The Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is one of the more urban park experiences as part of the Anoka County Park system. It sits along the Mississippi River in Fridley MN and has a mix of landscapes from the more manicured pavilion spaces to un-paved trails that weave through the woods and prairie. The 446-acre park is one of the most popular in Anoka County and is a year-round destination, especially during the cross-country ski season. Picnicking, fishing, in-line skating, walking, and bicycling are favorite activities in the park. The boat launch is heavily used during the summer. The Wargo Nature Center naturalists use the park heavily for kayaking, wildlife viewing and birding classes. 

The park's visitor center, heavily used by staff and visitors, was in need of updating inside and out. In 2015 the County began renovations of the interior spaces including the restrooms and lobby.  As project manager for the restroom remodel I helped staff work to update interpretive displays inside which connect to a "bird habitat" outside.  The exterior landscape was installed in late summer 2016 and includes a plant pallet that encourages wildlife which can be viewed from the buildings large windows and seating area.