History of Stonehedge Waterfall & Island

 

The island between Jade Court NE and Stonehedge Drive NE in Rochester, Minnesota has been a source of pride for the Stonehedge Estates neighborhood since it was finished in July 2006. 

 

Ownership of the island dates back to December 12, 1856 when the United States transferred property that included the  Stonehedge Estates Fourth Subdivision to Dexter Livermore via a land warrant.  On April 13, 2005 Cassidy Hills Land Development, LLC transferred the property to Stonehedge Land Development, LLC via a warranty deed.

 

​In October 2014, the island transferred to Friends of Stonehedge Waterfall, LLC after the economic downturn that started in 2009.  The outlot is unique in that it is not owned or maintained by the City of Rochester.  Instead, the property is maintained by volunteers in the Stonehedge Estates neighborhood. 

 

​April 2005

Dick Argue was the managing partner of Stonehedge Land Development and it was his idea to create a unique, welcoming space to the south entrance to Stonehedge Estates.  Consisting of 0.36 acres, the island included a waterfall, greenspace with multiple trees, and a gazebo.  

 

​April 2006

The waterfall was completed.  It consisted of multiple granite boulders and other large rocks that surrounded the east and west sides of the waterfall. 

 

July 2006

Norway spruce trees, shrubs, and flowers were planted around and on top of the waterfall.  Twelve additional trees were planted throughout the outlot, consisting of a variety of red crimson and maples.  

 

​2010

Beginning in 2010, Alice O’Malley-Peterson and her husband Jon Peterson took an active role in the maintenance of the waterfall.  Alice, referred by the neighbors as the master gardener, planted many shrubs and flowering plants to enhance the beauty of the waterfall and to this day can be seen scaling the sides of the waterfall to pull a weed, plant a new species, and just enjoy the space.