We get a lot of questions here at Townsquare Media - Rochester. Having one of the finest news departments in the state will do that to you (humble brag!). Lately, a lot of questions have come in about the Discovery Walk project between our radio studios and One and Two Discovery Square.

In the Discovery Walk Area of Rochester, What Are These Rampy Things?

That's kinda actually how I asked when I sent off a note to Destination Medical Center (DMC) to find out.

Rabe photo
Rabe photo
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"One thing puzzles us...there are "rampy type things"...what are they for?"

Rampy things for the win, Rabe. Anyway, I received an answer from Josh Johnson, Strategic Initiatives Director for the City of Rochester, Minnesota.

"Following-up on your question about the rampy things. They’ve certainly developed some interest....You may have noticed last week that they are being wrapped with stacked stone.

A few notes about the stone berms being installed on the 400 block:

City of Rochester
City of Rochester
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Part of the inspiration for the Discovery Walk design is the geology of the region. In particular, the rock outcroppings and bluffs characterizing the Driftless Region.

On the 400 block, the sloped stone berms are abstracted rock formations. The rock being used is limestone. The sloped tops of each stone berm will be planted with sumac (a native shrub) and grasses.

Picture of Sumac Fruit taken at Hyland Park Reserve in Bloomington, MN on Oct. 28th (click for link)
Picture of Sumac Fruit taken at Hyland Park Reserve in Bloomington, MN on Oct. 28th (click for link)
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Spaces between the stone berms will have flat limestone boulders where people can casually sit/gather.

Other blocks of Discovery Walk have garden berms (areas of raised soil) that will be planted with native grasses and flowers.

The stone berms and garden berms are two elements of the Discovery Walk palette used to create an animated linear greenspace from downtown to Soldier’s Field.

What this all tells me is that it will be a visual as well as a physical experience. And from the sounds of it, considerations have been made for people with hearing issues (uninterrupted "line of hearing" is a big deal to those of us with poor hearing). Josh Johnson, thanks for the information!

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As you can tell from the photo I took up top, it was no-snow time. Now that we have snow, it's time to think about the holidays...and light shows!

Sam's Christmas Village Features 8-Million Lights!

If you are looking for something fun, festive, and safe to do you should take your family to Sam’s Christmas Village! 

As always, if you have a comment, complaint, or concern about something I wrote here, please let me know: james.rabe@townsquaremedia.com

The Most Expensive Home for Sale in Minnesota: $15,250,000

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Completed in 2016, this breathtaking custom-built home is situated on the most coveted lot in MN. A long private driveway leads to the beautiful shake and stone home. Iconic Lake Minnetonka property known for the tallest residential flag pole in MN.

  • East coast shingle-style design and superb craftsmanship from Swan Architecture and Streeter Homes.
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  • Park-like setting with a replica Nova Scotia lighthouse.

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Presented by: Jim Schwarz

20 of Rochester, Minnesota's Winter Parking Rules - The Biggies

Every year there is a lot of confusion about what the winter parking rules are, why they are, and how to follow them. You'll be surprised at some of the questions the city gets asked, but this is 985 from the City of Rochester's FAQ, so it's true as true can be.

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