North Arm Public Access redesign

Planned improvements include: 

• Infrastructure maintenance: repair structural deterioration at the access point and asphalt condition, maintenance for stormwater management. 
• Safety and efficiency improvements, including:
  • Realigning the boat launch so that it doesn't require a backing turn.
  • Angling the parking stalls to improve navigation in the parking lot.
• Adding a vertical access point to separate commercial use at launch.
• Increased accessibility: adding lake access for users in human-powered crafts like canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.
• Making improvements for shoreline anglers, including better accessibility, sightlines, and lighting and "pods" that extend out into the lake to improve the fishing experience.
• Incorporating climate and resiliency features, including redesigning the stormwater management system and adding solar.

Project timeline

• Fall 2024 through winter 2025: Develop design and conduct community engagement.
• Fall 2024 through spring 2025: Create construction documents and secure easements and approvals.
• Fall 2025 through spring 2026: Construction, which will be done in phases and will prioritize maintaining public access during the busiest portion of the fishing and boating season.

Attend an in-person open house or virtual information session

Attend an upcoming session to learn about the project, talk with staff, ask questions, and provide feedback on updated design concepts. 

In-person open house

Wednesday, January 29 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Orono City Hall, 2750 Kelley Parkway in Orono. Map to Orono City Hall. 

Virtual information session

Tuesday, February 4 from 4 to 5 p.m. on Zoom. Access the virtual information session (Zoom). 

Recap of open house held for the community in October 

Hennepin County and IMO Consulting Group held an open house for the community on October 4 to share information about the project and gather feedback on the initial design concepts. Ten people attended, including residents who live near the access and representatives from the Lake Minnetonka Association, Lake Minnetonka Conservation District, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 

Attendees shared feedback on topics including the access design, fishing, boating, parking, signage, and waste management. Hennepin County and the consultant team are reviewing the feedback, developing responses to questions raised, and modifying and refining the designs to incorporate suggestions.

Read a detailed summary of feedback received at the October open house (PDF). 

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