Purgatory Creek Recreation Area Master Plan and Park Enhancements

Located in the heart of Eden Prairie, the Purgatory Creek Recreation Area is a 200-acre wetland complex that adjoins a seven-acre park. As part of the City’s largest natural conservation area, the park serves as a gateway and gathering place, gradually transiting from a formal to a naturalized park setting within the conservation area.

Located in the heart of Eden Prairie, the Purgatory Creek Recreation Area is a 200-acre wetland complex that adjoins a seven-acre park. As part of the city’s largest natural conservation area, the park functions as a gateway and gathering space, gradually transitioning from a formal entry area to naturalized parkland.

SRF partnered with the City of Eden Prairie to develop and implement a phased master plan that supports year-round events, activities, and recreational use. The design prioritized pedestrian access to a 2.5-mile trail system and included features to enhance the experience of park visitors.

The final plan organized the park into distinct activity zones, integrating amenities that support community engagement and environmental stewardship:

• A large open-air pavilion that serves as a visual and functional centerpiece
• Stone and steel trellis structure and a complementary restroom building
• Perennial garden and splash fountain to activate gathering spaces
• Plazas and pedestrian pathways, ideal for special events and casual recreation
• Gateway signage monuments to enhance visibility and provide a clear park entry

This plan successfully balances active use with ecological sensitivity, elevating the park’s role as both a natural resource and a welcoming destination for the Eden Prairie community.

Resource Links
City of Eden Prairie – Parks & Recreation

Internal Category
Parks, Trails & Recreation

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