Wassermann Lake Preserve
Overview
The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) worked strategically with the City of Victoria to identify an opportunity to address water quality issues and provide new recreation space for the community in the Wassermann Lake Preserve. The preserve connects the community of Victoria with the regional trail system through paved trails and a scenic boardwalk along the shoreline. A picnic shelter and nature play area provide comfortable space for families to gather and include interpretive exhibits that educate visitors on hydrological connections around the watershed. In addition, this project included the restoration of adjacent shoreline and wetland habitat and the construction of a new fishing pier and kayak dock for recreation on the lake.
In 2002, Wassermann Lake’s water quality was poor enough to result in an impairment designation from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, primarily due to a high phosphorus load and the increasing population of invasive common carp. As partners in the area began to invest in the natural resources of the region, the City of Victoria recognized a need for residents to have recreation opportunities nearby. By partnering with MCWD, the Wassermann Lake Preserve now provides a beautiful park that connects communities to the natural assets on the lake. Stormwater treatment features on-site also enhance water quality and improve recreation opportunities.
Project Timeline
Planning Phase
Planning Phase
Spring 2017 — Partnership agreement created with the Six Mile Creek-Halsted Bay Subwatershed Partnership
Spring 2017 — Land acquired
Summer/Fall 2017 — Concept development begins for Wassermann Lake Preserve
Winter 2017-2018 — Community input and engagement given for concept development
Summer 2018 — Concepts refined based on community input
Design Phase
Design Phase
Summer 2019 — Design initiated
Summer 2019 — Project ordered by MCWD Board of Managers
Fall 2019 — Community engagement open houses initiated to refine project design
2019 — Concept design and natural resource improvements finalized
Construction Phase
Construction Phase
December 2019 — Construction of the boardwalk begins
March 2020 — Construction of the boardwalk completed
Spring 2020 — Construction of the park structures begins
June 2021 — Construction completed
Project completion
Project Completion
June 2021 — Grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Wassermann Lake Preserve
By the Numbers
75
poundS
nutrient loading reduction each year
10
acres
of wetland restored
7
acres
prairie & oak savannah restored
200
feet
stream Channel restored
30
acres
publicly accessible greenspace
Project Highlights
- New park shelter and playground
- Interconnected trail system
- Restored public access site
- Fishing pier and kayak dock
- Habitat restoration
- Shoreline restoration
- Underground stormwater treatment structures that improve water quality
- Interpretive exhibits
Partnership
To accomplish mutual priorities, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District formed the Six Mile Creek– Halsted Bay Planning Partnership with the City of Victoria and other local organizations to engage in proactive planning for collaboration in the region. Together, the partnership identified 33.5 acres of land on the Wassermann Lake shoreline as an opportunity to meet mutual goals and provide value for residents. The partners purchased the land and developed the plan for Wassermann Lake Preserve’s design. The Six Mile Creek-Halsted Bay Planning Partnership continues to promote fruitful work toward improved water quality by aligning natural resources and community development planning.
Funding
Project Cost: $2,700,000
Funding for Wassermann Lake Preserve was provided by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and the City of Victoria. The Clean Water, Land, and Legacy fund contributed to the natural resource restoration efforts, including the Wassermann West Pond’s alum treatment.
