Sioux Trail Initiative
Sioux Trail Elementary, a local landmark, ceased operations in 2020. The 12-acre property is zoned for single-family residences. In late 2024, M/I Homes proposed a 116-unit housing development, leading to a rezoning request. However, in February 2025, the Burnsville City Council unanimously rejected the proposal. As of now, the future of the property remains uncertain.
In August 2026, the North River Hills Neighborhood Organization (NRHNO) established the Sioux Trail Initiative to explore possible futures for the Sioux Trail property. Its first priority is to bring ISD 191, the City of Burnsville, and NRHNO together in an exploratory working group. The group would examine whether partnerships with public or private organizations could support a viable use for the property.
At the September 24, 2026, ISD 191 School Board listening session, NRHNO Chair John Doll presented the initiative’s proposal with neighborhood members in attendance. On September 25, NRHNO submitted a formal written request outlining six actions for the School Board to consider.
Read the [listening session remarks] and the [formal written request].
Background and Context
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Sioux Trail Elementary was one of three ISD 191 schools closed in 2020 due to declining enrollment
- The 12-acre property sits at River Hills Drive and Highway 13, zoned R-1 (single-family residential)
- In late 2024, M/I Homes entered a purchase agreement with ISD 191 and proposed 116 units (93 townhomes + 23 single-family homes), which would have required rezoning
- In February 2025, the Burnsville City Council unanimously rejected the proposal
- The property's future remains unresolved
Why Residents Care
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The site has served as a community gathering space (playground, sledding hill, landmark) since the neighborhood's creation.
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Reduced green space would increase walking distances to the nearest park for families with children.
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Residents want development that maintains the neighborhood's single-family residential character.
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Road infrastructure was not designed for high-density traffic volumes
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Over 200 residents signed a community petition.
Community Priorities
Reflecting on the Past & Present
Question | Neighbor Feedback | Notes |
|---|---|---|
What is your favorite memory of North River Hills? Of the Tennisioux Park/Sioux Trail Elementary School Property? | Spring Carnival | |
What would you like to bring back to the North River Hills Neighborhood? | Neighborhood organization | Organization from the 90s focused on trash vendors and established the monuments |
What would you like to bring back to the North River Hills Neighborhood? | Negotiate with the trash vendors for better rates and to limit the number of companies in the area [to limit the trash truck traffic] | |
What would you like to bring back to the North River Hills Neighborhood? | Landscaping & monument maintenance | Peggy Nelson has been leading for over 25 years |
What is your favorite part of Tennisioux Park/Sioux Trail Elementary School Property? | The park and playground is a space for children to play. The out of school time programming was great and the staff was amazing | |
What do you utilize the most? | Frontage Trail | |
What elements of the Tennisioux Park/Sioux Trail Elementary School Property do you want to preserve? | Park, playground, sport fields (frisbee, softball, basketball, playground), green space | Highly Supported |
Looking to the Future
Neighbor Feedback | Notes |
|---|---|
NRHNO to adopt a park | Black Dog Park adopted on behalf of the neighborhood |
Speed bumps on River Hills Drive (traffic control) | |
ISD 191 to lease the building and move administration into the Sioux Trail school building | Already spoke with ISD 191 about this, it is not fiscally responsible to move all the programming out of the current space |
Apply for a grant to buy the property, to transfer to the City of Burnsville | |
South Campus for the Rivers (residence for seniors) | |
One-level housing, accessible for seniors and community members | |
Community garden (green house) | Highly supported |
Keep the school | Highly supported |
Large gazebo/amenities for public use, to rent for parties | Highly supported |
Farmers market/outdoor event space for public use, to host events (music, art, etc.) | |
Community center (may include child care, senior center) | Highly Supported |
Sledding hill | Highly Supported |
Walking path | |
Wildlife garden (native plants) | Highly Supported |
ADA accessible park | |
Partner with the city to save 50% of the green space/park | |
Casino | |
Small businesses, pop-up vendors | |
Sports courts and green space for frisbee, cricket, softball, basketball, tennis, pickleball |
Engagement Timeline
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2020: ISD 191 closes Sioux Trail Elementary
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Oct 2024: M/I Homes enters $3.5M purchase agreement with ISD 191
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Late 2024: NRHNO organizes petition; 200+ signatures collected
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Jan 30, 2025: Neighborhood meeting at Diamondhead Education Center; large resident turnout
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Feb 11, 2025: Burnsville City Council unanimously rejects M/I Homes sketch plan
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Present: Property remains R-1 zoned; NRHNO continues monitoring
Process Update
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As of February 2026, no new development proposals have been submitted for the
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Sioux Trail property. The site remains zoned R-1 single-family residential.
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NRHNO continues to monitor any new activity and will update this page as developments occur.