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STAFF REPORT <br />TO:Mayor Fischer and Members of City Council <br />FROM:Steven Anderson, Parks & Recreation Director <br />DATE:April 23, 2025 <br />RE:Community Building TAC Establishment <br />ACTION REQUESTED <br />Staff recommends establishing a Community Building Technical Advisory Committee. <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 Parks & Rec/Community Services <br />Manager presented a proposal to include a community building to the list of park enhancements <br />at Pioneer Park for the planning and concept design process. The Commission agreed and made a <br />motion to proceed with researching and developing ideas for a community building that would <br />accommodate approximately 125-150 people. <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 alongside several preliminary concept designs. The parcel <br />and possible community building would go on to be considered Pioneer Park Plan – Phase 2. The <br />parcel would eventually be purchased by the city in early 2024. <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. <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 <br />events. At the 2024 Cookies with Santa community event, staff provided a large sticker board to <br />interact with residents. <br />Included in the 2025 City of Little Canada community survey, three questions were asked <br />regarding a community gathering space: <br />Do you support construction of a community gathering space?