City Council Meeting Date: June 2, 2026
To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Discussion of naming of Cannon River Regional Park and Related Preliminary Application for Designation with the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission.
Body
Action Requested:
No action. Discussion only.
Summary Report:
Staff is proposing naming of the “Cannon River Regional Park” that would allow the parks along the Cannon River in Northfield and Dundas to be collectively recognized and promoted under a shared identity. The parks currently function as a connected recreational and natural corridor from the perspective of residents and visitors, even though they are planned, managed, and promoted separately by each city. This was a concept that was proposed following completion of the Riverfront Action Plan. A presentation, including a conceptual map of the potential corridor, is attached.
Potential benefits of exploring a shared regional park framework include improved regional branding and promotion, coordinated signage and wayfinding, enhanced communication of regional assets, and potential support for future grant opportunities through strengthened regional collaboration. Related to potential grants, staff is also recommending an initial application for designation under the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission who annually distributes between $11-$14 million for projects that are in these designated parks. Staff from Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails has visited our proposed park area and believe this would be a strong application and encouraged an initial preliminary application review.
Northfield and Dundas have a history of collaboration on state-funded trail and park improvements, with the term “Cannon River Regional Park” previously referenced in grant application materials associated with the Cannon River Regional Trail segment. While the name was never formally adopted by name in either city, it reflected a similar corridor concept.
The broader corridor concept could also has relevant connections to significant regional assets such as the Mill Towns State Trail, Lake Byllesby Regional Park, Cowling Arboretum, and the historic downtown areas of Northfield and Dundas.
Exploration of a Cannon River Regional Park concept would not change ownership, governance, operational responsibilities, or regulatory authority over existing parks and facilities. Northfield and Dundas would continue to independently own and manage their respective parks and amenities. Similar collaborative regional park corridor models have been utilized in other communities.
Initial discussions have occurred with the Dundas Mayor and City Administrator regarding the concept and whether there may be mutual interest in further exploration.
Should the Council express interest in continuing to explore the concept, staff will continue discussions with Dundas and further review potential models, opportunities, and implementation considerations. We would have action on the naming of the park and initial grant come forward at the next regular meeting for Northfield City Council.
City Administrator Ben Martig will present on the concept and consultant Bruce Jacobsen will be available for questions regarding grant opportunities.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
• Parks Master Plan
• Pedestrian, Bike, and Trail System Plan
• Riverfront Enhancement Action Plan
• Strategic Plan 2025-2028
Alternative Options:
None.
Financial Impacts:
Seeking initial review designation under the Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails would have some staff and consulting time needed. However, there are funds available in the park fund.
Tentative Timelines:
June 16 - Northfield Council consider resolution naming “Cannon River Regional Park”
June 16 - Northfield Council consider resolution seeking designation as a regional park with Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails
July - Dundas Council consider resolution naming “Cannon River Regional Park”
July - Dundas Council consider resolution seeking designation as a regional park with Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails