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CMP Part 4E. Park. Open Space and Trail Plan <br />The Big Island Nature Park property, like much of Lake Minnetonka's <br />shoreland, has undergone a series of transformations over the past century. <br />However, in contrast to the ever -intensifying nature of the Lake's residential <br />development, the Big Island Park property has experienced a gradual reversion <br />back to a substantially undeveloped state with a diversity of significant natural <br />resource features. <br />The land on which the Park lies has a rich history of recreational use that <br />today's casual passerby might never have imagined. It was home to a thriving <br />amusement park in the early 1900s operated by the Twin City Rapid Transit <br />Company, drawing thousands of visitors who were transported to the island via <br />steam -powered ferryboats. This regional attraction lasted only 6 seasons before <br />it closed and was eventually dismantled. Remnants of the grandeur of the Big <br />Island Amusement Park can still be found on the site, including the grand entry <br />portal stairway and old foundation remnants hidden among the Island's wooded <br />glens. <br />In 1923 the property became the Big Island Veterans Camp, offering camping <br />and other recreational opportunities to Minnesota's war veterans. A large <br />dining hall was constructed on the high central knoll of the site, and a variety of <br />cabins and campsites were developed. Use of the camp by veterans and their <br />families continued until 2003, when the Vets Camp Board of Governors voted <br />to dispose of the property and use the proceeds for other veterans needs <br />throughout Minnesota. <br />The City of Orono stepped up and in partnership with the Minnehaha Creek <br />Watershed District obtained a grant from the State of Minnesota to purchase the <br />property for park purposes. A majority of the site was placed in a Conservation <br />Easement to preserve its open space and natural character. The remainder of the <br />site is allowed to be developed in a limited manner for generally passive <br />recreational and educational uses. Information about the City's vision, mission <br />and goals & policies regarding this unique property are found later in this <br />Section under Park, Open Space and Trails Goals and Policies. <br />Lake Accesses <br />Orono maintains four swimming beaches of which three (Casco Point Beach on <br />Spring Park Bay; Sandy Beach on North Arm Bay; and Lydiard Beach on <br />Cannan Bay) are on Lake Minnetonka. Each of the three are situated at the end <br />of narrow City road right-of-way corridors (60'-66' in total width) and primarily <br />serve the surrounding neighborhoods. Summit Beach is situated at the <br />southeast corner of Long Lake and is a 5 -acre parcel with over 500' of <br />shoreline. Donated to the City by Bruce Dayton, the park includes a parking <br />area, picnic tables, swimming dock and canoe racks. <br />City of Orono Community Management Plan 2008-2030 Page 4E-16 <br />