Last week, the Park Board released draft concepts for the Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles Master Plan renovations. This plan is still in a draft form, and there's information at the bottom of this post about how to get involved with shaping it.

Both concepts call for significant improvements to the lakes, with each version including a new permanent structure on Isles, a temporary structure with equipment rentals at Cedar, restrooms at both lakes, an outdoor classroom at Cedar, improved prairie, pollinator, and oak habitats, a new outdoor skating loop, and a relocation of the Isles ice rink. 

There are some key differences between the draft concepts, which are named “Living Lakes” and “Unique Lake Experiences”. Images and descriptions of both are below.

There will be three public hearings about the plans in January. Details on how to join are at the bottom of this post, and give feedback by filling out this survey by the end of January.

Here are the designs for the Living Lakes concept. A larger version can be found here.


DESCRIPTION: “This concept prioritizes climate change mitigation, wildlife habitat, and increased program opportunities at key areas within each park. Restoration of pre-colonial landscape communities honors a layered history and minimal trail improvements around Cedar Lake maintain its secluded character.”

DETAILS:

  • This plan will maximize water quality improvements, marsh expansion, and oak restoration at both lakes
  • Improves the prairie section on the north side of Cedar
  • Adds a year-round structure on the northeast side of Isles and a seasonal structure that includes equipment rentals on the east side of Cedar near the light rail stop
  • Adds a pedestrian boardwalk on the north section of Isles
  • Adds a pollinator habitat on the north side of Bde Maka Ska
  • Adds outdoor classrooms and restroom structures at both Cedar and Isles
  • Adds three lake decks and three picnic pavilions on Isles and a picnic pavilion on Cedar
  • Adds a winter skating loop on the north section of Isles and moves the hockey rink from Isles to Cedar
  • Replaces a portion of the grass surrounding Isles, especially on the north and east sides of the lake

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Here are the designs for the Unique Lake Experiences concept. A larger version can be found here.


DESCRIPTION: “This concept emphasizes the existing character of each lake while broadening access to the park with new welcome points, improved multi-modal connectivity, and activity hubs. Greater preservation of turf areas on Lake of the Isles upholds the pastoral design legacy of the park.”

DETAILS:

  • Adds oak restoration at both lakes
  • Improves the prairie section on the north side of Cedar
  • Adds a year-round structure on the west side of Isles and a seasonal structure that includes equipment rentals on the east side of Cedar near the light rail stop
  • Adds a pollinator habitat on the north side of Bde Maka Ska
  • Adds restroom structures at both Cedar and Isles and an outdoor classroom at Cedar
  • Adds a series of “welcome gateways” at ten spots around both lakes
  • Adds a winter skating loop on the west section of Isles and moves the hockey rink from the north part of Isles to the west part of Isles
  • Preserves large sections of existing grass surrounding Isles

So, what’s the difference?

If you want more expansive water quality improvements, extensive wildlife expansions, a boardwalk at Isles, the skating rink moved to Cedar, lake decks, and picnic pavilions, you might like the Living Lakes concept.

If you want improvements but more limited changes to the current designs of both lakes, the skating rink to stay on Isles, designed welcome gateways scattered across Cedar and Isles, and to preserve as much of the grass as possible around Isles, you might like the Unique Lake Experiences concept.

How to get involved:

Here are the upcoming hearings where you can ask questions and give your thoughts.

  • Thursday, Jan. 6, 6-7:30 pm (Virtual) // Zoom Link // Phone: 312-626-6799 and enter Meeting ID: 885 6641 6893
  • Saturday, Jan. 22, 1-2:30 pm at Lake of the Isles ice skating rink (In-person)
  • Monday, Jan. 24, 6-7:30 pm (Virtual) // Zoom Link // Phone: 312-626-6799 and enter Meeting ID: 892 5453 1887

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