Lilydale: St. Paul knew of erosion, not landslide danger; Mayor: city couldn’t have predicted; site stays closed
St. Paul city officials knew about erosion at Lilydale Regional Park but didn't know about the landslide danger, according to a report released this morning in response to the deaths of two children killed in a May landslide as they hunted for fossils during a school field trip.
An engineering report also released warns that groundwater played a key role in the landslide and that all bluff areas like Lilydale have similar risk.
While the deaths of the children were tragic, the city could not have predicted it, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman told reporters. Lilydale Park permits and access will remain closed, Coleman said, although he added that he hopes it will reopen someday.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.