News Flash
Parks
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news
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Hardwood Creek Regional Trail Extension Project open house scheduled April 8
In-Person Open House Information
Washington County, in partnership with the City of Hugo, is commencing the design phase for a trail extension project for the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail from 120th St N to 130th St N. This project will fill an important gap in the existing trail network and extend the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail to Washington County’s southern border.
Join us for an open house to inform the public that the design phase is being kicked off. Construction is planned to start in 2027.
- When: Wednesday, April 8 from 4 - 6 p.m. (no formal presentation).
- Where: Hugo City Hall (14669 Fitzgerald Ave N, Hugo, MN 55038).
Online Engagement Information
If you are unable to attend the in-person open house, there will be an opportunity to review the material shared at the in-person open house on the project website: April 8 — April 30, 2026.
www.washingtoncountymn.gov/HardwoodCreekExtension
There will be no formal presentation or discussion during the online engagement.
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Horse trails are temporarily closed at Pine Point Regional Park and Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Due to thawing trail conditions, horse trails are now closed at Pine Point Regional Park and Lake Elmo Park Reserve, reopening May 1.
The Gateway State Trail currently remain open for horseback riding.
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Washington County Parks campground reservation system being updated for 2026 season
Washington County Parks is updating its campground reservation system for the 2026 season to make booking easier, more accommodating, and fairer.
What’s changing:
- Instead of opening all reservations on a single day in January, sites will now be available on a rolling basis.
- Campsite reservations will open 120 days before the campers’ desired arrival date.
How it works:
- Reservations for the first day of the 2026 camping season, April 24, 2026, will open Dec. 26, 2025.
- Reservations will continue to open up 120 days before the arrival date. For example, to camp Memorial Day Weekend with an arrival date of Friday, May 22, 2026, reservations will open on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.
Why the change:
In past years, all reservations opened on one day in January, which caused heavy website traffic, errors, and frustration for campers. The new rolling system spreads bookings throughout the year, giving campers more flexibility and a better chance to reserve sites as they make their plans. The process of booking the site remains the same and can be done by visiting the reservation site beginning Dec 26, 2025 or by calling one of the park offices beginning January 2, 2026.