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U of M schedules public forums to engage citizens in UMore Park planning process~ Planning scenarios for U's 5,000-acre property on view ~
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL ( 6/13/2008 ) -- The University is hosting public forums in the next 10 days to seek public comment on four potential planning scenarios for its 5,000-acre property in Dakota County. A strategic planning process in 2006 envisioned a university-founded community at the University of Minnesota Outreach, Research and Education (UMore) Park property that would evolve over 25 to 30 years. The concept master planning phase for a unique, sustainable community of 20,000 to 30,000 people that is distinctive through its relationship to the university was launched in November 2007. Forums to engage discussion of the proposed scenarios will be held: - 10 a.m. Monday, June 16, Coffman Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis - 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, St. Paul Student Center, 2017 Buford Ave., St. Paul - 6 p.m. Thursday, June 19, Rosemount Community Center, 13885 South Robert Trail, Rosemount - 6 p.m. Monday, June 23, Rosemount Community Center, 13885 South Robert Trail, Rosemount The public forums follow the debut of the concept scenarios at the University Board of Regents meeting on June 12. The scenarios, developed by university consultant Design Workshop, Inc., Aspen, Colo., in conjunction with local firms, strive to integrate university research, education and public engagement to add value to planning and development over time and benefit citizens and the region. "The planning and development of this property is a once-ever opportunity for the university and unique in the nation," said Charles Muscoplat, vice president of statewide strategic resource development. "Such an ongoing and long-term endeavor creates learning and research possibilities for students and faculty, and adds value towards economic development in the region." The concept scenario for the Vermillion Highlands property, adjacent and to the south of UMore Park will also be displayed for comment at the forums. The 2,822-acre property is jointly managed by the university and the state's Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with Dakota County. Vermillion Highlands was created by the legislature in May 2006 as a research, recreation and wildlife management area. The university-owned property will be deeded to the state in 2032 in conjunction with the state's support for the university's new Gopher football stadium on campus. The university retains rights in perpetuity to conduct research on the property. UMore Park is among the largest contiguous properties in the United States that is owned by a land grant university. It includes the remnants of the former Gopher Ordnance Works, a facility constructed by the federal government to manufacture smokeless gun powder during World War II. The property was deeded to the university in 1947-1948. The university is pursuing planning on the property with attention to stewardship of its natural resources, a legacy of research for the state over generations, support for the academic mission of the institution and economic development in the region. Formal presentations on the concept scenarios are also scheduled for the Dakota County Board, June 17; the City of Rosemount Council, June 18; and the Empire Township Board, June 24. Details on registration for the public forums, the planning process, the scenarios and ways to view scenarios and submit comments via the website are at www.umorepark.umn.edu. ---------- |
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