Restoring Riverside Park: A Community’s Commitment to Preservation and Renewal

“For those of us who have loved this park for generations, seeing Riverside come back to life is a dream come true,” says Reta Dahlen, a long-time resident of Long Prairie with a deep passion for the restoration of Riverside Park. “This park is a piece of our history and our future. Today's efforts will ensure that future generations can enjoy its beauty and learn its story.”

The City of Long Prairie is embarking on an ambitious and heartfelt project to restore Riverside Park, a cherished natural and historical landmark. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, the support of local government, and crucial funding from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), Riverside Park is on the path to renewal.

Preserving Native Beauty

In 2020, Minnesota Master Naturalist Ann Luloff carefully inventoried Riverside Park’s plants, trees, and shrubs. This detailed cataloging, along with guidance from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources’ “Native Vegetation Establishment and Enhancement Guidelines,” has been instrumental in shaping the park’s restoration strategy.

Significant volunteer efforts have been made to restore the park’s ecological balance. Invasive species like buckthorn and thistles have been removed, and native plants like Swamp Buttercup, Swamp Milkweed, Coneflower, and Red Osier Dogwood have been protected. Clumps of wild iris have been divided and transplanted, enhancing the park’s biodiversity. Importantly, these efforts have been carried out at no cost to the city, a testament to the community’s dedication.

Restoring Historic Roads and Pathways

One of the most ambitious aspects of the restoration is rebuilding Riverside Park’s original roads and pathways. Todd County Soil and Water has permitted the city to restore the historic roads, initially 12 feet wide and edged with concrete curbing. The 1939 aerial view of the park outlines these roads, some of which still retain their original curbing.

To address water flow issues, the restoration plan includes adding culverts to allow water from the north and south ponds to return to the Long Prairie River without eroding the newly restored roads. These roads surfaced with crushed concrete and asphalt, will be fully ADA compliant, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

In addition to the roads, Riverside Park boasts ten walking paths totaling 1,874 feet. These paths lead to some of the park’s most beloved landmarks, including the Griep Bridge, the old warming house foundation, and the stone lodge built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Trails like the Cabin Trail, which passes by the original cabin slabs, and the Tower Trail, leading to the iconic stone tower, offer visitors a journey through the park’s rich history.

Revitalizing the Ponds and Waterways

The two ponds at Riverside Park, dug by WPA workers in 1936, are also key to the restoration efforts. Over the years, sediment and debris have accumulated, and demolition material was added to the north pond’s eastern side. Plans are in place to level these debris piles and create ten new parking spaces along the road to the lodge while preserving the four large cottonwood trees growing on the site.

With guidance from Kasen Christiansen, wetland and conservation technician for Todd County, the ponds will be cleaned and restored to a maximum depth of eight feet, with gently sloping edges to support local wildlife. The historic sluice gates, once controlled water flow from the Long Prairie River to the ponds, will also be revitalized, ensuring proper water management.

A Bright Future Ahead

Riverside Park's restoration is more than a beautification project; it’s a community-driven effort to preserve Long Prairie’s heritage and create a welcoming space for future generations. The park's transformation is well underway, and a grant from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, received in July 2024, is funding the renovations.

As Reta Dahlen and countless other volunteers continue their work, Riverside Park stands as a symbol of what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared vision. Long Prairie residents can look forward to a revitalized Riverside Park rich in history, natural beauty, and exploration opportunities.