Lakeview Legacy Park was born out of the effort to preserve the picturesque Lakeview Golf Course from development. The story is presented below.
In early fall of 2013, residents of Orono and surrounding communities learned that Lakeview, a stunningly beautiful and historic combination of rolling hills, ponds, and natural wetlands overlooking Lake Minnetonka, was being proposed for residential development. This iconic property, alive with many species of waterfowl, deer, fox and other wildlife had been owned and cared for by a single family and had operated during summers as a public, family-friendly golf course for nearly 60 years. During the off-season hikers, dog-walkers, cross-country skiers and children on sleds could often be seen enjoying its hills. The land had been platted in the 1860s and farmed by early Minnesota settlers. One of the early maps shows a “park house” on the site and memories handed down to this day recall its ponds and wetlands being used as a gathering spot for neighbors to picnic and relax. Native Americans also knew the site well, as it was located in the heart of an extensive network of trails, tribal meeting places and burial mounds on the western edge of Lake Minnetonka. Arrowheads and other Native American artifacts abound in the area and an ancient dugout canoe was raised from the nearby lakeshore in the 1930’s. Spontaneous efforts to save the 143 acre parcel, which had been guided as Park, Recreation, and Open Space by the City’s Comprehensive Plan, sprang up among individuals and small groups. By mid-November those efforts had coalesced into a single organization, “Citizens for Lakeview Preservation, Inc.” (CLP), formed as a Minnesota 317A Nonprofit Corporation. The organization helped guide volunteer committees focused on creation of a vision for the property, analysis of environmental issues, communications and fund raising. The major objective was to generate enough public support to create a credible alternative for the property that would convince the City of Orono to delay or deny the developer’s request to change the guidance and give CLP the opportunity to raise the necessary funds to achieve its open space vision by purchasing the land from the owner at a competitive price.
In the 45 days that elapsed between the formation of CLP and the Orono Council vote on January 6, 2014, the organization raised over $30,000 in operational funds that were used to engage the services of environmental experts, attorneys specializing in land use and property rights, a planning consultant and to conduct a publicity campaign that included rallies, social media, mass mailings, 500 lawn signs and even a billboard.
In addition, over 1000 signatures were collected on petitions asking the City Council not to change Lakeview’s guidance without allowing more time to find an alternative. As further evidence of their commitment over 300 individuals pledged several hundred thousand dollars towards eventual purchase of the property while others pledged significant financial support as soon as the Council resolved the guidance issue.
Despite widespread press coverage and several packed City Council chambers, CLP’s efforts fell short by one vote and on January 6th, 2014 the Orono Council voted to instruct its staff to draw up a resolution to change Lakeview’s guidance from Park, Recreation and Open Space to Rural Residential, thereby allowing the purchaser and developer, Source Land Capital LLC, to complete a sales contract and proceed with development. Legal arguments surrounding property rights and the Council’s doubt that CLP could achieve its financial objective were among reasons cited by those voting to change the guidance of the property and allow development.
Most troubling to citizens who had worked hard to preserve the land as open space was the realization that the development contained absolutely no land available for public use or enjoyment. What had once been the largest piece of privately-owned publically accessible green space in the area was now in danger of becoming completely lost to the public forever.
By mid-summer of 2014 there was growing sentiment that an effort should be made to see if some part of the Lakeview site could still be saved as a park for the greater community benefit, particularly in the most scenic area along North Arm Drive. The CLP Board reconvened and decided to approach both the developer and the city. It was hoped that at a minimum, the city would consider using some of the park dedication fees that the developer would be required to contribute to the city’s Park Fund. Initially, a park comprising 4 lots and approximately 12 acres along North Arm was proposed. City Council members and staff personnel were approached individually to generate support. While open to the concept of a park, there was not an appetite to create a new Orono city park at this time or to use park dedication funds on the Lakeview site.
At that point the developer, Source Land Capital (SLC), and residents, represented by CLP, decided to work together to create a privately-owned public space (“POPS”), a concept not uncommon in a number of cities across the United States. The State of Minnesota also encourages such use of private land for public welfare through a Statute (Minnesota Statutes 1994 Chapter 604A) which limits the owner’s liability to potential tort claims as long as the land is freely available for public use.
Although less ambitious than the original proposal, the two parties identified an area on the east side of Lakeview bordered by the large pond to the west and North Arm Drive to the east. Adjoining some of the development’s privately-owned conservation areas, the proposed park will have a large open space vista and is one of the most scenic parts of the former golf course. It is also where earlier settlers are said to have gathered to socialize and enjoy nature. With trails also allowing residents of the development access, the new park will remain a place for neighbors to meet as well as a destination for walkers, nature lovers, and the surrounding community. To make all of this a reality, Source Land Capital agreed to match the funds raised by Citizens for Lakeview Preservation for development of the park. A Conservation Easement was created to assure its availability as passive open space in perpetuity. It is being developed to be a haven of tranquility in a natural setting dedicated to the legacy of those who held it before, from Native Americans to settlers and entrepreneurs, as well as those who turned it into one of the most beautiful and beloved golf courses in the area.