The beauty and solitude of the West shore of Lake Phalen in Saint Paul is threatened by the planned construction of a China Friendship Garden between the waterfall and historic bridge. This lovely, green, undeveloped area will forever be changed by the addition of a group of buildings, bridges, patios and archways. Neighbors and friends of the park wish to preserve the area as a vibrant green space, without any additional buildings or man-made structures to detract from the natural habitat.
We urge the City of Saint Paul to find another location for this project. To voice your comments, please contact Bryan Murphy at the City of Saint Paul Department of Parks and Recreation at [email protected] or by phone at 651-266-6411.
Please join our Facebook group Keep Phalen Park Natural
Updates
February 19, 2018
The scale of this response has forced the city to acknowledge our concerns regarding the site selection process. I am currently drafting a formal letter to the Department of Parks and Recreation to request a meeting for an open review of these development plans.
23 Comments
With respect to all involved, it's a fine idea, just the wrong location. It's the only place in Phalen Park that's a quiet, visually unobstructed, green refuge from the city and should remain that way; it's why we have parks in the first place. There are many more suitable locations with larger spaces all across St. Paul's park system.
Growing up and exploring around Lake Phalen gave me a sense of wonder, excitement and appreciation for the natural world. It instilled the importance of taking care of the environment and taught me to be curious. The natural beauty of Phalen was key to this. In keeping Phalen natural, the lake can continue to inspire this curiosity and wonder for generations to come.
Lake Phalen Park belongs to all the people, and should not show favoritism to any specific group.
Yes, I prefer to recreate and meditate in a more natural environment. not among man-made structures. There's plenty of development elsewhere. Leave this spot alone.
This beautiful area must be preserved. I get up on the east side. This lovely lakes a main reason I bought a home nearby again.
The proposed location for the China Friendship Garden is the most beautiful natural spot on Lake Phalen. This is supposed to be a friendship garden and it's dividing our neighborhood. Let's find a spot that brings us together.
Leave the green space please. St. Paul does not need additional space requiring maintenance and security. The city can't maintain what the have now without special assessments.
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The beauty and solitude of the West shore of Lake Phalen in Saint Paul is threatened by the planned construction of a China Friendship Garden between the waterfall and historic bridge. This lovely, green, undeveloped area will forever be changed by the addition of a group of buildings, bridges, patios and archways. Neighbors and friends of the park wish to preserve the area as a vibrant green space, without any additional buildings or man-made structures to detract from the natural habitat.
We urge the City of Saint Paul to find another location for this project. To voice your comments, please contact Bryan Murphy at the City of Saint Paul Department of Parks and Recreation at [email protected] or by phone at 651-266-6411.
Please join our Facebook group Keep Phalen Park Natural
Updates
February 19, 2018
The scale of this response has forced the city to acknowledge our concerns regarding the site selection process. I am currently drafting a formal letter to the Department of Parks and Recreation to request a meeting for an open review of these development plans.
23 Comments
I think this garden is a great idea, and an opportunity to celebrate the unique heritage of the East Side, but NOT in this location, and not on the lake. I often see wildlife in this area, including herons, and appreciate the solitude. I'm very concerned that adding more buildings, hardscape, and concentrated crowds, will destroy one of the few remaining places for wildlife in the City of St Paul.
With respect to all involved, it's a fine idea, just the wrong location. It's the only place in Phalen Park that's a quiet, visually unobstructed, green refuge from the city and should remain that way; it's why we have parks in the first place. There are many more suitable locations with larger spaces all across St. Paul's park system.
Growing up and exploring around Lake Phalen gave me a sense of wonder, excitement and appreciation for the natural world. It instilled the importance of taking care of the environment and taught me to be curious. The natural beauty of Phalen was key to this. In keeping Phalen natural, the lake can continue to inspire this curiosity and wonder for generations to come.
Lake Phalen Park belongs to all the people, and should not show favoritism to any specific group.
Yes, I prefer to recreate and meditate in a more natural environment. not among man-made structures. There's plenty of development elsewhere. Leave this spot alone.
This beautiful area must be preserved. I get up on the east side. This lovely lakes a main reason I bought a home nearby again.
The proposed location for the China Friendship Garden is the most beautiful natural spot on Lake Phalen. This is supposed to be a friendship garden and it's dividing our neighborhood. Let's find a spot that brings us together.
Leave the green space please. St. Paul does not need additional space requiring maintenance and security. The city can't maintain what the have now without special assessments.
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I think this garden is a great idea, and an opportunity to celebrate the unique heritage of the East Side, but NOT in this location, and not on the lake. I often see wildlife in this area, including herons, and appreciate the solitude. I'm very concerned that adding more buildings, hardscape, and concentrated crowds, will destroy one of the few remaining places for wildlife in the City of St Paul.