Below is a contribution from GMPT Business Member HKGi. For more information, please visit hkgi.com.
HKGi has worked with several clients in greater Minnesota to develop park and park system master plans, and we have provided design and implementation services to bring some of those planned improvements to life. We wanted to share some of these projects to highlight a few of the creative ideas we’ve been working on with communities across the state.
Stearns County – Quarry Park & Nature Preserve Master Plan
HKGi and County staff updated the Master Plan for this popular regional park, which draws thousands of visitors annually. The updated Plan includes concepts for main entry improvements and a potential new visitor center (see image), wayfinding signage, and improvements to swimming, fishing, rock climbing, and mountain biking facilities. Staff will use this Plan to seek funding for implementation.
Brown County – Lake Hanska County Park Master Plan
The first round of stakeholder engagement is currently underway for this master planning process. Engagement will help HKGi and County staff understand stakeholder perspectives and priorities and explore preliminary design directions for anticipated improvements to camping facilities, interpretive and wayfinding signage, hiking trails, playground upgrades and improvements, and water access.
City of Detroit Lakes – City Park and Pavilion Improvements
HKGi has been working with a consultant team to design improvements to the popular City Park and Pavilion. HKGi engaged City staff and stakeholders to develop a Park Master Plan that will guide future investments to enhance park amenities and improve accessibility and functionality. Pavilion and Bathhouse improvements have begun, with site improvements anticipated to begin in 2027.
Chisago County – Fish Lake Park Master Plan
HKGi worked with Chisago County staff to develop this Park Master Plan, which formed the basis for Regional designation in 2025. The park provides access to Fish Lake, one of the region’s cleanest lakes, and is in close proximity to a Regional Trail and a future State Trail. Recommended improvements include an accessible kayak launch, new camper cabins, an archery range, and a new pavilion. HKGi staff are currently supporting assembly of the County’s Legacy Grant application.
City of Annandale – Park, Trail, and Open Space Plan
This community of 3,500 people features a robust parks and open space system, with seven city-operated parks and a regional athletics park operated by the school district. HKGi is just beginning this project, working with City staff to develop a plan to help the community maintain its system, plan for future equipment replacement and repairs, and plan for future improvements as interest in outdoor recreation continues to grow.
Sherburne County – Island View Regional Park interpretive signage
HKGi has continued to provide design and implementation services to Sherburne County parks staff. One of the more unique recent projects is this new interpretive sign at Island View Park. This sign provides viewers with a fun education in fluvial geomorphology, the study of how rivers shape the land over time. Visitors can see how the landscape has changed over time by comparing a sketch of the riverbank to the view of its current condition, as demonstrated by our installation contractor!
HKGi is currently designing new improvements at Oak Savanna Park, with stakeholder engagement underway and construction anticipated for 2027.
City of Otsego – Carrick’s Landing and Prairie Park Improvements
HKGi has worked with City staff on several park planning and improvement projects since completing Otsego’s Parks and Recreation System Plan in 2019. One of the more exciting recent projects is the new Mississippi River canoe/kayak launch at Carrick’s Landing. HKGi developed a site concept and helped the city secure grant funding for implementation. The ADA accessible site includes a picnic shelter, new wayfinding and entry signage, and a Paddle Port station (see images).
HKGi is currently working with City staff to design a host of improvements to Prairie Park with construction anticipated to begin in 2027.
Olmsted County – Chester Woods
Construction on a new amphitheater at Olmsted County’s Chester Woods Park was completed in late 2024, but these photos from fall of 2026 perfectly capture the amphitheater’s glorious setting along Bear Creek and the bluffs in southeastern Minnesota. HKGi’s landscape architect carefully routed the path from the parking area to ensure accessibility for all to the nearby playground, restroom, picnic facilities, and amphitheater, and to preserve the site’s unique prairie landscape.
