Bridgeview Park Master Plan

TO:
Mayor & Councilmembers
FROM:
Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director
DATE:
February 26, 2015
RE:
Bridgeview Park Plan
INTRODUCTION
On March 3, 2015 the City Council is scheduled to consider the first draft of the final plan for
Bridgeview Park. This draft is based upon conceptual plans that were developed through
meetings conducted with the downtown business community, governmental agencies that have
review authority, marina owners and operators, the boating public and interested residents, as
well as both the Park Commission and the Planning Commission. Several Council members
were present at each stage of the process.
COMMENTS
On January 6, 2015 the City Council reviewed the conceptual plans for Bridgeview Park.
Though there was support for the concepts, two discussion areas emerged. The first related to
phasing and funding for implementation of the plan. The second was that if there is a municipal
dock, it should be as close to downtown as possible.
1. Phasing and funding.
Build-out of the plan would occur in five phases (see attached plan). Though specific
dates have not been set for each phase, they could occur one to three years apart. The
overall timeframe for plan implementation would then be 5 15 years, or longer. This
open ended timing takes some pressure off of funding, since about 50% of the estimated
$10.7 million total project cost could be the Citys responsibility.
2. Dock location
The focus area for the municipal dock, as identified by the majority of opinions expressed
at the various planning meetings, is the stretch of City owned shoreline between Nelson
Street and the two Bergstein buildings in Bridgeview Park. Four location options are
provided in the attached sketches.

Page 2
The first option is to construct a municipal dock adjacent to the Bergstein

buildings in Bridgeview Park. This is the option shown as the preferred option
in the draft park plan.
The second option is to lease St. Croix Boat & Packets transient slips and convert
them to public boat slips.
o St. Croix Boat & Packet is on-board with this option.
o The City could lease the slips for two years. After two years, the lease
could be continued, or the other options could be pursued.
o The Citys maintenance responsibilities would only be for the slip
structures, not the dock itself.
o The City would have no up-front capital costs.
This would allow the public dockage to be offered as early as this
summer, rather than at some undetermined future phase of park
plan development.
o The location of the public dockage would be very close to downtown
proper.
o The City could offer free boat docking if there were no City paid
attendants, no electricity, not water or sewer service.
Offering no services would not only allow docking to be free, but
it would also discourage overnight stays.
The third option would be to reconstruct the St. Croix Boat & Packet dock by
reorienting the extension to the south instead of to the north. The result would
be room to construct a new municipal dock where the old city dock was,
immediately adjacent to the Dock Caf. This option would also require the
relocation of the Avalon, because it could no longer maneuver into its current
dock if the extension of the main dock were reoriented southward.
o An advantage to this option is that it provides the absolute shortest
distance from the focus stretch of shoreline to downtown proper.
o Disadvantages include:
Relocating the Avalon to the Bergstein building site may create
incompatible land uses depending upon the end use of the
Bergstein buildings.
Parking for the Avalon customers is primarily in City Lot 1. By
moving the Avalon further south, the distance between parking
and the excursion boat is doubled.
Rebuilding the St. Croix Boat & Packets dock will be a large
expense that would have to be borne by the City.
The fourth option would be for the City to build a dock where the Avalon is
currently located.
o An advantage to this option is that the distance to Downtown is shorter
than a dock at the Bergstein buildings would be.
o Disadvantages to the option include:
Since the dock would be new, it would be required to have ADA
accessibility. This would necessitate an expensive switch-back
ramp up the narrow, steep bluffline.

Page 3
Relocating the Avalon to the Bergstein building site may create

incompatible land uses depending upon the end use of the
Bergstein buildings.
REQUEST
Staff requests the Council to consider approving the Bridgeview Park Plan, with one change.
The change would be to refer to the draft plans preferred dock location as one of several dock
location options. The other options could then be included as an appendix.
If the Council supports the plan for Bridgeview Park, with or without staffs suggested change,
staff would bring a Resolution of Adoption to the March 17 Council meeting.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Direct staff to bring a Resolution of Approval to the March 17 Council meeting.
2. Table action for additional information.
bt
attachments:
Draft Plan
Dock location options
SON
NEL
Y
ALLE
SON
NEL
SON
NEL
S TR
EET
SO
UT
E
STR
ET
H
M
AI
N
ST
RE
ET
ST
AT
E
&
36
St. Croix Boat & Packet

office
BRO
AY
ADW
TH
SOU
23
T4
LO
AH
ET
95
VT
GO
TH
SOU
CS
PINE
E
STR
HI
GH
W
AY
S
Option 1
ND
E
STR
O
SEC
TH
SOU
T
EAS
EET
H
UT
SO
STR
THIR
ET
Preferred alternative in draft

Bridgeview Park Plan.
O
G
O CU
E L
ST
ST
AD
RO
A IL
E
NR
AT
ER
ST
Bergstein buildings
ST
WE
T
LO
TH
OR
VT
&N
ET
T
EAS
O
AG
RE
ST
EET
EET
STR
IC
CH
IN
MA
STR
N UT
WAL
YS
WA
GH
HI
&
95
36
SON
NEL
Y
ALLE
SON
NEL
EET
STR
S ON
NEL
SO
UT
S TR
EET
H
M
AI
N
ST
RE
ET
ST
AT
E
95
&
36
1) City lease existing private transient slips

and convert to public slips.
2) If future expansion necessary, add dock
where Avalon is and move Avalon to
Bergstein Buildings shoreline.
VT
T
LO
4
EET
St. Croix Boat & Packet proposal:

office
A
BRO
Y
DWA
STR
HW
AY
S
GO
TH
SOU
T
SOU
PINE
Option 2
HI
G
T
EAS
STR
OND
SEC
EET
H
UT
SO
EET
STR
IC
CH
ET
RE
G
O
&N
ET
LO
TH
OR
VT
T
EAS
O
AG
ST
E
STR
IN
MA
WAL
NU T
T
1
ST
WE
N
ER
Bergstein buildings
ST
AD
RO
E
AT
ST
IL
RA
ST
OCU
E L
Y
ALLE
SO N
NEL
NE
NE
EE
STR
N
LS O
SO
N
LS O
EET
STR
UT
H
Option 3
M
AI
N
ST
RE
ST
AT
E
HI
GH
W
AY
S
95
T
EAS
EET
T
LO

office
AY
ADW
BRO
TH
ST R
36
V
GO
&
TH
SOU
S OU
PINE
1) Flip St Croix Boat & Packet dock,

eliminate transient slips
2) Add municipal dock on City
property next to Dock Cafe
3) Relocate Avalon dock
ET
ND
STR
O
SEC
EET
TH
EET
U
SO
STR
MA
ICA
G
&
GO
VT
NO
T
EAS
CH
EET
E
RE
ST
STR
IN
WA
T
LN U
T
1
R
RN
AD
E
AT
ST
RO
AI L
ST
TE
UST
ES
OC
E L
LO
HW
RT
Bergstein buildings
HI
GH
NEL
SO N
NEL
Y
ALLE
SO N
STR
ON
E LS
EET
SO
UT
STR
EET
H
M
AI
N
ST
RE
ET
ST
AT
E
Option 4
HI
GH
W
AY
S
95
TH
SOU
36
V
GO
&
1) Relocate Avalon dock

2) Build municipal dock in current Avalon
location.
T
LO
4
TH

office
AY
ADW
BRO
S OU
PINE
ET
TR E
ND
STR
TH
O
SEC
SOU
T
EAS
EET
TH
EET
U
SO
STR
D
THIR
MA
ICA
G
&
GO
VT
NO
T
EAS
CH
E
RE
ST
EET
EE
STR
IN
STR
WAL
N UT
LO
H
RT
ST
WE
AD
E
AT
ST
T
T S
RO
AI L
S
OCU
E L
NR
ER
Bergstein buildings
HI
GH
Bridgeview Park
Master Plan Update
February 13, 2015 DRAFT
in Association with Baird
Bridgeview Park
Master Plan Update
Acknowledgements
City of Stillwater City Council
City of Stillwater Planning Commission
City of Stillwater Parks Commission
Bill Turnblad
City of Stillwater, Community Development Director
Abbi Wittman
City of Stillwater, City Planner
Shawn Sanders
City of Stillwater, Public Works Director
Todd Clarkowski
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Kevin Western
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Molly Shodeen
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Kent Skaar
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Ann Pung-Turwedo
Washington County
Tim Mason
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Chris Willger
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Ellen Denzer
St. Croix County (Wisconsin)
Amanda Engesether St. Croix County (Wisconsin)

Susan Hoyt
St. Joseph Township (Wisconsin)
Carolyn Barrette
St. Joseph Township (Wisconsin)
Todd Streeter
Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Stillwater Business Owners

Lower St. Croix Marina Managers
Stillwater Residents
M A S T E R P L A N U P D AT E
Table of Contents
ii
1. Introduction
1-1
Regulatory Context
1-4
1998 Master Plan Highlights
1-6
Public Involvement
1-8
Related Planning and Design
1-9
2. Site Characteristics
2-1
Natural Resources Context
2-2
Cultural Resources Context
2-4
Existing Site Conditions
2-6
3. Master Plan
3-1
Site Program and Design
3-2
Transient Dock Study
3-10
Potential Activity Programming and Partnerships
3-14
4. Implementation
4-1
B R I D G E V I E W PA R K
List of Figures
Figure 1 Project Location Map
1-2
Figure 2 Aerial Photo of Project Site
1-3
Figure 3 Aerial Photo of Downtown Stillwater
1-3
Figure 4 Lower St. Croix Riverway Overview Map (MnDNR 2002)
1-5
Figure 5 Original Visitors Center Concept Sketch
1-6
Figure 6 Environmental Issues Matrix
1-7
Figure 7 Stillwater Public Library
1-8
Figure 8 Stillwater City Hall
1-8
Figure 9 Lift Bridge and Lowell Park
1-9
Figure 10 Hersey & Bean Lumber Company Sawmill , c. 1875
1-10
Figure 12 Relocated Historic Bergstein Buildings
1-10
Figure 11 Historic Sawmill Stone Wall
1-10
Figure 13 St. Croix Crossing Project Loop Trail (MnDOT)
1-11
Figure 14 Bridgeview Park Property Shoreline Looking North
2-1
Figure 15 Natural Resources Context Map
2-3
Figure 16 Cultural Resources Context Map
2-5
Figure 17 Existing Conditions Plan
2-7
Figure 18 St Croix Trail (TH 95/TH 36) Looking North
2-9
Figure 19 South Park Access Drive Under Construction
2-9
Figure 20 Shoreline Path Looking North
2-10
Figure 21 Center Clearing Looking North
2-10
Figure 22 Center Clearing Looking South
2-11
Figure 23 Historic Bergstein Buildings
2-11
Figure 24 Downtown Approach near St. Croix Boat & Packet
2-12
Figure 25 Downtown Approach Adjacent Municipal Parking Lot
2-12
iii
iv
Figure 26 Recreational Trails
3-1
Figure 27 Bridgeview Park Master Plan
3-3
Figure 28 Bridgeview Park Master Plan - Southern Area
3-5
Figure 29 Bridgeview Park Master Plan - Central Area
3-6
Figure 30 Bridgeview Park Master Plan - Northern Area
3-7
Figure 31 Site Cross Section A
3-8
Figure 33 Site Cross Section C
3-8
Figure 32 Site Cross Section B
3-8
Figure 34 Site Cross Section D
3-9
Figure 35 Site Cross Section E
3-9
Figure 36 St. Croix Boat &Packet Dock
3-10
Figure 37 Alternative Dock Location Assessment Map
3-12
Figure 38 Alternative Dock Location Assessment Matrix
3-13
Figure 39 Paddling
3-14
Figure 40 Shakespeare in the Park
3-14
Figure 41 Bridgeview Park Phasing Plan
4-1
Regulatory Context
Public Involvement
1. Introduction
Located on the western shoreline of the scenic St. Croix
River, Bridgeview Park offers a unique opportunity to
experience nature while the urban amenities and charm
of Downtown Stillwater. In the recent past, the park
property has been variously referred to as the Aiple
Property and the Barge Terminal Property. The City
of Stillwater last prepared a master plan for the Aiple
Property in 1998, which also included planning for
Kolliner Park located across the river. A number of factors
led the City to embark upon an update to the previous

plan including anticipated mitigation projects from the
Minnesota Department of Transportations (MnDOT)
St. Croix Crossing project and community interest in
improving recreational boating access. The property
also has numerous historical resources from the 19th
century industrial uses that could enrich the experience
of the park through interpretive exhibits.
1-1
Introduction
Figure 1 Project Location Map
1-2
Introduction
Figure 2 Aerial Photo of Project Site
Figure 3 Aerial Photo of Downtown Stillwater
1-3
Regulatory Context
As part of the legislation designating the St. Croix

as a National Wild and Scenic River, the Cooperative
Management Plan (2002) was developed to guide
stewardship of the river and its surroundings.
Geographically, the overall plan addresses the river
extents from Taylors Falls extending south to Prescott
where it converges with the Mississippi River. Stillwater
sits within the section of the river designated as an active
social recreation area. It is also designated as a State
Zone, which is managed cooperatively by the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) and the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WiDNR).
1-4
North of Stillwater, the river transitions into a moderate

recreation area and then a quiet waters area, which
is managed by the National Park Service. See Figure 4
for an overview map of the Riverway. In addition, other
federal, state, and local agencies have jurisdiction and
permitting authority. See Figure 6 for a comprehensive
matrix outlining regulatory responsibilities.
Regulatory Context
Taylors Falls St. Croix Falls

8
Wisconsin Interstate
State Park
Minnesota Interstate
State Park
8
Osceola
Cedar
Bend
QUIET WATERS
(main channel)
Forest Lake
NATURAL WATERS
(backwaters)
35
William O'Brien
State Park
Marine on
St. Croix
St. Croix Islands
Wildlife Area
64
35
35E
Somerset
35
64
Stillwater
Federal Zone
State Zone
MODERATE
RECREATION
(main channel)
NATURAL WATERS
(backwaters)
36
Bayport
North Hudson
Hudson
Lakeland
St. Paul
94
94
Lake St. Croix

Beach
ACTIVE
SOCIAL
RECREATION
Afton
River Falls
Afton State Park

10
61
35
Miss
iss
i p pi River
Kinnickinnic State Park
Prescott
10
St. Croix River

Lower St. Croix NSR
4.5
9 Miles
Major Highways
North
Figure 4 Lower St. Croix Riverway Overview Map (MnDNR 2002)
1-5
The original Aiple Property Master Plan (1998)

incorporated extensive public input through open
houses and survey questionnaires. While that process
occurred sixteen years ago, many of the same issues
and sentiments are still relevant. A major component of
the plan which is no longer possible was the potential
to renovate and re-use the Terra Terminal industrial
building on site, formerly used to store fertilizer, as a
public Visitor Center. That building, formerly located
at the north end of the park property, was removed
as part of mitigation for the St. Croix Crossing Project.
In summary, the following lists highlight the publics
sentiment about the park at the time, which eventually
lead to a preferred plan that was adopted by the City
Council.
Figure 5 Original Visitors Center Concept Sketch
1-6
Frequently Mentioned Issues and Concerns:

Preservation of views/landscape
Environmental issues
Preservation of heritage
Preferred Uses:
Walking connection to Downtown
Hiking trails
Native plantings/wildflowers
Picnic shelter
Biking trails
ic R
eso
urc
Cul
es
tur
al R
(Hi
sto
e
s
our
ric;
A
rch ces
Lan
aeo
log
(Re d Use
ica
cre
l)
atio Plann
ing
n
a
Zon
l, G
&P
row oli
i
Flo ng;
th, cies
odp
etc
lain
.)
&S
hor
Roa
ela
dA
nd
cce
ss;
Tra
ffic
No
ise
; Ai
rQ
ual
ity
Con
tam
ina
ted
Sit
Lan
es
dA
cqu
isit
i
o
Env
n
i
Do ronm
cum ent
ent al
atio
Pot
n
e
& A ntial
ppr Perm
ova
i
ls ts
Agencies
Sce
n
Riv
e
Mo r or F
difi
l
cat oodpl
ion
a
& A in
We
cce
tlan
ss
ds;
Spr
ing
Dra
s
ina
Run ge;
off
Tre
atm
ent
Soi
ls;
Ero
sio
n
Wa
ter
Qu
alit
y
Wil
d&
Sce
nic
Fis
Riv
h,
er
& W Wild
l
i
f
ate
r Fo e
wl
Veg
eta
tion
Environmental Issues
FEDERAL
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA)
U.S. Department of Interior
National Park Service
Fish and Wildlife Service
Natural Resource Conservation

Service (NRCS; formerly SCS)
Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation
STATE
Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency
Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources
Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources
Minnesota Board of
Water and Soil Resources
Lower St. Croix Management
Commission (LSCMC)
Boundary Area Commission
Tribal Historic Preservation
Office (Minnesota and Wisconsin)
State Historic Preservation
Office (Minnesota and Wisconsin)
Minnesota Environmental
Quality Board
REGIONAL/LOCAL
Metropolitan Council
Washington County (Minnesota)
St. Croix County (Wisconsin)
City of Stillwater
Water Management Organizations
(WMO)
Soil and Water Conservation
Districts (SWCD)
Figure 6 Environmental Issues Matrix
1-7
Public Involvement
Initiated in the summer of 2014, the master plan update

unfolded over an approximately six month period.
The City and its consultant team coordinated with
numerous agencies, commissions, the local business
community, and the public to refresh the previous plan
according to the current circumstances and the Citys
related downtown planning efforts. Through the public
involvement process, a list of primary goals emerged
that should guide future development of the park
property over time.
Primary Master Plan Goals:

Improve convenient access to the park by car, boat,
bike, and on foot.
Capitalize on the parks proximity to downtown
to welcome park visitors to the greater Stillwater
community.
Respect the scenic character of the river.
Re-envision opportunities for the sites historical
resources to become more accessible and engaging.
Extend active recreation opportunities through trail
linkages.
Provide flexible spaces for public gathering and
potential park programming.
Figure 7 Stillwater Public Library
1-8
Figure 8 Stillwater City Hall (Patch.com)
It is a dynamic period of planning and design for

Downtown Stillwater and the St. Croix River vicinity.
The implementation of the St. Croix Crossing project
has reach beyond the primary river crossing bridge and
highway design that includes a number of mitigation
measures that have relevance for the future development
of Bridgeview Park as outlined in the list at right. In
addition, the City has been developing plans for several
years in conjunction with MnDNR for a potential public
boat launch in the park. Lastly, the Greater Stillwater
Chamber of Commerce and local business community
has initiated a downtown revitalization effort that seeks
to identify opportunities that will make the downtown
commercial district a vibrant destination for residents
and visitors in addition to growing the economic base
of the community.
St. Croix Crossing Mitigation Measures:

Removal of the Terra Terminal building
Kolliner Park: removal of non-historic elements to
allow reversion to a natural state
Riverway interpretation
Public boat access study
Completion of the loop trail system including
grading of the municipal barge facility property
Recreation, education, and Riverway restoration
Lift Bridge pedestrian/bicycle conversion
Historic resources study and stabilization
Relocation of historic Bergstein buildings to site
(adapted from St. Croix Crossing Project SFEIS, 2012)
Figure 9 Lift Bridge and Lowell Park
1-9
Figure 10 Hersey & Bean Lumber Company Sawmill , c. 1875

(Minnesota Historical Society)
Figure 12 Relocated Historic Bergstein Buildings
1-10
Figure 11 Historic Sawmill Stone Wall
Figure 13 St. Croix Crossing Project Loop Trail (MnDOT)
1-11
2. Site Characteristics
Located south of Downtown Stillwater, the Bridgeview
Park property is approximately 20 acres in size
approximately 3600 ft. (north to south) by 250 feet (east to
west). In some locations, it is as narrow as approximately
125 feet. The northern edge of the property, near the St.
Croix Boat & Packet business, is approximately mile
from the Lift Bridge at the terminus of Chestnut Street.
The southern edge of the property is approximately one
mile from the Lift Bridge.

Situated at a bend in the river, the site has expansive

views of the river valley upstream and downstream
where vegetation is thinned along the shoreline. The St.
Croix Boat & Packet dock and Lift Bridge in the distance
are prominent visual features looking north. Sunnyside
Marina is located south of the site, and the new main
river bridge will be visible in the distance also. The
location will afford a unique opportunity to observe the
two bridges from a single vantage point amidst the lush
foliage of the surrounding bluffs.
Figure 14 Bridgeview Park Property Shoreline Looking North
2-1
The Bridgeview Park property is a thin strip of deciduous

floodplain forest at the base of tall limestone bluffs
immediately west of St. Croix Trail (TH 95/TH 36). The
terrain in the park is steep and varied in many locations,
primarily along the parks western edge where it abuts
St. Croix Trail. The highway and old railroad alignment
were constructed on man-made benches within this
rugged terrain. Groundwater is often seen seeping
through the rock face and a number of historic limestone
and concrete walls dating from the sites sawmill period
still retain grade.
The site elevation ranges from approximately 733 (above
sea level) at the south end near the highway to 676 along
the shoreline (according to recent aerial photography).
The 100 Year Floodplain elevation according to current
FEMA flood insurance mapping is approximately 693.
It is common for portions of the site to experience
seasonal flooding. The natural terrain is a significant
visual feature and future park development should take
care to minimize and mitigate potential impacts.
Floodplain tree species present in this area include black
willow, silver maple, box elder, and eastern cottonwood.
Vegetation on the site has been disturbed significantly
2-2
by past land use. Currently, dense tree stands and

undergrowth line the western edge of the site clinging
to steep slopes. Vegetation along the shoreline is also
fairly dense except in the center of the site where the
shoreline was recently engineered and stabilized for
the relocation of the historic Bergstein buildings. Future
park improvements could include restoration and
interpretation of floodplain forest and meadow areas to
enrich the publics understanding of the sites inherent
ecology.
Wildlife in the vicinity includes species on land, in the
air, and in the water. Protected bird species nearby that
were identified in the St. Croix Crossing Project area
include Swallows, Ospreys, Peregrine Falcons, and Bald
Eagles. Mussel populations and fisheries exist within the
St. Croix River. The St. Croix Crossing Project identified a
number of threatened and endangered mussel species
in the project area. Mussel habitat tends to be best in the
shallow wave wash zone near the river bank. If the City
elects to proceed with development of a new transient
dock, detailed exploration of the river bottom will be
important to avoid any potential habitat impacts and
also provid a basis for the design of dock anchorages.
Figure 15 Natural Resources Context Map
2-3
The Bridgeview Park property is rich with 19th century

Stillwater history. It is set within the recently recognized
South Main Archaeological District on the National
Register of Historic Places (NHRP). One hundred and fifty
years ago, it was not a place to recreate it was a place of
industry. The area was home to a huge sawmill complex
known as the Northwestern Mill, operated by the Hersey,
Bean, and Brown Company. Archaeological study
conducted for the St. Croix Crossing Project refers to this
as the Hersey-Bean Sawmill. The mill was built in 1853
and by 1881 it employed 225 men and could produce
18 million board feet of lumber a year. Rising production
2-4
costs, diminishing supplies of timber and increased

distances to markets contributed to the mills closure
in 1904. By 1910, nearly all of the structures associated
with the operation had been dismantled, however a
few stone and brick foundations can still be found on
the park property. These ruins offer an opportunity to
provide a window on a unique aspect of Stillwaters past
through development of a coordinated interpretive plan
along the proposed trails in the park. Additionally, the
park is included within the Stillwater Cultural Landscape
District and a gateway to the Stillwater Commercial
Figure 16 Cultural Resources Context Map
2-5
MnDOT is in the process of reconstructing St. Croix Trail

(TH 95/TH 36) adjacent the southern portion of the site
and the south access drive to the park which will be shared
with Sunnyside Marina. The site is currently accessed
from the north via a bituminous drive extending from
the municipal parking lot which eventually changes to a
gravel road within the park property. The existing drive
is narrow and often congested with parked cars along
the shoreline. MnDOTs Loop Trail Project will construct
trails through the park that extend from the new main
river bridge through the tight downtown approach area
north of the park property to Nelson St and Lowell Park.
The railroad route through the site parallels St. Croix
Trail on the east side. Moving from south to north, the
railroad grade becomes further below the elevation of
2-6
the highway separated by steep slope. MnDOT will

construct a pedestrian/bicycle trail along the old rail
alignment as part of the Loop Trail Project. The rails
of the former railroad line are still in place, but will be
removed as part of the trail construction.
Several businesses are clustered near the north end
of the property including St. Croix Boat & Packet,
which operates tour boats, the Dock Caf, the Brick
Alley restaurant, and a handful of other tenants in the
buildings near the municipal parking lot. The Oasis
Caf is located across St. Croix Trail approximately
mid-way along the length of the site. St. Croix Boat &
Packet provides transient dock slips to the public for a
fee adjacent to the larger riverboat docking areas. The
municipal lot charges fees for parking.
CHES
S
MAIN
TNUT
ST
RS
WATE
k
ll Par
Lowe
Downtown
Stillwater
Lift Bridge
Dock Cafe
Existing Municipal Parking
Riverboat & Transient Dock
Relocated Historic Bergstein Buildings
and Shoreline Stabilization
Oasis Cafe
(
rail
T
x
i
St. Cro
TH
3
TH
/
5
9
6)
Bridgeview Park
Highway Reconstruction
(Shown in Blue Lines)
Sunnyside Marina
Kolliner Park
r
ive
R
oix
r
C
St.
Note:
City-owned parcels are
highlighted in red.
100 Year Flood Line (Approx. El. 693)
Figure 17 Existing Conditions Plan
2-7
Figure 18 St Croix Trail (TH 95/TH 36) Looking North
Figure 19 South Park Access Drive Under Construction (by MnDOT)
2-9
Figure 20 Shoreline Path Looking North
Figure 21 Center Clearing Looking North
2-10
Figure 22 Center Clearing Looking South
Figure 23 Historic Bergstein Buildings
2-11
Figure 24 Downtown Approach near St. Croix Boat & Packet Looking North
Figure 25 Downtown Approach Adjacent Municipal Parking Lot Looking North
2-12

3. Master Plan
By virtue of its scenic location and proximity to
downtown, Bridgeview Park has the potential to offer
a diverse array of recreational experiences. To make the
park attractive and truly accessible to the public, the
design should consider a broad cross section of potential
users and anticipate how they might interact. Bicyclists,
walkers, boaters, anglers, artists, and others will have
both common and unique needs. Out of town visitors
and residents will have greatly different perspectives.
Additionally, seasonal conditions such as flooding in

low areas or trails cleared of snow will heavily influence
the parks use year round. All design features will
be required to meet Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) requirements. Lastly, a commitment to ongoing
maintenance and upkeep of physical investments will
ensure that park visitors perceive a high level of care
creating a quality overall experience.
Figure 26 Recreational Trails
3-1
The overall plan responds to the sites existing features

and the trail system. It is likely that the park will serve as
a primary trailhead and orientation point for the St. Croix
Crossing Loop Trail. At the same time, the park will be a
destination in and of itself with primary features spread
out along its length. By clustering related activities
within different zones of the park, pressure between
different user groups will be minimized.
The southern zones primary focus is boating access
with supporting parking areas. A fishing pier would
complement the boat launch and a small clearing
alongside the lower loop trail provides an informal
picnic area.
The central zone is only accessible by bicycle or on foot,
and on most days would be geared towards passive
recreation such as nature or history walks or informal
picnicking. On special occasions, the picnic shelter could
be reserved for larger groups or host performances, and
the lawn could be converted to audience seating.
The northern zone is where the highest level of activity
is anticipated. Clearly designated circulation forms the
backbone of this area including a one-way access drive
(southbound), parking, bicycle trail, and pedestrian
promenade along the shoreline. The historic Bergstein
buildings could serve as a focal point for the park,
pending a separate study commissioned by the City
on the re-use and rehabilitation of the structures. This
is also a logical trailhead where the upper and lower
loop trails come together and people would arrive from
downtown.
Adjacent to the historic buildings, the proposed
transient dock would hug the shoreline and would be
designed to move up and down with changing water
levels with a flexible pedestrian ramp system. The linear
layout permits boats of different sizes to tie up and has
a capacity of approximately 10 to 16 vessels. The dock
could potentially be expanded by lengthening it or
adding fingers to increase the capacity if needed. An
optional concept for a dock at Kolliner Park could also
be considered in conjunction with a reassessment of the
park as a whole.
3-2
100 Year Floodplain (El. 693 Approx.)
Steep Slope
Existing Sanitary Sewer Lift Station
Historic Bergstein Buildings
Hersey Bean Lumber Co. Historic Structure
Stormwater Treatment Pond (MnDOT)
South Access Drive
North Access Drive (One-way Southbound)
Parking Lot A (Car and Boat Trailer Parking)
10
Parking Lot B (Car and Boat Trailer Parking)
10a
Parking Lot B Expansion Area
11
Parking Lot C (Car Parking Only)
12
Trailhead Kiosk
13
Low-impact Restroom
14
Retaining Wall
15
Upper Loop Trail
16
Lower Loop Trail
17
Bike Trail (Downtown Approach)
18
Pedestrian River Promenade
19
Planned Loop Trail Route
20
Potential Future Kolliner Park Trail
21
Transient Dock
22
Boat Launch
23
Fishing Pier
24
Picnic Area
25
Picnic Shelter/Performance Stage
26
Lawn Area
27
Historical/Ecological Discovery Area
28
Floodplain Forest Restoration Area
29
Floodplain Meadow Restoration Area
30
Shoreline Restoration
CHES
S
MAIN
TNUT
ST
19
1
9
RS
WATE
Transient Dock
(10 - 17 boats)
19
9
NEL
Planned Loop Trail
SON
2
21
ST
Potential Future Trail

Restored Forest & Shoreline
(WiDNR)
7
8 17
Downtown
Stillwater
18
18
19
19
3
30
2
20
11 18
11
18
14
14
31
3
1
Optional Transient Dock at Kolliner Park

5
5
2
12
2
19
1
9
17
1
7
2
21
26
2
6
2
25
29
2
9
5
28
28
l(
Trai
x
i
o
St. Cr
3
TH
/
5
9
TH
6)
5
30
3
0
27
2
7
Bridgeview Park
19
19
20
20
Kolliner Park
24
2
4
3
15
15
2
12 13
1
14
4
10
0
7
19
19
10a
6
1
2
23
3
30
16
16
2
22
r
ive
R
ix
ro
C
St.
Note:
highlighted in red.
Figure 27 Bridgeview Park Master Plan
3-3
S ee
t
Cen
P
rea
A
l
a
r
Bluff
lan
27
24
19
36)
5/TH
9
H
T
rail (
oix T
r
C
2
.
St
12
13
14
15
23
16
30
22
10
9
7
10a
ix R
Cro
.
t
S
r
ive
14
Retaining Wall
Steep Slope
15
Upper Loop Trail
Existing Sanitary Sewer Lift Station
16
Lower Loop Trail
19
Planned Loop Trail Route
22
Boat Launch
South Access Drive
23
Fishing Pier
Parking Lot A (Car and Boat Trailer Parking)
24
Picnic Area
10
Parking Lot B (Car and Boat Trailer Parking)
27
10a
Parking Lot B Expansion Area
30
12
Trailhead Kiosk
13
Low-impact Restroom
Figure 28 Bridgeview Park Master Plan - Southern Area
3-5
5
1
5
ff
Blu
26
25
15
Se
eS
t
ou
he
rea
nA
ix
ro
.t C
S
n
Pla
6)
H3
T
5/
H9
T
il (
Tra
29
Se
ern
lan
16
ix R
o
r
C
St.
28
eN
th
or
P
ea
Ar
ive
2
1
26
Lawn Area
Steep Slope
27
28
Floodplain Forest Restoration Area
15
Upper Loop Trail
29
Floodplain Meadow Restoration Area
16
Lower Loop Trail
25
Picnic Shelter/Performance Stage
Figure 29 Bridgeview Park Master Plan - Central Area
3-6
17
ff
Blu
Se
en
eC
tra
aP
Are
2
8
16
17
4
12
26
15
36)
TH
/
5
9
( TH
il
Tra
x
i
11
Cro
St.
8
18
31 14
lan
18
ix R
Cro
St.
21
iver
15
Upper Loop Trail
Steep Slope
16
Lower Loop Trail
17
Bike Trail (Downtown Approach)
18
Pedestrian River Promenade
North Access Drive (One-way Southbound)
21
Transient Dock
11
Parking Lot C (Car Parking Only)
26
Lawn Area
12
Trailhead Kiosk
31
Existing Parallel Parking along TH 95
14
Retaining Wall
Figure 30 Bridgeview Park Master Plan - Northern Area
3-7
TH-95/36
(EL. 728)
Upper Trail
(EL. 727.2)
100 Year Flood
(EL. 693 Approx.)
10 Year Flood
(EL. 686 Approx.)
EL. 676
Lower Trail
(EL. 703.7)
Drive to Boat Launch
(EL. 694)
Figure 31 Site Cross Section A
Historical and
Archaeological
Discovery Area
TH-95/36
(EL. 724.8)
Upper Trail
(EL. 717.5)
100 Year Flood (EL. 693 Approx.)
Lower Trail
(EL. 786.7)
EL. 676
Figure 32 Site Cross Section B
Picnic Shelter/
Performance Stage
TH-95/36
(EL. 709.8)
Upper Trail
(EL. 703.57)
Gang Saw Base
(Ruin)
Figure 33 Site Cross Section C
3-8
Lawn
Lower Trail
(EL. 684.9)
100 Year Flood

(EL. 693 Approx.)
10 Year Flood
(EL. 686 Approx.)
EL. 676

Trailhead Information
Kiosk
Transient Dock
Parallel Parking
Sidewalk
TH-95/36
(EL. 708.3)
Driveway
(EL. 700.6)

Combined Trail
(EL. 693.48)
Lawn
Existing
Reinforced
Shoreline
EL. 676
Figure 34 Site Cross Section D
Angled Parking
One Lane (Southbound)
Trail Replaces Current Parallel Parking
Parallel Parking
Sidewalk
TH-95/36
(EL. 710.4)
Retaining Wall

Driveway/Trail
(EL. Approx. 696)
EL. 676
Pedestrian River
Promenade
Figure 35 Site Cross Section E
B
A
Key Map
3-9
Recreational boating is a popular local activity and viewed

by the Stillwater business community as a fundamental
part of the economy, but with unrealized growth
potential. A Dock Needs Analysis report (see Appendix
B) was prepared that delved into the characteristics of
recreational boating on the St. Croix River, investigated
marina usage, and identified potential locations for a new
dock. For the study, transient docking was defined to
be short-term daily use only - not overnight. In addition,
any potential new dock would need to be designed with
limited services so as not to be technically classified as
a marina since current regulations in the Cooperative
Management Plan (2002) prohibit the development of
any new marinas within the Riverway.
Studies in the late 1990s estimated that approximately

310,000 people recreated on the river annually out
of a total of over 2 million visitors. Riverway usage at
Stillwater was calibrated at 16 acres per moving boat.
In contrast, the Hudson Narrows area saw a density of
2.2 acres per moving boat. Based on review of current
aerial mapping, there are approximately 2,000 boat slips
overall available between Stillwater and Prescott. At a
glance, the marinas appear nearly full during the boating
season, which was generally confirmed by a survey of
marina managers. While many of these facilities try to
accommodate transient boaters as space allows, very
few slips are actually dedicated for public use.
Figure 36 St. Croix Boat and Packet Dock with Tour Boats and Transient Dock Slips
3-10
Based on the assessment of current recreational boating

use on the Lower St. Croix, Stillwater is currently not
conveniently connected to the boating activity already
occurring in close proximity and potentially missing
out on the potential economic benefits and additional
vitality that recreational boating would bring. Based
on the evaluation of key factors, the recommended
location for the new dock is the Barge Terminal North
site (location #3 on the map on the following page).
Primary Benefits of the Selected Dock Location:

Located south of the Lift Bridge and conveniently
accessible by avoiding bridge opening restrictions.
Set within a mile walking radius to the center of
downtown (Chestnut Street) - a reasonable 5 to 10
minute walk for most people.
Already generally clear of woody vegetation along
the shoreline and engineered for stability.
Away from the Hersey-Bean Sawmill historical
features, which are generally congregated in the
middle and southern ends of the property.
Potential to develop the dock in conjunction with
the new park.
Opportunity to utilize space within the recently
relocated Bergstein buildings for management and
maintenance of the dock without the need for a new
structure (pending a separate study by the City).
3-11
Figure 37 Alternative Dock Location Assessment Map
3-12
Symbol Legend
Highest Performance (3 pts)

Medium Performance (2 pts)
Lowest Performance (1 pt)
1. Downtown
North
(north of the
Lift Bridge)
2. Downtown
South
(south of the Lift
Bridge)
3. Barge
Terminal
North
4. Barge
Terminal
South
5. Kolliner
Park
Accessibility
to/from the river
Accessibility
to/from
Downtown
Stillwater
(walking)
Existing
shoreline
suitability
Natural resource
impacts
Cultural resource
impacts
Management and
Maintenance
Access
Permitting
feasibility
Total Points
11
12
17
14
11
Figure 38 Alternative Dock Location Assessment Matrix
3-13
In addition to the proposed physical improvements,

programmed activities will enliven the park and
enhance the feeling of safety for all users. Activities
could be initiated by the City Parks Department,
schools, or partnerships with nature, arts, and athletic
organizations. Potential activities might include the
following:
Nature walks
History walks
School field trips
Concerts
Theater performances
There is also potential for the City to create partnerships

with private vendors to operate within the park.
Such arrangements would provide new economic
opportunities for the private sector while minimizing
the need for additional City management. Potential
partnerships might include:
Management of the transient dock
Recreational rentals
watercraft, etc.)
(bikes,
non-motorized
Food and beverages (food trucks or other temporary

facilities)
Private events (weddings, corporate gatherings,
etc.)
Community celebrations
Fishing or boating lessons
Group walk or run events
Figure 39 Paddling (Loppet Foundation)
3-14
Figure 40 Shakespeare in the Park (Twin Cities Daily Planet)
4. Implementation
The Master Plan is intended to highlight the Citys overall
long-term vision for the park and outline a potential path
to implementation. There is no pre-determined timeline
for full build-out of the plan. Plan implementation will
be determined at the City Councils discretion and in
coordination with partnering agencies. The plan will be
implemented in phases based on funding availability
with the initial phase of trail construction, funded by
MnDOT, to be constructed in 2016. Funding for future
phases may include participation from other agencies,
City funds, grants, or private donations. Phases may be
implemented in varying order, but in a clustered fashion
to avoid re-disturbing areas.
Primary Master Plan Phases:

Phase 1 Loop Trail, Stormwater Treatment Pond
Phase 2 Bergstein Building Rehabilitation, North
Access Drive, Parking, Trailhead
Phase 3 Transient Boat Dock, South Access Drive
Phase 4 Boat Launch, Parking, Trailhead
Phase 5 Picnic Areas, Central Lawn, Historical and
Ecological Discovery Area
ST
TNUT
CHES
MAIN
ST
R ST
WATE
Transient Dock
(10 - 17 boats)
NELS
Planned Loop Trail
Downtown
Stillwater
ON
ST
Potential Future Trail

Restored Forest & Shoreline
(WiDNR)
Phase 2
Phase 3
Optional Transient Dock at Kolliner Park
Phase 1
T
a il (
ix Tr
St. Cro
H9
H
5/T
Phase 4
)
36
Phase 5
Bridgeview Park
Kolliner Park
R
oix
Cr
St.
r
ive
Note:
highlighted in red.
Figure 41 Bridgeview Park Phasing Plan
4-1
Appendix A - Cost Estimates
A P P E N D I C E S M A S T E R P L A N U P D AT E
Bridgeview Park Master Plan Update

Preferred Concept Cost Estimate - Phase Summary
2/13/2015
Total Project Summary
Funding
Source
Phase 1 - Loop Trail1

Phase 2 - Bergstein Building Area Site Work, North Access Drive, and Parking
Phase 3 - Transient Boat Dock
3,000,000 MnDOT
$
$
1,540,000 TBD
4,260,000 TBD
Phase 4 - South Boat Launch, Access Drive, and Parking Lots3
Phase 5 - Central Lawn Area and Historical/Ecological Discovery Area

Total Project Cost Estimate
$
$
City,MnDOT,
1,130,000 MnDNR
810,000 TBD
10,740,000
Note: Total Project Summary estimates above are rounded up to the nearest $10,000 increment.
Phased Breakdown (See Plan for Phase Areas)

Phase 1 - Loop Trail
Demolition and Site Preparation
Utilities
Buildings and Structures
Drives, Trails, and Parking
Water Edge
Amenities
Vegetation
Phase 1 - Total Capital Cost Estimate
20% Contingency
18% Design/Construction Administration Fees
Phase 1 - Total Project Cost Estimate
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
3,000,000
3,000,000
N/A
N/A
3,000,000 MnDOT
Phase 2 - Bergstein Building Area Site Work, North Access Drive, and Parking
Utilities
Water Edge
Amenities
Vegetation
20% Contingency
SRF Consulting Group, Inc.
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
47,300
50,000
586,250
178,100
73,750
148,128
1,083,528
216,706
234,042
1,534,276 TBD
1 of 14

2/13/2015
Phase 3 - Transient Boat Dock

Utilities
Water Edge
Amenities
Vegetation
20% Contingency
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
27,500
1,300,000
6,000
1,550,000
121,250
3,004,750
600,950
649,026
4,254,726 TBD
Phase 4 - South Boat Launch, Access Drive, and Parking Lots

Utilities
Water Edge
Amenities
Vegetation
20% Contingency
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
67,300
25,000
218,750
275,100
127,500
61,250
21,600
796,500
159,300
172,044
City,MnDOT,
1,127,844 MnDNR3
Phase 5 - Central Lawn Area and Historical/Ecological Discovery Area

Utilities
Water Edge
Amenities
Vegetation
20% Contingency
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
57,900
100,000
37,500
91,250
279,872
566,522
113,304
122,369
802,195 TBD
2 of 14

2/13/2015
Optional Kolliner Park Transient Boat Dock

Transient Boat Dock
20% Contingency
$
$
$
$
1,360,000
272,000
293,760
1,925,760 TBD
Notes
1
The Loop Trail project is funded by MnDOT as part of the St. Croix Crossing project and also includes
partial access drive down to the south boat launch area and drainage improvements. No contingency
Plans for the historic Bergstein Building rehabilitation and re-use is currently unkown pending the
2
results of a separate study by the City and no costs are included herein.
Parking Lot B at the south end of the site, near TH95, would be the City's responsibility to construct.
3
3 of 14

Preferred Concept Cost Estimate - Phase 1
2/13/2015
Barge Terminal Property

Notes
2
25
25
3
4
5
6
7
8
8
9
11
Feature
Mobilization
Demo Quonset Hut
Demo South Pier
Miscellaneous Other Removals
Earthwork
Erosion Control
Historic Feature Protection
Subtotal
Unit
Unit Cost
Quantity
Subtotal
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
100,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
50,000
10,000
10,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
$
$
$
$
$
$
50,000
15,000
10,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

Bergstein Buildings Rehabilitation
Lump Sum
Low-impact Restroom Building
Each
Picnic Shelter (20'x40' approx)
Each
Concrete Retaining Walls (up to 5' ht exp)
Lin Ft
Lin Ft
Shoreline Promenade Structure
Sq Ft
Railings
Lin Ft
Subtotal
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
25,000
100,000
500
750
100
150
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

Bituminous Drives/Parking
Concrete Curb and Gutter
Loop Trail (including upper and lower)
Bituminous Trail Connections (10' wide)
Concrete Walk
Striping and Signage
Subtotal
$
35
$
25
$ 3,000,000
$
60
$
7
$
10,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
3,000,000
3,000,000
Utilities
Storm Sewer
Sanitary Sewer Service
Water Service
Electrical Service
Overhead Utility Burial
Communications Service
Subtotal
Sq Yd
Lin Ft
Lump Sum
Lin Ft
Sq Ft
Lump Sum
4 of 14

Notes
12
13
14
15
16
17
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
10
24
Feature
Water Edge
Transient Boat Dock
Boat Launch
Fishing Pier
Subtotal
2/13/2015
Unit
Unit Cost
Lin Ft
Lump Sum
Each
Each
$
150
$ 1,550,000
$
50,000
$
40,000
$
$
$
$
$
Amenities
Park Entry Sign
Archaeological Interpretive Features
Ecological Interpretive Features
Trailhead Kiosk
"Natural Play" Features
Drinking Fountain
Water Bottle Filling Station
Mini Bike Repair Station
Light Poles
Other Lighting
Site Furnishings Allowance
Subtotal
Each
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Each
Lump Sum
Each
Each
Each
Each
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
5,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
25,000
5,000
5,000
2,500
7,500
10,000
25,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Vegetation
Trees
Landscape Planting Beds
Topsoil (6" depth)
Native Meadow Restoration Area
Native Forest Restoration Area
Lawn Turf Establishment
Reinforced Turf Area (potential parking)
General Native Turf Establishment
Irrigation System
Subtotal
Each
Sq Ft
Cu Yd
Acre
Acre
Sq Yd
Sq Ft
Lump Sum
Sq Ft
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
500
10
25
10,000
10,000
3
5
20,000
1
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
3,000,000
N/A
N/A
3,000,000
Total Capital Cost Estimate

20% Contingency
Quantity
Subtotal
5 of 14

2/13/2015

Notes
2
25
25
3
4
5
6
7
8
8
9
11
Feature
Mobilization
Demo Quonset Hut
Demo South Pier
Earthwork
Erosion Control
Subtotal
Unit
Unit Cost
Quantity
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
100,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
50,000
10,000
10,000
0.25
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
$
$
$
$
$
$
50,000
15,000
10,000
0.5

Lump Sum
Each
Each
Lin Ft
Lin Ft
Sq Ft
Railings
Lin Ft
Subtotal
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
25,000
100,000
500
750
100
150

Concrete Walk
Subtotal
$
35
$
25
$ 3,000,000
$
60
$
7
$
10,000
Utilities
Storm Sewer
Water Service
Electrical Service
Subtotal
Sq Yd
Lin Ft
Lump Sum
Lin Ft
Sq Ft
Lump Sum
0.25
0.33
0.33
1
1
175
525
700
3300
1800
1800
0.5
Subtotal
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
25,000
2,500
16,500
3,300
47,300
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
25,000
15,000
10,000
50,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
87,500
393,750
105,000
586,250
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
115,500
45,000
12,600
5,000
178,100
6 of 14

Notes
12
13
14
15
16
17
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
10
24
Feature
Water Edge
Transient Boat Dock
Boat Launch
Fishing Pier
Subtotal
2/13/2015
Unit
Unit Cost
Lin Ft
Lump Sum
Each
Each
$
150
$ 1,550,000
$
50,000
$
40,000
Amenities
Park Entry Sign
Trailhead Kiosk
Drinking Fountain
Light Poles
Other Lighting
Subtotal
Each
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Each
Lump Sum
Each
Each
Each
Each
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
5,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
25,000
5,000
5,000
2,500
7,500
10,000
25,000
Vegetation
Trees
Topsoil (6" depth)
Irrigation System
Subtotal
Each
Sq Ft
Cu Yd
Acre
Acre
Sq Yd
Sq Ft
Lump Sum
Sq Ft
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
500
10
25
10,000
10,000
3
5
20,000
1

20% Contingency
Quantity
1
1
1
1
5
0.25
0.25
20
500
333
2067
18667
0.33
18667
Subtotal
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
5,000
10,000
5,000
5,000
2,500
37,500
2,500
6,250
73,750
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
10,000
5,000
8,325
6,201
93,335
6,600
18,667
148,128
$
$
$
$
1,083,528
216,706
234,042
1,534,276
7 of 14

2/13/2015

Notes
2
25
25
3
4
5
6
7
8
8
9
11
Feature
Mobilization
Demo Quonset Hut
Demo South Pier
Earthwork
Erosion Control
Subtotal
Unit
Unit Cost
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
100,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
50,000
10,000
10,000
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
$
$
$
$
$
$

Lump Sum
Each
Each
Lin Ft
Lin Ft
Sq Ft
Railings
Lin Ft
Subtotal
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

Concrete Walk
Subtotal
$
35
$
25
$ 3,000,000
$
60
$
7
$
10,000
Utilities
Storm Sewer
Water Service
Electrical Service
Subtotal
Sq Yd
Lin Ft
Lump Sum
Lin Ft
Sq Ft
Lump Sum
Quantity
0.25
Subtotal
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
25,000
2,500
27,500
50,000
15,000
10,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
25,000
100,000
500
750
100
150
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,300,000
1,300,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
6,000
6,000
0.25
13000
100
8 of 14

Notes
12
13
14
15
16
17
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
10
24
Feature
Water Edge
Transient Boat Dock
Boat Launch
Fishing Pier
Subtotal
2/13/2015
Unit
Unit Cost
Lin Ft
Lump Sum
Each
Each
$
150
$ 1,550,000
$
50,000
$
40,000
Amenities
Park Entry Sign
Trailhead Kiosk
Drinking Fountain
Light Poles
Other Lighting
Subtotal
Each
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Each
Lump Sum
Each
Each
Each
Each
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
5,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
25,000
5,000
5,000
2,500
7,500
10,000
25,000
Vegetation
Trees
Topsoil (6" depth)
Irrigation System
Subtotal
Each
Sq Ft
Cu Yd
Acre
Acre
Sq Yd
Sq Ft
Lump Sum
Sq Ft
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
500
10
25
10,000
10,000
3
5
20,000
1

20% Contingency
Quantity
15
0.25
0.25
Subtotal
$
$
$
$
$
1,550,000
1,550,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
112,500
2,500
6,250
121,250
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
3,004,750
600,950
649,026
4,254,726
9 of 14

2/13/2015

Notes
2
25
25
3
4
5
6
7
8
8
9
11
Feature
Mobilization
Demo Quonset Hut
Demo South Pier
Earthwork
Erosion Control
Subtotal
Unit
Unit Cost
Quantity
Subtotal
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
100,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
50,000
10,000
10,000
0.25
1
1
0.25
0.33
0.33
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
25,000
10,000
10,000
2,500
16,500
3,300
67,300
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
$
$
$
$
$
$
50,000
15,000
10,000
0.5
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
25,000
25,000

Lump Sum
Each
Each
Lin Ft
Lin Ft
Sq Ft
Railings
Lin Ft
Subtotal
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
25,000
100,000
500
750
100
150
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
25,000
62,500
93,750
37,500
218,750

Concrete Walk
Subtotal
$
35
$
25
$ 3,000,000
$
60
$
7
$
10,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
206,500
40,500
23,100
5,000
275,100
Utilities
Storm Sewer
Water Service
Electrical Service
Subtotal
Sq Yd
Lin Ft
Lump Sum
Lin Ft
Sq Ft
Lump Sum
1
125
125
250
5900
1620
3300
0.5
10 of 14

Notes
12
13
14
15
16
17
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
10
24
Feature
Water Edge
Transient Boat Dock
Boat Launch
Fishing Pier
Subtotal
2/13/2015
Unit
Unit Cost
Quantity
Lin Ft
Lump Sum
Each
Each
$
150
$ 1,550,000
$
50,000
$
40,000
250
Amenities
Park Entry Sign
Trailhead Kiosk
Drinking Fountain
Light Poles
Other Lighting
Subtotal
Each
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Each
Lump Sum
Each
Each
Each
Each
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
5,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
25,000
5,000
5,000
2,500
7,500
10,000
25,000
Vegetation
Trees
Topsoil (6" depth)
Irrigation System
Subtotal
Each
Sq Ft
Cu Yd
Acre
Acre
Sq Yd
Sq Ft
Lump Sum
Sq Ft
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
500
10
25
10,000
10,000
3
5
20,000
1

20% Contingency
1
1
5
0.25
0.25
20
500
0.33
Subtotal
$
$
$
$
$
37,500
50,000
40,000
127,500
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
5,000
10,000
37,500
2,500
6,250
61,250
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
10,000
5,000
6,600
21,600
$
$
$
$
796,500
159,300
172,044
1,127,844
11 of 14

2/13/2015

Notes
2
25
25
3
4
5
6
7
8
8
9
11
Feature
Mobilization
Demo Quonset Hut
Demo South Pier
Earthwork
Erosion Control
Subtotal
Unit
Unit Cost
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
100,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
50,000
10,000
10,000
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
$
$
$
$
$
$

Lump Sum
Each
Each
Lin Ft
Lin Ft
Sq Ft
Railings
Lin Ft
Subtotal
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

Concrete Walk
Subtotal
$
35
$
25
$ 3,000,000
$
60
$
7
$
10,000
Utilities
Storm Sewer
Water Service
Electrical Service
Subtotal
Sq Yd
Lin Ft
Lump Sum
Lin Ft
Sq Ft
Lump Sum
Quantity
0.25
Subtotal
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
25,000
2,500
17,000
3,400
10,000
57,900
50,000
15,000
10,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
25,000
100,000
500
750
100
150
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
100,000
100,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
0.25
0.34
0.34
1
12 of 14

Notes
12
13
14
15
16
17
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
10
24
Feature
Water Edge
Transient Boat Dock
Boat Launch
Fishing Pier
Subtotal
2/13/2015
Unit
Unit Cost
Quantity
Lin Ft
Lump Sum
Each
Each
$
150
$ 1,550,000
$
50,000
$
40,000
250
Amenities
Park Entry Sign
Trailhead Kiosk
Drinking Fountain
Light Poles
Other Lighting
Subtotal
Each
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
Each
Lump Sum
Each
Each
Each
Each
Lump Sum
Lump Sum
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
5,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
25,000
5,000
5,000
2,500
7,500
10,000
25,000
Vegetation
Trees
Topsoil (6" depth)
Irrigation System
Subtotal
Each
Sq Ft
Cu Yd
Acre
Acre
Sq Yd
Sq Ft
Lump Sum
Sq Ft
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
500
10
25
10,000
10,000
3
5
20,000
1

20% Contingency
1
1
1
5
0.25
0.25
20
667
0.5
0.5
4133
37333
0.34
37333
Subtotal
$
$
$
$
$
37,500
37,500
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
10,000
10,000
25,000
37,500
2,500
6,250
91,250
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
10,000
16,675
5,000
5,000
12,399
186,665
6,800
37,333
279,872
$
$
$
$
566,522
113,304
122,369
802,195
13 of 14

Cost Estimate Notes
2/13/2015
1. Estimated cost is only a preliminary allowance. Actual costs for protection and preservation should be
developed based on a detailed preservation plan developed in conjunction with the proper authorities which is
outside the scope of this project.
2. Does not include storm sewer work included in MnDOT's trail plan
3. If desired - actual costs for utility burial should be coordinated with the utility company
4. Communications connection to Bergstein Buildings
5. To be determined as part of separate study by City
6. Assumes standard pre-engineered vault-toilet building without utility service
7. Assumes pre-engineered shelter building with electrical services
8. Assumes CIP wall with spread footing. Actual costs should be verified based on geotechnical analysis and wall
type selection and engineering.
9. Not included in current preferred concept. Cast-in-place cantilevered concrete structure along the shoreline is
a potential future improvement. Actual costs should be verified based on geotechnical analysis and engineering.
10. Cellular reinforcement system to accommodate potential overflow parking during large park or Downtown
11. Loop Trail project by MnDOT as part of the St. Croix Crossing project which also includes partial drive down
to the south boat launch area and drainage improvements
12. Assumes some limited restoration may be required in various locations to be determined
13. Phase 1 transient dock also includes ramp connections to the shoreline
14. Includes concrete entrance ramp and prefabricated boarding dock structure
15. Assumes approx. 50' long prefabricated "T" or "L" shaped fishing pier
16. Park entrance signs along TH95
17. Series of interpretive signage plaques at select locations
18. Designated play area with nature-themed equipment and/or natural materials encouraging hands-on
discovery and creative play
19. Small storage container with equipment available for minor repairs while bicyclists are en route
20. Benches, trash receptacles, bike racks, picnic tables, bollards, or other
21. Planting beds including soil, shrubs and/or perennials, fabric, edgeing, and mulch
22. Assumes seeding, herbaceous plugs, and limited seedling trees
23. Assumes invasive removal, seedling trees, and limited herbaceous plugs
24. Assumes limited irrigation system focused on lawn areas and landscape planting beds
25. Water and sanitary service lines were installed during the Bergstein Buildings relocation.
26. No contingency or design/construction administration fees are included for the MnDOT Loop Trail project
27. Depending on the actual implementation timeline, add 5% inflation to construction costs for each additional
year beyond 2015 in conjunction with verification of current market trends.
Appendix B - Dock Needs Analysis
A P P E N D I C E S M A S T E R P L A N U P D AT E
Memorandum
SRF No. 0148510
To:
Bill Turnblad
City of Stillwater
From:
Michael Jischke, Senior Associate
Date:
September 18, 2014
Subject:
Stillwater Dock Needs Analysis
Introduction and Context

Stillwater is a City rich with history set within a landscape of natural beauty, the Lower St. Croix
National Scenic Riverway. Recreational boating is a popular local activity and viewed by the
Stillwater business community as a fundamental part of the economy, but with unrealized growth
potential. In general, tourism fuels Downtown Stillwaters shops and eateries, but there is sentiment
that boaters are spending their money elsewhere because of a shortage of convenient transient dock
slips convenient. In one marina operators opinion, There is a need for boaters to tie up
somewhere so they can go downtown to eat and shop. Currently this is difficult if not impossible.
In order to respond to the business communitys sentiment, the City of Stillwater directed SRF to
investigate the need for new transient docking and assess potentially suitable locations.
For the purposes of the study, transient docking is defined to be short term daily use only - not
overnight. In addition, any potential new dock would be designed with limited services so as not to
be technically classified as a marina since current regulations in the Cooperative Management Plan
(2002) restrict the development of any new marinas within the Riverway. Minnesota 2013 statute
86A.20 and Chapter 30 of the updated Wisconsin 2011-12 statutes provide guidance on definitions
of different types of boating facilities. The study summarizes current inventory and demand for
boating facilities in the designated active recreation area of the Lower St. Croix extending from
Stillwater south to Prescott. The scope of the study does not include a detailed economic benefit
analysis, although it may be eventually justified if plans for a dock progress beyond the master
planning phase.
Geographically, the focus area of the study to identify suitable locations included the Downtown
shoreline, the Barge Terminal property (located immediately south of the St. Croix Boat and Packet
riverboat docks), and Kolliner Park (located directly across the river from Downtown, in
Wisconsin). Through review of aerial photography, an on-line survey, and conversations with the
local community, a picture of current recreational boating and its relationship to Downtown
Stillwater was discerned. It reveals that recreational boating on the river in the vicinity of Stillwater is
highly popular but convenient access to Downtown or nearby parks is lacking.
ONE CARLSON PARKWAY, SUITE 150 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55447 | 763.475.0010 |
WWW.SRFCONSULTING.COM
Bill Turnblad
City of Stillwater
September 18, 2014

Page 2
Stillwater is not alone in addressing the challenge of accommodating recreational boaters. Extending
to the confluence with the Mississippi River, five primary cities currently have sizable boating
facilities Stillwater, Bayport, Hudson, Afton and Prescott. They share an identity as river towns,
contributing to the attraction of the region as a recreational destination. Historically, industrial uses
predominated, but for the most part, the working riverfront has been transformed into recreational
and residential uses. The multitude of marinas, parks, and trail systems that are existing or under
development are an indication of its popularity and significance. Nevertheless, in order to benefit
from recreational boating, communities must find the right balance between recreational use and the
preservation and management of the significant natural and cultural resources that exist.
Recreational Water Use Overview
As part of the legislation designating the St. Croix as a National Wild and Scenic River, the
Cooperative Management Plan (2002) was developed to guide stewardship of the river and its
surroundings. Geographically, the overall plan addresses the river extents from Taylors Falls
extending south to Prescott where it converges with the Mississippi River. Stillwater sits within the
section of the river designated as an active social recreation area, which is managed primarily by
Minnesota and Wisconsin. North of Stillwater, the river transitions into a moderate recreation area
and then a quiet waters area, which is managed by the National Park Service. See Figure 1 for an
overview map of the Riverway.
In general, the management plan acknowledges the cultural and economic importance of
recreational boating, but to ensure that the resource remains attractive and vital over time, it sets
rules and standards limiting the usage. The primary measure for the establishing the carrying capacity
of the river is boating density (acreage of water per moving boat). The threshold for more stringent
regulations is 10 acres per moving boat. In 1997, as part of the Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) for the management plan, Riverway usage at Stillwater was calibrated at 16 acres per moving
boat. In contrast, the Hudson Narrows area saw a density of 2.2 acres per moving boat. In addition
to the level of usage, river hydrology and other natural characteristics factor into local regulations
such as no-wake zones.
Studies at the time the management plan was prepared estimated that approximately 310,000 people
recreated on the river annually out of a total of over 2 million visitors. Assuming that most
recreational boating traffic is seasonal (roughly six months out of the year), that equates to
approximately 1,800 people per day (May through October), and presumably most would be
weekend boaters. At one time, the designated Boundary Waters Commission performed regular biannual aerial surveys and created data on recreational boating usage, but the Commission is now
disbanded and archived information is not currently accessible to the public. At the time it was
drafted in order to prevent boating overuse, the plan stipulated that no new marinas or boat
launches will be built with the exception of a proposed launch at A.S. King Generating Plant
(currently operated by Xcel Energy). Consequently, any plans for new boating facilities would
require close coordination with the managing and permitting agencies.
Bill Turnblad
City of Stillwater
September 18, 2014

Page 3
Boating Culture
The natural surroundings are undoubtedly an attraction for both motorized and non-motorized
boaters. In addition, social factors also play a major role creating a boating culture that is inherent to
the character of the Riverway and river towns. As noted above, there is a preponderance of private
marinas in the area. While the study is limited to the suitability of a new transient dock not a
marina certain lessons can be drawn from the marina setting that highlight boaters needs and
expectations. Depending on size, a marina can actually develop the characteristics of a small village
unto itself. In fact, some exclusive marinas are related directly to residential properties.
Experientially, people enjoy seeing the variety of boats and social interactions that inevitably occur
out on the dock. Access to restaurants, bars and shops is also a desirable aspect to marina location.
Boating is a lifestyle choice requiring significant time and monetary investment, and an entire
support industry exists to supply and maintain peoples boats and facilities. Service providers fill the
niche to allow people enjoy their boating experience without being burdened by all the upkeep. They
also provide additional amenities that enhance the boating experience and general enjoyment of the
Riverway including information, food and beverages, picnic areas, fishing gear, and restrooms to
name just a few. Boating clubs and rental vendors, sometimes associated with marinas, also diversify
access to the Riverway by providing watercraft to people who may not own one themselves.
Review of Existing Marinas and Docks
Along the Riverway, numerous private marinas provide a variety of boating facilities including:
seasonal docking, transient docking, winter storage, repair and fueling. Some marinas are coupled
with residential development, while others are purely commercial. In each city, there are typically
several marinas, and scales vary widely from 12 slips up to 300. Based on review of current aerial
mapping, there are approximately 2,000 boat slips overall available between Stillwater and Prescott.
At a glance, the marinas appear nearly full, although it is impossible to determine exact usage and
use fluctuates seasonally. Anecdotally, several marina operators indicated a gradual recovery in
boating usage since a sharp drop-off in 2008/2009 coinciding with the national economic recession.
See Figures 2 through 8 (attachments) for aerial photos showing marina and dock locations in each
of the communities. It is notable how greatly the natural shoreline was altered to create protective
areas for many of the marinas.
Through a survey of local marina managers, we learned that there are different uses of the term
transient docking in the market as compared to the parameters specified by the City for the study.
For most marinas, transient docking also includes overnight, weekly or stays of other longer
temporary durations, and it is often a small part of a marinas overall operation. In fact, some
managers said that shorter duration transient docking is not profitable and would prefer to avoid it.
We surmise that the challenge is primarily due to a marinas ability to charge higher fees for
overnight or extended usage according to the length of stay. For shorter stays though, it is common
to charge hourly fees, similar to a street parking meter, which do not generate significant revenue in
aggregate. In addition, boaters that stay longer may require additional services that generate
supplemental income.
Bill Turnblad
City of Stillwater
September 18, 2014

Page 4
While many of these facilities try to accommodate transient boaters as space allows, very few slips
are actually dedicated for public use. One particular site that is actually required to provide transient
slips is the dock operated by St. Croix Boat and Packet for the paddle wheel excursion boats just
south of Downtown Stillwater, by conditional use permit. At that dock, eighteen spaces are available
to transient boaters. Community opinion on whether those spaces are utilized efficiently is mixed.
Information logs on transient use provided by the owner indicate frequent transient use yet others
have highlighted a lack of awareness of the slips since they are hard to see and are not advertised.
Further coordination with the property owner may yield a better way to allow the dock to serve the
public without hindering the paddle wheel business.
Additionally, the following table summarizes some key characteristics of each facility:
Table 1.
Marinas and Docks between Stillwater and Prescott
Name
Location
Public/Private
Total Slips
Notes
Boomsite Marina
Stillwater
Private
90
Transient docking is
accommodated but
sometimes requires
boat shuffling
Not high demand for
transient dock since a
shuttle would be
required to access
downtown
Wolf Marina
Stillwater
Private
250
accommodated (daily,
weekly, monthly)
Sawmill Marina
Stillwater
Private
50
Weekly and seasonal

slip rentals
Stillwater Marina
and Stillwater Boat
Club/Rentals
Stillwater
Private
160
accommodated but
often no availability
Boat rentals
Members only boat
club
Drystack interior
storage
Bill Turnblad
City of Stillwater
Name
St. Croix Boat &

Packet
Sunnyside Marina
September 18, 2014

Page 5
Location
Stillwater
Oak Park Heights
Public/Private
Privately-operated/
Accessible to
public per
conditional use
permit
Private
Total Slips
18
Notes
Shared dock with
paddle wheel
riverboats
accommodated but
orientation makes
access difficult
Visibility to transient
slips is blocked by the
paddle wheels
250
Related to
condominium
association
Slips for sale or rent
Overnight transient
docking only (8 slips)
Transient usage
typically on weekends
July 4th - only time
that transient slips
are filled
Desire expressed by
slip owners/leasers
for dock space closer
to Downtown for short
dinner trips
Beachhouse
Marina
Bayport
Private
20
Riverpark Marina
Bayport
Private
65
accommodated but
sometimes requires
boat shuffling
Public boat launch
Dry dock
accommodated but
sometimes requires
boat shuffling
Dry dock
Bill Turnblad
City of Stillwater
Name
Bayport Marina
St. Croix Marina
September 18, 2014

Page 6
Location
Bayport
Hudson
Public/Private
Private
Private
Total Slips
Notes
230
accommodated
(approx. 40 slips)
Maximum 7 days for
transient stays
Weekend use most
typical
Transient users are
allowed to use site
amenities
300
accommodated
Transient users are
allowed to use site
amenities
Tie-up spots to Orings permitted
along old shoreline
wall
Boat beaching
permitted at south
end of Lakefront Park
Seasonal slip rentals
Transient use
uncertain
Hudson Shoreline
Hudson
Public
Exact number
undetermined
Afton Marina and

Yacht Club
Afton
Private
180
Windmill Marina
Association, Inc.
Afton
Private
170
Seasonal slip rentals

Transient use
uncertain
74
accommodated as
space allows
Point St. Croix

Marina
Prescott
Private
Leos Landing
Prescott
Private
25
One transient slip

available
Transient demand
exceeds capacity
Miss-Croix Yacht
Harbor
Prescott
Private
140
No transient use
Prescott Boat Club
Prescott
Private
N/A
Member only usage
Bill Turnblad
City of Stillwater
September 18, 2014

Page 7
Non-motorized Boating Facilities

The Riverway is also a popular location for non-motorized watercraft including canoes, kayaks,
rowers and sailboards. It is more difficult to ascertain the level of usage though. The Minnesota
DNR lists six outfitters that rent canoes along the St Croix, including both Minnesota and
Wisconsin businesses. For the most part, they are located in the vicinity of Taylors Falls and St.
Croix Falls, north of Stillwater in the section of the river designated for quiet waters. The river
channel in that section is narrower with many side channels and islands creating a backdrop for a
different recreational experience that is presumably more popular for non-motorized watercraft than
the immediate vicinity of Stillwater.
Nevertheless, provisions for non-motorized use should not necessarily be precluded near Stillwater
and extending south in the active social recreation area. Discussions with local non-motorized
users indicate a latent demand for access points and shoreline boat storage near Stillwater. Some
features that would facilitate safe and convenient use at potential access points include gradual
walking grades and docks that adjust to the current water level of the river. Additionally,
enforcement of a no-wake zone near docks and boat launches would enable non-motorized users to
share facilities with motorized users with fewer conflicts.
Potential Transient Dock Locations and Sizes
With the backdrop of the current characteristics of recreational boating and its regulatory framework
established, the study team looked at Stillwaters geography and initially identified five (5) potential
locations for a new transient dock for further evaluation:
Downtown North (north of the Lift Bridge)
Downtown South (south of the Lift Bridge)
Barge Terminal North
Barge Terminal South
Kolliner Park (south of the Lift Bridge)
The following matrix (Table 2) illustrates a comparison of the suitability of the potential sites used to
identify the preferred location. See Figure 9 for a map of the locations.
Bill Turnblad
City of Stillwater
Table 2.
September 18, 2014

Page 8
Potential Transient Dock Location Evaluation Matrix
Symbol Legend
Highest Performance (3 pts)

Medium Performance (2 pts)
Lowest Performance (1 pt)
Downtown
North
(north of the
Lift Bridge)
Downtown
South
(south of the Lift
Bridge)
Barge
Terminal
North
Barge
Terminal
South
Kolliner
Park
Accessibility
to/from the river
Accessibility
to/from Downtown
Stillwater
(walking)
Existing shoreline
suitability
Natural resource
impacts
Cultural resource
impacts
Management and
Maintenance
Access
Permitting
feasibility
Total Points
11
12
17
14
11
Generally, to minimize visual impact and align with the river current, a linear dock that follows the
shoreline and permits docking on one side would be preferred. The capacity at each potential site
would depend on the length of available shoreline, nearby obstacles, docking circulation, and
flexibility to accommodate boats of different sizes. Linear docks in the locations studied would
Bill Turnblad
City of Stillwater
September 18, 2014

Page 9
accommodate between seven and 15 boats depending on boat sizes. Different configurations, with
finger piers that branch off the main dock, would increase capacity up to 25 to 30 boats at the Barge
Terminal and Kolliner Park sites but would be more challenging structurally and operationally. The
length of walk for dock users is also a factor in layout dependent upon the number and location of
ramp connections to the shoreline. Considering the overall usage of the riverway, it is anticipated
that the range of sizes outlined would most likely fill up on a regular basis if accommodations were
visible, convenient and at reasonable cost to boaters.
Conclusions
Based on our assessment of current recreational boating use on the Lower St. Croix, Stillwater is
currently not conveniently connected to the boating activity already occurring in close proximity.
Although it is the most populous of the river towns, Stillwater is potentially missing out on the
potential economic benefits and additional vitality that recreational boating would bring to
Downtown and the riverfront parks. If better operated and advertised, the transient slips already
available at the existing St. Croix Boat and Packet dock have potential to alleviate some of the
demand, but would likely not solve the issue entirely since they already see frequent use.
Consequently, within the Citys parameters for a potential transient dock for daily use only, we
conclude that a new dock would be warranted.
Based on the evaluation of key factors as shown in Table 2 above, the recommended location for
the new dock is the Barge Terminal North site. Although any new dock proposal would require
stringent scrutiny for permitting, the Barge Terminal North site initially appears less controversial
when compared to the locations immediately adjacent Downtown and Kolliner Park. In those
locations, a dock would be in closer proximity to higher value cultural and natural resources and
have a greater visual impact. At the other end of the spectrum, the Barge Terminal South site would
be a much more distant walk to Downtown hindering convenient pedestrian access.
The Barge Terminal North site has a number of features that set it apart from the others:
Located south of the Lift Bridge and conveniently accessible by avoiding bridge opening
restrictions.
Set within a mile walking radius to the center of downtown (Chestnut Street) - a reasonable
5 to 10 minute walk for most people.
Already generally clear of woody vegetation along the shoreline and engineered for stability.
Away from the Hersey-Bean Sawmill historical features, which are generally congregated in the
middle and southern ends of the property.
Potential to develop the dock in conjunction with the new park.
Opportunity to utilize space within the recently relocated Bergstein buildings for management
and maintenance of the dock without the need for a new structure (pending a separate study by
the City).
Bill Turnblad
City of Stillwater
September 18, 2014

Page 10
Nevertheless, the recommended Barge Terminal North site has challenges itself, primarily its close
proximity to the historic Bergstein buildings and existing St. Croix Boat and Packet dock upstream.
Ideally, the design of a new dock would minimize its visual impact on the shoreline regardless of
location and complement the historic character of the City, requiring more detailed engineering and
architectural study of pilings, shoreline connections, and palette of materials. With further study, the
challenges at this location appear achievable though. If the City elects to pursue development of a
new transient dock, continued engagement with partnering agencies and the public will be critical to
establishing a feasible pathway to permitting and implementation.
MJ/bls
Attachments
Figures
Figure 1 - Lower St. Croix Riverway Map
Figures 2 to 8 - Aerial Photos of Marinas
Figure 9 - Potential Dock Sites
Appendixes
Water Surface Use Regulation Guidelines
H:\Projects\8510\LA\Doc\DockNeedsMemo\Memo-StillwaterDockNeedsAnalysis.docx
PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE: water

Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Taylors Falls St. Croix Falls

8
Wisconsin Interstate
State Park
Minnesota Interstate
State Park
8
Osceola
Cedar
Bend
QUIET WATERS
(main channel)
Forest Lake
NATURAL WATERS
(backwaters)
35
William O'Brien
State Park
Marine on
St. Croix
St. Croix Islands
Wildlife Area
64
35
35E
Somerset
35
64
Stillwater
Federal Zone
State Zone
MODERATE
RECREATION
(main channel)
NATURAL WATERS
(backwaters)
36
Bayport
North Hudson
Hudson
Lakeland
St. Paul
94
94
Lake St. Croix

Beach
ACTIVE
SOCIAL
RECREATION
Afton
River Falls
Afton State Park

10
61
Miss
iss
i p pi River
35
Kinnickinnic State Park
Prescott
10
document file path
St. Croix River

Lower St. Croix NSR
4.5
9 Miles
Major Highways
North
Credit: Final St. Croix CMP EIS
Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Map

DSC 643 20024B 5/00
Figure 1
Sawmill Marina
North of Stillwater
Aerial - Stillwater and Vicinity

Figure 2

Figure 3
South of Stillwater

Figure 4
Aerial - Bayport, MN
Figure 5
Aerial - Hudson, WI
Figure 6
Aerial - Afton, MN
Figure 7
Point St. Croix Marina
Aerial - Prescott, MN
Figure 8
LOWELL PARK
STILLWATER COMMERCIAL
HISTORIC DISTRICT
Y ST.
BERR
MUL
DOWNTOWN NORTH
DOCK OPTION
.
ER ST
WAT
ST.
2ND
MYR
L ST.
ST.
MAIN
CIA
MER
COM
LIFT BRIDGE
T.
TLE S
T NU
CHES
KOLLINER PARK
DOCK OPTION
T ST.
LEGION BEACH
E ST.
OLIV
DOWNTOWN SOUTH
DOCK OPTION
NATURAL RESTORATION
PLANNED
RIVERBOATS AND TRANSIENT DOCK

T.
ON S
NELS
KOLLINER
PARK
SOUTH MAIN ST. ARCHAEOLOGICAL

DISTRICT
ST. CROIX BOAT & PACKET
1/4 MILE RADIUS
SHODDY MILL AND WAREHOUSE

STORMWATER TREATMENT AREA
BARGE TERMINAL
NORTH
DOCK OPTION
1/2 MILE RADIUS
OASIS
CAFE
STILLWATER CULTURAL
LANDSCAPE DISTRICT
.C
ST
SOUTH MAIN ST. ARCHAEOLOGICAL

DISTRICT
RO
IX
BARGE TERMINAL PROPERTY
TR
AI
L(
9
TH
5)
BARGE TERMINAL
SOUTH
DOCK OPTION
LEGEND
LIFT STATION
PROJECT LIMITS
HISTORIC DISTRICT
CITY PARK
BOAT LAUNCH PLANNED
HISTORIC FEATURE
EXISTING TRAIL/WALK
BUILDINGS TO BE REMOVED
1 MILE RADIUS
OTHER PLANNED TRAIL

PLANNED LOOP TRAIL (MnDOT ALIGNMENT)
EXISTING PARKING
BUILDINGS REMOVED
POTENTIAL PARKING
EXISTING IMPROVED ROAD ACCESS

POTENTIAL ROAD ACCESS
SUNNYSIDE MARINA
POTENTIAL WATER ACCESS

PRIMARY VIEWS
Potential Dock Sites

Figure 9

Bridgeview Park Master Plan

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Bridgeview Park Master Plan

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

TO:

Mayor & Councilmembers

Bill Turnblad, Community Development Director

February 26, 2015

Bridgeview Park Plan

Bridgeview Park Plan

The first option is to construct a municipal dock adjacent to the Bergstein

Bridgeview Park Plan

Relocating the Avalon to the Bergstein building site may create

St. Croix Boat & Packet

Preferred alternative in draft

1) City lease existing private transient slips

St. Croix Boat & Packet proposal:

St. Croix Boat & Packet

St. Croix Boat & Packet

1) Flip St Croix Boat & Packet dock,

1) Relocate Avalon dock

St. Croix Boat & Packet

Master Plan Update

February 13, 2015 DRAFT

in Association with Baird

Master Plan Update

City of Stillwater, Community Development Director

City of Stillwater, City Planner

City of Stillwater, Public Works Director

Minnesota Department of Transportation

Minnesota Department of Transportation

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

St. Croix County (Wisconsin)

Amanda Engesether St. Croix County (Wisconsin)

St. Joseph Township (Wisconsin)

St. Joseph Township (Wisconsin)

Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Stillwater Business Owners

1998 Master Plan Highlights

Related Planning and Design

Natural Resources Context

Cultural Resources Context

Existing Site Conditions

Site Program and Design

Transient Dock Study

Potential Activity Programming and Partnerships

Figure 1 Project Location Map

Figure 2 Aerial Photo of Project Site

Figure 3 Aerial Photo of Downtown Stillwater

Figure 4 Lower St. Croix Riverway Overview Map (MnDNR 2002)

Figure 5 Original Visitors Center Concept Sketch

Figure 6 Environmental Issues Matrix

Figure 7 Stillwater Public Library

Figure 8 Stillwater City Hall

Figure 9 Lift Bridge and Lowell Park

Figure 10 Hersey & Bean Lumber Company Sawmill , c. 1875

Figure 12 Relocated Historic Bergstein Buildings

Figure 11 Historic Sawmill Stone Wall

Figure 13 St. Croix Crossing Project Loop Trail (MnDOT)

Figure 14 Bridgeview Park Property Shoreline Looking North

Figure 15 Natural Resources Context Map

Figure 16 Cultural Resources Context Map

Figure 17 Existing Conditions Plan

Figure 18 St Croix Trail (TH 95/TH 36) Looking North

Figure 19 South Park Access Drive Under Construction