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Staff Report <br />DATE: 11/17/2025 <br />MOTION <br />AGENDA ITEM: Parks Commission 2026 Work Plan <br />SUBMITTED BY: Adam Swanepoel, Assistant Public Works Director <br />REVIEWED BY: Marty Powers, Public Works Director <br />BACKGROUND: <br />Per Section 3.12.540 of the Lake Elmo City Code, the Parks Commission is responsible for creating an <br />annual work plan, which encompasses a list of projects, maintenance tasks, programs, and objectives <br />for the year. Staff has developed the 2026 work plan based on the previous year's plan and the <br />suggested capital improvement plan. <br />This work plan aims to evaluate and subsequently execute the overarching goals of the parks division <br />while detailing the projects that the Commission and staff will undertake in the forthcoming year, <br />allowing for adaptability to emerging priorities. The projects are categorized as follows: <br />•Planning / Project and Development– This section addresses the larger long term park projects <br />and funding opportunities. Projects that will be carried out in the upcoming year. <br />o This would include projects approved through CIP. <br />o Preparation and planning for larger projects for the following year. <br />•Maintenance & Refurbishing – Projects in this category are carried out by public works staff <br />and does not necessarily rely on the Park Dedication money for funding and is based off the 2026 <br />parks annual budget. Much of the maintenance by public works staff is daily operations along <br />with weekly and monthly inspections. <br />•Additional Park Initiatives - Establishes goals and ways in which staff and the commission can <br />increase the use of city parks and promote community engagement. Launch new and creative <br />ways to reach park users, gain insight on future needs. <br />•Finance – How, specifically, does the Parks Commission want to spend and budget Parks and <br />Recreation funds? <br />o This will of course go hand-in-hand with planning and audit but this specifically should <br />focus on next tasks to be carried out in terms of budget. <br />ISSUE BEFORE THE PARKS COMMISSION: <br />Would the Park Commission like to accept the 2026 work plan as proposed? <br />DETAILS AND ANALYSIS: <br />Planning / Project and Development – Items in this section have been listed as a CIP item or have been <br />identified as an item of consideration by the Parks Commission. <br />-Connar from Washington County will present future CIP projects the county is working on that <br />may affect the City of Lake Elmo in years to come. He will also provide an updated scope on the <br />Greenway Trail and its potential development throughout the city. <br />-Review the upcoming neighborhood playground replacements and prioritize those based off city <br />councils recommendation to reduce playgrounds in neighborhood parks.