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<br /> <br /> STAFF REPORT <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />TO: Mayor Fischer and Members of City Council <br /> FROM: Steven Anderson, Parks & Recreation Director <br /> DATE: April 9, 2025 <br /> RE: Community Building TAC Update <br /> <br />ACTION REQUESTED <br />Staff is requesting the City Council’s consideration in reviewing the proposed Community <br />Building TAC strategy. <br /> <br />BACKGROUND <br />The need for indoor gathering space has become evident over the past 10 years. At the December <br />5, 2019 Park and Recreation Commission meeting, the Community Services Manager presented <br />a proposal to include a Community Building to the list of park enhancements at Pioneer Park for <br />the planning and concept design process. To Commission agreed and made a motion to proceed <br />with researching and developing ideas for a community building that would accommodate <br />approximately 125-150 people. <br /> <br />In 2023, a strategic property acquisition was identified at 2884 Centerville Road. The parcel was <br />recognized as a good size to build a Community Building on and was directly adjacent to Pioneer <br />Park and the Public Works Facility. At the September 7, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission <br />meeting, this possibility was presented along side several preliminary concept designs. The <br />parcel and possible Community Building would go on to be considered Pioneer Park Plan – <br />Phase 2. The parcel would eventually be purchased by the city in early 2024. <br /> <br />On October 28, 2024 a “think tank” team was formed to further discussions regarding a <br />Community Building in Little Canada. The team was provided a tour of Fridley’s Moore Lake <br />Park building and held an internal presentation that included virtual tours of other facilities, <br />current and like projects and possible outcomes of the “think tank” team. The team directed staff <br />to begin engaging the community on a prospective Community Building. The “think tank” team <br />would later be re-named to the Community Building Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). <br />Meeting Minutes are attached. <br /> <br />Funds have been scheduled in the city’s Capital Improvement Plan for this project in 2027. <br /> <br />ENGAGEMENT <br />The city has conducted several engagement efforts including online and face-to-face. In <br />particular, the city solicited feedback through an online survey that was advertised in the <br />newsletters, Friday updates, social media and with fliers. The online survey collected <br />submissions from October through March. Staff engaged residents who attended programs and