Sochacki Park Water Quality Improvements

Introduction

Three Rivers Park District, in coordination with Robbinsdale, Golden Valley, and the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission, is leading a water quality improvement project at Sochacki Park aimed at improving the ecological health, aesthetics and condition of the park’s shallow wetlands and providing additional outdoor recreation and education opportunities. The water bodies within Sochacki Park, including North Rice, South Rice and Grimes Ponds, receive runoff from the surrounding areas before draining into Bassett Creek. Common to wetlands in urban areas, the ponds have high amounts of nutrients that contribute to water quality problems, prompting concern from residents and park visitors.

Planning Process

The first phase of the project centered on a sub-watershed assessment that inventoried current conditions, established a baseline to work from, outlined realistic water quality goals, and recommended actions to reduce pollutant loading and improve wetland health. The second phase of the project involved a feasibility study to examine the suite of recommended actions from an environmental, operational and regulatory permitting perspective. This study provided the foundation for the project’s design phase, which is now 50 percent complete. View a presentation describing the design work and recommendations.

Project Meeting

Three Rivers Park District, in coordination with Robbinsdale, Golden Valley and the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission, is recommending a temporary drawdown of Grimes, North Rice, and South Rice Ponds. This work is proposed to commence in September/October 2026 and would last until the spring of 2027.

The purpose of the temporary drawdown is to consolidate sediments and nutrients in the ponds, reduce invasive curly-leaf pond weed, and promote a shift to rooted native aquatic vegetation to improve habitat and water quality. The project goal is to improve the ecological health, aesthetics and condition of Sochacki Park’s shallow wetlands and provide additional outdoor recreation and education opportunities.

The public is invited to a meeting to learn more about the project and provide feedback.

Project Meeting and Public Hearing

Monday, August 10, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.

Robbinsdale City Hall

4100 Lakeview Ave. N., Robbinsdale, MN 55422

Written comments also may be provided in the comment box below.

Project Description

The water quality improvement project aims to reduce total phosphorus by approximately 68 lbs./year, improving water quality within Minnesota Department of Natural Resources-protected wetlands (Grimes Pond, South Rice Pond and North Rice Pond) and Bassett Creek, reducing chronic erosion and sedimentation, improving aquatic vegetation, enhancing buffers and wildlife habitat, and improving recreation and educational opportunities. Project components include:

Structural Best Management Practices - Construction of two new stormwater ponds, expansion of an existing stormwater pond and filtration system in South Halifax Park. During construction, the project will also clear debris from stormwater pipe inlets/outlets, remove sediment deposits and stabilize erosion areas in the park.

In-pond Best Management Practices - Facilitation of temporary overwinter water level drawdowns to reduce internal phosphorus loading in the wetlands, control aquatic invasive species, improve water clarity and encourage rooted aquatic vegetation dominance in the system.

Project Funding

Funding for final design and project implementation comes from multiple sources including a $1.6 million federal grant from the Community Project Fund, $600,000 from the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission's Capital Improvement Program Fund, and $477,000 from the Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund. Three Rivers Park District and project partners may provide additional funding toward implementation once final design plans and cost estimates are completed.