret on Linkedin Email Hi,  Love the new trails! Is there a place where you post updates if the trails are closed? Yesterday and today the South East trail has been closed. Is it closed for the season or just maintenance?  Thanks Bret link

    Hi,  Love the new trails! Is there a place where you post updates if the trails are closed? Yesterday and today the South East trail has been closed. Is it closed for the season or just maintenance?  Thanks Bret

    Bret K asked 6 months ago

    Bret,

    Trail closures can be seen on Trailbot app or MORC website.  Closures are typically due to weather conditions or contractors working in the area.

    Rachel Finberg

    Park Planner

  • Share Just curious, is the playground at Courtney field still going in near the existing shed, or is it going now where the rebar is being placed? Love what you are doing, it’s all looking great. on Facebook Share Just curious, is the playground at Courtney field still going in near the existing shed, or is it going now where the rebar is being placed? Love what you are doing, it’s all looking great. on Twitter Share Just curious, is the playground at Courtney field still going in near the existing shed, or is it going now where the rebar is being placed? Love what you are doing, it’s all looking great. on Linkedin Email Just curious, is the playground at Courtney field still going in near the existing shed, or is it going now where the rebar is being placed? Love what you are doing, it’s all looking great. link

    Just curious, is the playground at Courtney field still going in near the existing shed, or is it going now where the rebar is being placed? Love what you are doing, it’s all looking great.

    KariJ asked 10 months ago

    Playground will be located where existing batting cages are.  The rebar location will be the new batting cages.  We wanted to place the playground close to neighborhood connections and trail system.


    Rachel Finberg

    Park Planner

  • Share How do we know if the Braemar mtb trails are open or closed? Packing up and driving there only to find the gates closed is frustrating. on Facebook Share How do we know if the Braemar mtb trails are open or closed? Packing up and driving there only to find the gates closed is frustrating. on Twitter Share How do we know if the Braemar mtb trails are open or closed? Packing up and driving there only to find the gates closed is frustrating. on Linkedin Email How do we know if the Braemar mtb trails are open or closed? Packing up and driving there only to find the gates closed is frustrating. link

    How do we know if the Braemar mtb trails are open or closed? Packing up and driving there only to find the gates closed is frustrating.

    DavidW asked 8 months ago

    Trail status can be viewed on the Trailbot app.  We also are trying to update the project site with closures.


    Rachel Finberg Park Planner

  • Share I have three questions with regard to the Braemar Park implementation of the walking, biking and X-country ski areas: 1. Will a new map be made showing all the bike paths and walking trails as they actually have been constructed, i.e. photos from a drone camera--with clearly marked bike trails--where they begin to the end? 2. Will those trails also be clearly marked on the ground in the nature areas, e.g. the hills east of Braemar Golf Course 3. I have stumbled on barbed wire several times--among the trails and wondered if the Pathfinder Trail Building company doing the current construction of bike and walking trails, would remove some old barbed wire--located in to the east and north of the Braemar Golf Course hills. I would be happy to talk to the crew and ask if they might do that. Thank you for listening to my concern, from a happy Edina resident and supporter of your department's foresight in transforming underused areas of Braemar Park! Cordially, David Bremer on Facebook Share I have three questions with regard to the Braemar Park implementation of the walking, biking and X-country ski areas: 1. Will a new map be made showing all the bike paths and walking trails as they actually have been constructed, i.e. photos from a drone camera--with clearly marked bike trails--where they begin to the end? 2. Will those trails also be clearly marked on the ground in the nature areas, e.g. the hills east of Braemar Golf Course 3. I have stumbled on barbed wire several times--among the trails and wondered if the Pathfinder Trail Building company doing the current construction of bike and walking trails, would remove some old barbed wire--located in to the east and north of the Braemar Golf Course hills. I would be happy to talk to the crew and ask if they might do that. Thank you for listening to my concern, from a happy Edina resident and supporter of your department's foresight in transforming underused areas of Braemar Park! Cordially, David Bremer on Twitter Share I have three questions with regard to the Braemar Park implementation of the walking, biking and X-country ski areas: 1. Will a new map be made showing all the bike paths and walking trails as they actually have been constructed, i.e. photos from a drone camera--with clearly marked bike trails--where they begin to the end? 2. Will those trails also be clearly marked on the ground in the nature areas, e.g. the hills east of Braemar Golf Course 3. I have stumbled on barbed wire several times--among the trails and wondered if the Pathfinder Trail Building company doing the current construction of bike and walking trails, would remove some old barbed wire--located in to the east and north of the Braemar Golf Course hills. I would be happy to talk to the crew and ask if they might do that. Thank you for listening to my concern, from a happy Edina resident and supporter of your department's foresight in transforming underused areas of Braemar Park! Cordially, David Bremer on Linkedin Email I have three questions with regard to the Braemar Park implementation of the walking, biking and X-country ski areas: 1. Will a new map be made showing all the bike paths and walking trails as they actually have been constructed, i.e. photos from a drone camera--with clearly marked bike trails--where they begin to the end? 2. Will those trails also be clearly marked on the ground in the nature areas, e.g. the hills east of Braemar Golf Course 3. I have stumbled on barbed wire several times--among the trails and wondered if the Pathfinder Trail Building company doing the current construction of bike and walking trails, would remove some old barbed wire--located in to the east and north of the Braemar Golf Course hills. I would be happy to talk to the crew and ask if they might do that. Thank you for listening to my concern, from a happy Edina resident and supporter of your department's foresight in transforming underused areas of Braemar Park! Cordially, David Bremer link

    I have three questions with regard to the Braemar Park implementation of the walking, biking and X-country ski areas: 1. Will a new map be made showing all the bike paths and walking trails as they actually have been constructed, i.e. photos from a drone camera--with clearly marked bike trails--where they begin to the end? 2. Will those trails also be clearly marked on the ground in the nature areas, e.g. the hills east of Braemar Golf Course 3. I have stumbled on barbed wire several times--among the trails and wondered if the Pathfinder Trail Building company doing the current construction of bike and walking trails, would remove some old barbed wire--located in to the east and north of the Braemar Golf Course hills. I would be happy to talk to the crew and ask if they might do that. Thank you for listening to my concern, from a happy Edina resident and supporter of your department's foresight in transforming underused areas of Braemar Park! Cordially, David Bremer

    bremerda@comcast.net asked 11 months ago

    David,

    Thank you for your support and questions.

    1. The Braemar Trail system will include multiple wayfinding and signage types.  Cross Country Ski Trails will be located primarily within the Golf course layout and will be dependent yearly on conditions and posted online and at trail entry points.  Trailhead Parking as well as Hiking and Biking trail entry points will have larger trail map networks and close ups of trail sections.  The trails themselves will be marked to delineate use (hiking/snowshoeing, or biking), difficulty level, and direction of travel (biking is one way).  We did our best to keep trail crossings to a minimal, but caution signage will also be placed to alert users of an upcoming crossing or hazard.  Once the trail network is completed (connector to the south and Hilary Lane/Braemar Blvd design) we will also place mile markers for reference.
    2. At this point trails will not be surfaced differently to delineate them from natural areas (no gravel or mulch).  Paths will be mowed, and vegetation kept low for users.  We will ask users to stay on trails to help us in the success of the landscape restoration project.  Entry points and trail access will be limited to designated areas to better communicate important notices and trail information to users.
    3. Our trail builder has uncovered and come across numerous items and remnants of the past usage of these spaces.  They have exposed and removed items when they come across them in construction but there is additional clean up needed.  Volunteers and City staff will assist in the future maintenance of these spaces, but we would like to remove any items that create hazards.  If you could reach out directly to help us locate these, contractors or city staff can work to remove or identify them before the trail systems opens for use.

     

    Rachel Finberg

    Park Planner

    rfinberg@edinamn.gov

  • Share Any update on what and where the pickleball location will be? Havent seen any updates on details or timing around it since we completed the survey. on Facebook Share Any update on what and where the pickleball location will be? Havent seen any updates on details or timing around it since we completed the survey. on Twitter Share Any update on what and where the pickleball location will be? Havent seen any updates on details or timing around it since we completed the survey. on Linkedin Email Any update on what and where the pickleball location will be? Havent seen any updates on details or timing around it since we completed the survey. link

    Any update on what and where the pickleball location will be? Havent seen any updates on details or timing around it since we completed the survey.

    crfleck asked 11 months ago

    Thanks for the question.  We have taken the survey results the community has supplied and used them to identify the needs for the location both playability and supporting amenities.  A consultant is currently under contract to create preliminary designs for the pickleball courts in conjunction with other civil site projects.  We are evaluating site conditions and impacts to confirm the location has minimal impacts and construction is within project budget.  If designs fit project and community needs then construction would be summer of 2025.

    Rachel Finberg 

    Park Planner

    rfinberg@edinamn.gov

  • Share Can you communicate a rough estimate as to when the first phase of the MTB trails will open up? Thanks! on Facebook Share Can you communicate a rough estimate as to when the first phase of the MTB trails will open up? Thanks! on Twitter Share Can you communicate a rough estimate as to when the first phase of the MTB trails will open up? Thanks! on Linkedin Email Can you communicate a rough estimate as to when the first phase of the MTB trails will open up? Thanks! link

    Can you communicate a rough estimate as to when the first phase of the MTB trails will open up? Thanks!

    Ben D asked 11 months ago

    Trails are currently being constructed and Pathfinder is making amazing progress.  We had initially anticipated an October opening but are hoping to open segments up as they pass inspections.  Our eastern segment has walking paths and blue trails and is projected to be open by July.  Staff and contractors will need to evaluate trails and remove hazard trees so we ask the public to be patient and wait for official trail opening to maintain trail integrity and longevity.  We will post segment openings with maps and imagery when they are ready for walkers and riders.

    Rachel Finberg

    Park Planner

  • Share Would Braemar consider adding winter curling leagues hosted outdoors on the bocce ball court? Curling could increase traffic in the off season of the course and increase use of the clubhouse and restaurant. For an example program, see what Brookview Golf Course has in place. on Facebook Share Would Braemar consider adding winter curling leagues hosted outdoors on the bocce ball court? Curling could increase traffic in the off season of the course and increase use of the clubhouse and restaurant. For an example program, see what Brookview Golf Course has in place. on Twitter Share Would Braemar consider adding winter curling leagues hosted outdoors on the bocce ball court? Curling could increase traffic in the off season of the course and increase use of the clubhouse and restaurant. For an example program, see what Brookview Golf Course has in place. on Linkedin Email Would Braemar consider adding winter curling leagues hosted outdoors on the bocce ball court? Curling could increase traffic in the off season of the course and increase use of the clubhouse and restaurant. For an example program, see what Brookview Golf Course has in place. link

    Would Braemar consider adding winter curling leagues hosted outdoors on the bocce ball court? Curling could increase traffic in the off season of the course and increase use of the clubhouse and restaurant. For an example program, see what Brookview Golf Course has in place.

    CTWetmore@garverUSA.com asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question.  Golf Course staff has considered winter curling in the past but no plans for this amenity have been made to date.  When weather allows, snowshoeing and cross country ski trails are available to residents.  We will continue to evaluate offerings as demand, funding, and opportunities allow.  Thank you for your suggestion, example, and interest in Braemar winter activities.


    Rachel Finberg

    Park Planner

  • Share What is the plan for cross country ski tails in the winter? Will you have groomed classic and skate trails? How many miles? on Facebook Share What is the plan for cross country ski tails in the winter? Will you have groomed classic and skate trails? How many miles? on Twitter Share What is the plan for cross country ski tails in the winter? Will you have groomed classic and skate trails? How many miles? on Linkedin Email What is the plan for cross country ski tails in the winter? Will you have groomed classic and skate trails? How many miles? link

    What is the plan for cross country ski tails in the winter? Will you have groomed classic and skate trails? How many miles?

    Sarah J asked over 1 year ago

    The City is currently working on purchasing a new vehicle to pull a tow behind trail groomer for Cross Country Trails.  A trail layout is still being determined based on impacts to golf and the neighborhood.  We will update with a proposed trail layout when one is available.  We are currently aiming for 5k of trails which would be one way both classic and skate.  Trails will be groomed when conditions allow and a level of service for the trails is currently being created and will be based on equipment and staffing availability.  We are hoping to have all of this in place before snowfall but we are dependent on supply chain and weather so we ask for your patience.


    Rachel FInberg

    Park Planner 

    rfinberg@edinamn.gov

  • Share We are longtime residents in the Braemar Hills area on Gleason Road across the street from Braemar Golf Course. The area at the North East intersection of Hillary Lane and Gleason Road is troubling. It appears to be absent any landscape plan , overrun with grasses and weeds. Is this what the city has intended? on Facebook Share We are longtime residents in the Braemar Hills area on Gleason Road across the street from Braemar Golf Course. The area at the North East intersection of Hillary Lane and Gleason Road is troubling. It appears to be absent any landscape plan , overrun with grasses and weeds. Is this what the city has intended? on Twitter Share We are longtime residents in the Braemar Hills area on Gleason Road across the street from Braemar Golf Course. The area at the North East intersection of Hillary Lane and Gleason Road is troubling. It appears to be absent any landscape plan , overrun with grasses and weeds. Is this what the city has intended? on Linkedin Email We are longtime residents in the Braemar Hills area on Gleason Road across the street from Braemar Golf Course. The area at the North East intersection of Hillary Lane and Gleason Road is troubling. It appears to be absent any landscape plan , overrun with grasses and weeds. Is this what the city has intended? link

    We are longtime residents in the Braemar Hills area on Gleason Road across the street from Braemar Golf Course. The area at the North East intersection of Hillary Lane and Gleason Road is troubling. It appears to be absent any landscape plan , overrun with grasses and weeds. Is this what the city has intended?

    Braemar Park Neighbor asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for the question, the area you are referring to was created during the  Braemar Golf Course reconstruction project.  In 2015 the area was converted from turf to prairie habitat and seeded with the goal of establishing native vegetation and combatting invasive species.  The habitat restoration process has had some additional outbreaks of invasive species during its establishment and their intensity varies from year to year.  It is currently being actively managed by a natural resources contractor.  Recently a treatment was applied to combat nettles thistles, and other identified invasive species.  Overall, the prairie restoration has been successful as far as habitat and species diversity is concerned but it is an ongoing process for an established prairie. 

    The Braemar Park Master Plan will also include restoration projects which will remove invasive species and promote habitat.  These will restore upland, savanna, woodlands, and wetlands.  See the master plan documents for priorities and restoration plan.

    2015 Braemar Golf Course Management Plan

    Rachel Finberg 

    Park Planner

    rfinberg@edinamn.gov


Page last updated: 28 Apr 2025, 07:27 AM