6. Existing plans for Big Lake School Area91Scandia Comprehensive Plan
tions as part of new developments. A formal route extending into the village area is being
mapped as this Plan is in process.
Goal 6: Identify a search area for a trail connection between William O’Brien State Park and
Big Marine Park Reserve.
Goal 7: Consider potential non-motorized trail connection when/if the abandoned Soo Line
railway corridor from White Bear Lake to Wisconsin through Scandia becomes available.
Additional Information from Trails Plan Map
Proposed City Trailheads (from Trails Plan Map)
Wind in the Pines Park
Lion’s Park at Hay Lake
Scandia Community/Senior Center
Intersection of Oak Hill Rd. N and State Hwy 95
Big Lake School Area
Conceptual Open Space Corridor Plan
The objective of the Open Space Plan in the Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan
is to identify green corridors that preserve and enhance important open space. These green
corridors would link fragmented open space and promote trail and wildlife corridors, respec-
tively, while preserving the rural character of the community. Scandia should use this plan as
a general guide to work with the public to promote green corridors and ensure that they are
preserved or enhanced as development occurs. These proposed corridors do not necessarily
reflect public acquisition of land; the vast majority of this land would likely remain private.
The Open Space Plan Map also includes rare natural features of a variety of types. They are
largely located along the St. Croix River, although a few are scattered throughout the rest of
the township, particularly near Big Marine Lake.
Open Space Priorities
Current ConditionsParks and Recreation
Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Parks and Trails
Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc. Page 67
Figure VII-D – Trails Planning Map
Chapter Three Park System Plan
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan
Adopted 18 July 2006
Originally the location of an old
schoolhouse, this parcel was given to
the township by the school district.
Big Lake School Area
Classification:
Proposed: Potential rest stop/ trailhead
Entrance
Size: 2-3 Acres
Location:
County Road 15 and Mayberry Trail
Existing Facilities:
No existing facilities on site.
Adjacent Land Use:
• Agricultural
• Residential
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Chapter Three Park System Plan
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan
Adopted 18 July 2006
Opportunities:
• Potential rest stop/ trailhead for proposed Washington County Parkway and/or Township
trails or routes.
• The Parkway is identified in the Washington County Linear Park System Master Plan, published
in 1996.
Issues:
• Site is relatively small in size.
• Accurate parcel boundaries need to be identified.
• Site access has limited visibility.
• Clearing of buckthorn and underbrush needed.
Site Plan- Existing Conditions
Not to Scale
Big Lake School Area
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Chapter Three Park System Plan
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan
Adopted 18 July 2006
Big Lake School Area
Master Plan
Not to Scale
Goal:
• Provide trailhead for (proposed) New Scandia Township and Washington County trails.
Trailhead could provide parking, restroom (or portable toilet), information kiosk, maps
and water.
Strategies:
• Partner with Washington County and/or other agencies and groups with bicycle trail planning
expertise.
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