City Council Meeting Date: June 16, 2026
To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Consider Resolution Naming Cannon River Regional Park.
Body
Action Requested:
The City Council is asked to approve a resolution naming the Cannon River Regional Park.
Summary Report:
At the June 2, 2026 meeting, the City Council discussed the concept of creating a shared regional park identity encompassing parks, trails, natural areas, and recreational amenities located along the Cannon River corridor within the Cities of Northfield and Dundas. Staff presented the concept of the Cannon River Regional Park as a means of recognizing and promoting the corridor as a connected regional recreational and natural resource while maintaining existing ownership and management responsibilities.
Following that discussion, staff is recommending formal adoption of the name Cannon River Regional Park for the proposed regional park corridor. Adoption of the name would establish a consistent identity for future planning, promotion, partnership discussions, and grant applications.
The proposed Cannon River Regional Park would serve as a shared identity for existing and future parks, trails, and natural resource areas located along the Cannon River corridor. The designation would not alter ownership, governance, operational responsibilities, or regulatory authority over any existing facilities. Northfield and Dundas would continue to independently own, operate, and maintain their respective parks and amenities.
The proposed corridor continues a history of collaboration between Northfield and Dundas, including previous state-funded trail and park projects. The name Cannon River Regional Park has also been referenced in prior grant applications related to the Cannon River Regional Trail corridor, although it has not previously been formally adopted by either city.
The corridor concept also provides opportunities to strengthen connections to regional destinations and resources, including the Mill Towns State Trail, Lake Byllesby Regional Park, Cowling Arboretum, and the historic downtown areas of Northfield and Dundas.
Approval of the resolution will formally establish the name Cannon River Regional Park and authorize staff to proceed with submission of a Preliminary Designation Application to the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission and continue discussions with the City of Dundas regarding future collaboration opportunities. Authorization to submit the Preliminary Designation Application is included as a separate item on this meeting's consent agenda.
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:
ü June 2, 2026 - Council discussed naming Cannon River Regional Park and related funding opportunities
• June 16, 2026 - Council consider resolution naming “Cannon River Regional Park”
• June 16, 2026 - 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