familiar site on Saint Paul's eastside, highly visible from the Kellogg Bridge,
Mounds Blvd and I-94.
More than 225 local residents, employees and visitors weighed in on the
building and the larger sanctuary entrance area through an online survey
developed by the Lower Phalen Creek Project in coordination with Saint Paul
Parks and Recreation.
Over 75% of respondents selected renovating the existing building for an
interpretive center and other uses as their preferred option for the area.
(Other choices in the survey included tearing down the building, building a new
interpretive center or adding phased improvements.) The renovation would
maximize the safety and use of the area, people said, and create a place to
celebrate the unique environmental and cultural resources here.
Respondents offered a range of suggestions and comments on project financing,
interpretive center content and the need for better trail connections between
the sanctuary, Lowertown and the Mississippi River.
Drinking water received the most rankings as “top priority” short-term
improvement in the area.
Lower Phalen Creek Project and Saint Paul Parks and Recreation are moving
forward to identify sources of funding as well as potential additional partners
and tenants. They are also working to provide a drinking fountain and organize
events and activities to enliven the area, which was identified as a priority
gathering place along the Mississippi River in the Great River Passage Master
Plan.
Visit www.lowerphalencreek.org for updates and be sure to “like” the sanctuary
on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ventosanctuary