Quarry Park Wants Your Ideas For Its Next Chapter

If you’ve spent any time at Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, you know it’s more than just a park. It's a hidden gem right here in central Minnesota.

It's now time to figure out what we want Quarry Park to look like in the future. Sarah Weed, Parks Director, is asking for our help.

QUARRY PARK - A HIDDEN GEM IN ST. CLOUD

Quarry Park...It’s a place where St. Cloud slows down. Where families picnic near the water, hikers and bikers weave through wooded trails, and swimmers brave the cool, clear quarry waters on hot summer days. For many of us, Quarry Park isn’t just somewhere we visit. It’s part of how we live in central Minnesota.

That’s why Stearns County Parks Director Sarah Weed says now is the right time to take a fresh look at how Quarry Park is cared for and how it might evolve in the years ahead.

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UPDATING THE QUARRY PARK MASTER PLAN

The Quarry Park and Nature Preserve Master Plan was last updated in 1995. I didn't even know such a plan existed! Since then, the park has grown and changed in meaningful ways. Trails have expanded, amenities have improved, and the park has become one of Central Minnesota’s most beloved outdoor destinations.

With that progress in mind, the Stearns County Parks Department is beginning the process of updating the master plan to guide future decisions, improvements, and preservation efforts to ensure that people know how to care for it in the future, and what has already been done in the past.

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PRESERVING RICH CULTURE WHILE UPDATING TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS

Weed emphasizes that this isn’t about reinventing Quarry Park or losing what makes it special. The heart of the park remains the same. Preserving its rich cultural history and protecting its diverse natural resources are still the top priorities. But how people use the park today looks different from how it did thirty years ago, and planning for the future means listening to the community that loves it most.

DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF QUARRY PARK

Some of the potential enhancements being explored reflect how popular and heavily used Quarry Park has become. One idea includes expanding the mountain bike trail system, which has seen steady growth in use over the years. There is also discussion around upgrading swimming, climbing, and fishing access and amenities, ensuring these activities remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND GATHERING SPACES

Other possibilities look toward education and gathering spaces. The county is considering the construction of an interpretive center and an amphitheater, which could create new opportunities for learning, events, and community connection within the park. Improvements to parking facilities are also on the table, a practical need as visitor numbers continue to rise during peak seasons.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT QUARRY PARK?

What makes this planning process especially important is that none of these ideas is set in stone. Stearns County is actively asking residents and visitors to help shape the future of Quarry Park by sharing their experiences, ideas, and priorities.

PLEASE TAKE THE ONLINE SURVEY TODAY

An online survey and interactive map are now available, giving park users a chance to weigh in on how they currently use Quarry Park and what they would like to see improved or added in the future. Whether you visit weekly or only a few times a year, your perspective matters. The goal is to ensure future recommendations reflect the needs and desires of both current users and the generations who will enjoy Quarry Park down the road.

ABOUT THE SURVEY

The survey is designed to be quick and easy, taking about five to ten minutes to complete. It will remain open through February 16, 2026, giving plenty of time for thoughtful input. This is also a great opportunity to spread the word to friends, family, and fellow park lovers who might not realize they can have a voice in this process.

THE FUTURE OF QUARRY PARK LIES WITH YOU

Quarry Park has always been one of St. Cloud’s true gems. By taking part in this planning effort, the community can help protect what makes it special while guiding how it grows and adapts for the future.

If you love Quarry Park and want to be part of what comes next, you can share your feedback by CLICKING HERE NOW.

This is your chance to help shape the next chapter of a park that means so much to so many.