St. Croix 360

River stories to inspire stewardship.

  • Share News
  • Event Calendar
  • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • Support

New Stillwater River Park Nearly A Done Deal

City will take ownership of prime real estate in 2015, begin planning for restoration and recreation.

By Greg Seitz | September 29, 2014 | 2 minute read

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pocket
  • Telegram
Beach area on the Aiple property

Beach area on the Aiple property (Photo via Stillwater Current)

More than a half-mile of riverfront land just north of downtown Stillwater will be open to the public, thanks to a deal finalized this month.

The Aiple Property, 15 acres of land wedged between Highway 95 (and the new Brown’s Creek Trail) and the river, is being acquired for $4.3 million, with funds from the state of Minnesota, city of Stillwater, and Washington County. (See previous coverage here.)

The property, one of the longest stretches of river frontage still in private ownership in Washington County, will be conveyed to the city next year. The city will then start developing plans for how it will be used and managed. Ultimately, the city hopes to return the land to a more natural state, and improve access to the river. It could include facilities for shore fishing, short-term docks, walk-in boat launches, walking paths, nature observation, and picnicking.

“It’s going to be a passive, natural park,” county commissioner Gary Kriesel, who led the acquisition project, told the Pioneer Press. “I envision a river frontage being like what I grew up in — where kids can go out and fish and maybe put in a canoe or kayak. … I’d just like to thank the Aiples for allowing it to be sold.”

While the Aiples thought they could get more than $4.3 million from a private buyer, their attorney said they wanted to see the land preserved for the public.

“We, along with everyone else, agreed that this is too important a piece of property to be sold for another McMansion,” Jack Hoeschler told the Pioneer Press.

The Washington County board voted 5-0 to approve the purchase at its Sept. 23 meeting. The county will contribute $1.925 million in funds from its Land and Water Legacy Program (LWLP), a 2006 voter-approved fund to acquire land for “purposes of improving water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams; protecting drinking water; preserving wetlands and woodlands; and protecting land along water bodies from development.”

The City of Stillwater is contributing $1.125 million to the project and the State of Minnesota is contributing $1.25 million in grant funds from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF), which receives 40 percent of net proceeds from the Minnesota State Lottery.

“This property is a gem along the St. Croix River that has long been privately held and will now be available for use by the public and will contribute to an even more vibrant downtown,” said Stillwater Mayor Ken Harycki. “This acquisition will preserve access to the river for all of our residents and visitors, and it adds significantly to one of our greatest assets, the riverfront.”

The landowner, Elayne Aiple, has lived on the land since the late 1960s and will be allowed to stay in the house for up to five more years while the park is planned and developed. With her husband Frank, who died in 2000, Elayne owned Aiple Marine and Towing south of downtown Stillwater. The property of their former business is also in the process of being converted to a park.

Conservation news on St. Croix 360 is supported by the St. Croix River Association, which works to protect, restore and celebrate the St. Croix River and its watershed.

Related articles:

Follow

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Features

Two inches and 6,000 gallons: A swollen century on the St. Croix River

Cold comfort

New preserve will let students, community, and anglers experience the Kinnickinnic River

St. Croix 360 is now 100% supported by readers.

Click here to contribute →

 

Latest News

Progress reported on effort to establish National Heritage Area for St. Croix River region

Afton State Park Phenology Feb. 19 to March 4, 2021

Spring is coming: Officials provide first St. Croix River flood forecast of season

Tax dollars work for water: Legacy Amendment funds will help protect St. Croix River

Watch: A guy’s goats keep him company while he swims the icy St. Croix

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

About

St. Croix 360 builds support for river stewardship, and connects people and organizations. It is an independent news source produced by Greg Seitz, with past support from the St. Croix River Association.

Donate to St. Croix 360 today »

Story of 360

One of the biggest challenges facing the St. Croix River is harmful blooms of algae in in the lower river, due to excess nutrients in runoff. The goal is to restore the river by reducing phosphorus levels to 360 tons/year. Learn more »

Share Your News

St. Croix 360 is powered by a broad community of St. Croix River-loving people. Please visit our submission page to send tips, press releases, and other news.

Submit an Event

Lower St. Croix: St. Croix 360 partners with online calendar St. Croix Splash.

  • Submit your events to Splash.
  • Share it with St. Croix 360 for promotion.

For events elsewhere in the watershed, contact St. Croix 360 directly.

St. Croix 360 Syndication

To help increase awareness of the St. Croix River, news organizations and other outlets are free to share St. Croix 360 content, as long as you follow a few simple rules.

Republish St. Croix 360 stories »

Partners

  • St. Croix River Association
  • St. Croix Watershed Research Station
  • ArtReach St. Croix
  • You and all St. Croix 360's readers!
Handcrafted in May Township, Minnesota. Please contribute today »
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.