Thompson Park Phase Two Improvements

Thanks to Minnesota Locks and Inver Grove Ford for their support.

Dakota County hosted an open house to share phase two improvement plans for Thompson Park and gather community input. The significant changes—with a potential $20 million price tag—include expansion of the Thompson Park Center building, amphitheater, nature play area, trails and amenities, gardens, paddle rental and launch, and more.

Share input: If you missed the open house, Dakota County is accepting online comments.
Why: This is the next step in the 2020 master plan for Thompson Park. After the highly successful phase one improvements, the county wants to continue the work to better meet resident needs.
Funding: The expansion of the building is a substantial portion of the cost and the county hopes to get $10 million in state bonding money. Much of the work depends on funding, though some pieces could move forward without state money.
Timeline: It’s entirely dependent on funding. These are long-term plans and those can often take 10 years or more to realize. The absolute earliest anything could start would be 2025.

“$20 million of investment at Thompson County Park is significant!” said Parks Director Niki Geisler. “It’s exciting to think about the potential of bringing more of the long range plan improvements into reality with possible state dollars to match the county investment.”

Crowd of people reviewing boards at Thompson Park open house. — April 17 open house at Thompson Park.

Proposed Improvements

Here’s an overview of the proposed improvements that expand and activate more of the park while retaining much of its natural character. Detailed plans and drawings are below.

Thompson Park Center: A 6,500-foot expansion to the north and west will add a visitor center, offer rental gear, and community gathering space, making the building more open to the public.
Parking lot: Expand the parking lot with 33 more spaces to handle events and add a maintenance building.
Amphitheater: Plaza and amphitheater immediately southwest of Dakota Lodge to serve weddings, park events, and more.
Nature play area: A quarter-mile loop trail with natural and imaginative play stations along the way.
Pollinator promenade: A natural trail looping alongside the paved trail with pollinator and sensory gardens, a daylighted creek, and more.
Emerson Pond and Simon’s Ravine: New features to improve amenities in the southern portion of the park, including a small picnic shelter, more natural trails, a bridge over the ravine, and an overlook.
Paddle input: A paddle launch/dock attached to the existing fishing pier (to reduce cost and shoreline impact) and paddle boat rental trailer.
Entry and wayfinding: New entryway stops at the south and north ends of the park with seating, informational kiosks, bike parking and fixit stations, and more.