12-12-25 Parks Commission Meeting Packet

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STAFF REPORT DATE: 12/15/2025 Regular Agenda TO: Lake Elmo Parks Commission FROM: Jason Stopa, Community Development Director AGENDA ITEM: 76 Acres Park & Boulevard Tree Program Update REVIEWED BY: Adam Swanepoel, Public Works Director (Interim) CORE STRATEGIES: ☐ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community ☒ Efficient, reliable, innovative services ☒ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance ☐ Balanced Finances now and future ☐ Managed Growth ☒ Resilient Infrastructure BACKGROUND: 76-Acres Park The City purchased 76 acres south of Sunfish Lake Park for a sports complex. The Parks System Plan mentions that the city does not have enough competitive recreational fields for the growing population. Since the adoption of the plan, Community Development has talked to neighboring cities about their challenges and opportunities developing sports complexes and talked to local sports associations about their needs and capacity. A timeline was shared with the Council, that will be amended as decisions are made. The next steps should include the level of community planning and engagement and a financial analysis for implementation and long-term maintenance. This will include a master plan that considers uses that are not sports related and will be include in the City’s National Community Survey. Next Steps January – Start selection of a consultant that specializes in comprehensive sports complex planning, financial analysis, and advisory services. June – Complete planning and present a preliminary report August – Provide final report November – Create preliminary designs and have a funding/phasing plan for the project which may include phasing Boulevard Tree Program The Boulevard Tree Program and Tree Fund were approved at the November 5 Council Meeting The City received a $50,000 payment from Greater Stillwater Schools for tree mitigation when the new elementary school was approved. The purpose of the program is to provide tree replacement within city rights-of-way. Trees must be placed in the boulevard right-of-way in established neighborhoods. (A subdivision’s two-year warranty period must be completed and closed out by the City.)