St. Croix Valley
St. Croix Valley
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2025
STILLWATER | BAYPORT | OAK PARK HEIGHTS | LAKE ELMO
Sales tax goes toward riverfront parks
In the 2024 election, Stillwater voters approved a local option sales tax to improve riverfront parks.
To meet the growing demand for opportunities on along the St. Croix River, the city is investing $ 13.5 million to transform Lumberjack Landing and Bridgeview parks.
The city secured more than half of the funding from the state legislature, private donations, grants, and city contributions.
Beginning April 1, 2025, sales tax on non-essential items in Stillwater was raised by 0.5 %. This sales tax will remain in effect for 10 years or until the remain cost for the riverfront renewal project, approximately $ 6.2 million, is raised – whichever comes first.
A wide range of improvements will
happen during this project, including vegetation management, riverbank stabilization, and the addition of park amenities.
Planned improvements for Lumberjack Landing include: rehabilitating and remodeling the existing structure, known as the Aiple residence, to create an outdoor, recreation-focused building, including public restrooms, paddle craft rental space, and a picnic patio / pavilion; removing invasive species; improving the natural vegetation and landscape; adding an accessible canoe / kayak launch platform, an amenity Stillwater is lacking; adding storage, gathering space, and outdoor access to restrooms; adding a river overlook and fishing platform; building a vehicle turn-around and drop-off area; providing trail access to Brown Creek State Trail; building a new picnic shelter; and expanding parking at the southern end of the site.
Bridgeview Park improvements include: building a transient dock for public boat access to the river; rehabilitating the Bergstein buildings; adding a park pavilion; improving convenient car, boat, bike, and foot traffic access to the park; extending active recreation opportunities through trail linkages; providing flexible spaces for public gatherings; making improvements that respect the scenic character of the river; and capitalizing on the park’ s proximity to downtown to welcome park visitors to the greater Stillwater community. Learn more at stillwaterriverfrontrenewal. org.
22 | St. Croix Valley | Community Guide | 2025