Melody Lake Shoreline Restoration

This project has concluded.

• Lake Access

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  We heard people say access to Melody Lake was important - for things like viewing the lake, boating, and fishing. It's fun to see the winter uses as well, like this loop someone cleared on the ice.

  The restoration project was designed to open views and make it easier to access Melody Lake. We're clearing buckthorn and adding a rock landing at the shoreline that can be used year-round.

  Remember, ice is never 100% safe. Check out this MN Department of Natural Resources webpage for ice safety tips.

  

• Happiness is fresh snow and a sled

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  Chances for snow later this week are looking good! www.weather.gov.

  We heard this was a favorite neighborhood spot for sledding. We're planning to do an annual fall mow of the vegetation to make sure it stays that way after the restoration project is completed.

  

• Invasive Buckthorn and Tree Removal

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  The contractor will begin buckthorn and tree removal in February.

  Buckthorn management is a multi-year commitment. We expect the invasive and aggressive plant to re-sprout annually and will continue to work at eradicating it from the project area.

  Trees including ashes and weedy species will also be removed.

  Buckthorn

• Contractor selected

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  Five companies responded to the request for quotes. The qualified lowest quote was less than what staff had estimated. Per the City's purchasing policy, City Council approval is not required and the project can be approved by the Department Director.

  You can view a copy of the Request for Purchase in the Documents section.

  
  

  Rough Blazing Star in bloom, Lake Cornelia Shoreline Restoration, September 2020.

  
  

  
  

• Update to City Council

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  City Council will receive a project update at their November 17th City Council meeting. The update includes a summary of the project, feedback received, timeline, and funding. It also informs the Council that staff are moving the full-site buffer option to the design phase, which had the most support based on feedback. You can view staff report to Council here.

  Staff will seek quotes from contractors this winter and ask City Council to consider approving a contract at their January 5th meeting.

• Survey Results

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  Thank you for providing your feedback! This is what we've learned;

  • Nine people responded to the survey. You can view the survey results here. Five ideas and one question were submitted.
  • Most people get to the park by walking, as opposed to biking/cycling or other modes.
  • People enjoy viewing the lake and wildlife and wish to maintain that use.
  • People seemed interested in more access to Melody Lake for fishing, swimming, and boating.
  • Melody Lake Park is used for sledding and there is a desire to keep using it for that purpose.
  • There is interest for more winter use of Melody Lake and Melody Lake Park.
  • The full site restoration was preferred by the majority of respondents, though some noted the value of open turf grass.
  • There seemed to be support for improving natural areas at other park property.
  • People are concerned about the health of Melody Lake.

  
  

  How this feedback was used;

  • The restoration project includes removal of invasive buckthorn which will open lake views from new vantage points. This seems to align well with survey responses.
  • A proposed rock landing provides year-round access to the lake and will be designed to accommodate shore fishing and/or launching small watercraft. Adding a structure such as a wood dock that extends into the lake is not in the scope of this shoreline restoration project.
  • We've learned that this is a popular spot for sledding. We can manage the space to maintain the sledding feature here with a late fall mow of native plants before the snow flies.
  • A bike rack was originally proposed but may not be necessary. We could leave it out for now and consider it if a need arises in the future.

  Bee on Blue Vervain, Lake Cornelia Shoreline Restoration, September 2020.

  
  

• Thank you!

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  Thank you for the feedback, questions, and ideas. We're working on summarizing what we've heard so far so we can share the initial feedback with you later this week.

  Monarch caterpillar munching on Milkweed at the Lake Cornelia Restoration (2020, year 1)

• There is still time to tell us what you think!

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  We're eager to hear your feedback about the two restoration options - 30 foot restoration or full site restoration.

  What do you think about design elements such as the path, bike rack, and rock landing?

  What are your concerns? What did we miss?

  Tell us what you think by taking the survey, asking a question, offering an idea, or calling or emailing a staff person.

  Braemar restoration (2016, year 1)

• Proposed amenities

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  Check out the plan view to see where we are proposing to add a path, bike rack, and rock landing.

  

• Review and comment on proposed restoration options

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  We're seeking your feedback on two options;

  • 30 foot wide restoration
  • Full site restoration

  Check out renderings to get an idea of what it would look like in real life. Compare it to existing conditions with this photo.

  Tell us what you think by taking the survey, asking a question, offering an idea, or calling or emailing a staff person.

  Thank you!