Rochester Park Board Reviews Soldiers Field Park Options

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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Rochester Park Board yesterday reviewed three concept plans for Soldiers Field Park.

The three options were created by a consultant after the city gathered input from the community through online surveys and meetings. The Parks Department will next seek further public engagement on the concept plans as it updates the Soldiers Field Memorial Park Master Plan that was put together eight years ago.

One of the concept plans retains the current 18-hole golf course but would reconfigure several of the holes to allow for an expanded aquatics facility, which is a feature of all three options. It would also eliminate the current ball fields and replace them with pickleball courts, a flex lawn that could be used for ice ranks, and additional parking.

The second option calls for revamping the golf course by reducing it to a nine-hole course while adding a golf putting course and a golf practice area. It also includes pickleball courts and a space for outdoor curling.

Option three would eliminate the golf course and related facilities and replace it with other amenities, including an arboretum with trails, picnic shelters, and a Riverfront Plaza.

The Parks Department will also be seeking public input in the coming months on the future of all four of the city's golf facilities. The Rochester City Council requested the review of both the future of Soldiers Field Park and the municipal golf courses in February.