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Home My WebLink About10-20-25 Parks Commission Meeting PacketParks Commission Meeting 3880 Laverne Avenue North October 20, 2025 6:30 p.m. AGENDA Call To Order Pledge Of Allegiance Approve Agenda Approval Of Minutes 6 -16 -25 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes 6 -16 -25 PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES.PDF 7 -21 -25 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes 7 -21 -25 PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES.PDF 8 -18 -25 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes 8 -18 -25 PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES.PDF Public Comment Lake Elmo Pickleball Friends Donation LAKE ELMO PICKLEBALL FRIENDS DONATION.PDF Graf Family Park Bench Donation GRAF FAMILY PARK BENCH DONATION.PDF Lions Park Future Amenities LIONS PARK FUTURE AMENITIES.PDF Ridge Park Concept Design RIDGE PARK CONCEPT DESIGN.PDF Communications/Updates New Website Park Page Sunfish Lake Park Buckthorn Update Adjourn Our Mission is to Provide Quality Public Services in a Fiscally Responsible Manner in Partnership with our Community. 1. 2. 3. 4. a. Documents: b. Documents: c. Documents: 5. 6. Documents: 7. Documents: 8. Documents: 9. Documents: 10. a. b. 11. Parks Commission Meeting3880 Laverne Avenue NorthOctober 20, 20256:30 p.m.AGENDACall To OrderPledge Of AllegianceApprove AgendaApproval Of Minutes6-16 -25 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes6-16 -25 PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES.PDF7-21 -25 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes7-21 -25 PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES.PDF8-18 -25 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes8-18 -25 PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES.PDFPublic CommentLake Elmo Pickleball Friends DonationLAKE ELMO PICKLEBALL FRIENDS DONATION.PDFGraf Family Park Bench Donation GRAF FAMILY PARK BENCH DONATION.PDF Lions Park Future Amenities LIONS PARK FUTURE AMENITIES.PDF Ridge Park Concept Design RIDGE PARK CONCEPT DESIGN.PDF Communications/Updates New Website Park Page Sunfish Lake Park Buckthorn Update Adjourn Our Mission is to Provide Quality Public Services in a Fiscally Responsible Manner in Partnership with our Community. 1.2.3.4.a.Documents:b.Documents:c.Documents:5.6.Documents:7.Documents: 8. Documents: 9. Documents: 10. a. b. 11. City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission Minutes June 16, 2025 Members Present: Chair Hoelscher; Commissioners Esch, Kastler, Petersen and Sturtz. Absent: Commissioner Barrett Staff Present: Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel The meeting was called to order by Hoelscher at 6:30 PM. Chair Hoelscher welcomed new member Tracy Petersen. Approval of Agenda Agenda approved by consensus; no discussion. Approval of Minutes Minutes were not available for review. Public Comments None Park Reservation Policy Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel presented an overview of the current reservation policy and demand for reservations. Discussion was held regarding limiting court reservations to fifty percent of the courts and increasing the deposit amount. Discussion was also held regarding current options for reservations for pickleball, baseball and volleyball and related issues that arise. Esch motioned to recommend to City Council to the changes to the Lake Elmo Reservation Policy as present by staff with an increase in the deposit amount to $100 and to add volleyball courts to the list of reservable amenities with the court rules as proposed. Kastler provided a second. Motion passed 5-0. Tana Ridge Park Review Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel reviewed the amenities and features of Tana Ridge Park and noted recent upgrades. Commissioners discussed the need for additional signage and noted difficulty with accessing the park. Communications a)Kleis Park playgoumd installation is complete b)Sunfish Lake Park parking lot expansion is complete c)Pebble Park Parking lot expansion is complete d)Asphalt trails to playground equipment at Kleis, Demontreville and Pebble parks is nearing completion Hoelscher adjourned the meeting at 7:37 PM Respectfully Submitted Julie Johnson, City Clerk City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission Minutes July 21, 2025 Members Present: Chair Hoelscher; Commissioners Bloyer, Esch, Kastler, Petersen and Sturtz. Absent: Commissioner Barrett Staff Present: Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel The meeting was called to order by Hoelscher at 6:30 PM. Approval of Agenda Sturtz motioned to approve the agenda. Petersen provided a second. Motion passed 6-0. Approval of Minutes Esch motioned to approve the minutes of the April 21, 2025 meeting. Kastler provided a second. Motion passed 6-0. Petersen motioned to approve the minute of the May 19, 2025 meeting. Esch provided a second. Motion passed 5-1-0. (Kastler – abstain) Public Comments None Lions Park Pavilion Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel reviewed planned updates to Lions Park as planned in the city’s CIP. Director Swanepoel asked for the Commission’s input on installing a shade structure at Lions Park while other improvements are being made. Discussion was held regarding size and layout of other amenities and size of the proposed shade structure. Kastler motioned to recommend staff seek proposals for a shade structure at Lions Park for installation in 2026. Petersen provided a second. Motion passed 6-0. Lions Park Playground Replacement Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel noted that the Lions Park playground is heavily used by a variety of ages and asked for input on the replacement of the playground equipment. Discussion was held regarding items that could be included such as water fountain, benches, playground surface and other details. Commissioners indicated they would like to see a water fountain installed and playground equipment that would appeal to a wide variety of ages. Esch motioned to recommend city staff gather proposals to update the playset at Lions Park using the recommendations provided. Sturtz provided a second. Motion passed 6-0. Star Gazing Event 2025 Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel noted that the Sally Manzara Nature Center provides programming in Sunfish Lake Park that included a stargazing event in 2024. Verity Davis, Nature Center program manager, provided information on the event held in 2024 and requested permission to hold an event this year. Petersen motioned to recommend to the City Council the request to extend Sunfish Lake Park hours until 10:30pm on Oct. 11, 2025 to host a star gazing event. Bloyer provided a second. Motion passed 5-0. Communications a)Park trails have been added to playgrounds in Pebble, Kleis and Demontreville parks. b)Construction has begun in Schiltgen Park c)Trail mowing is in progress d)Reid Park parking lot upgrade preparation e)Ridge Park planning has started with outreach to HOAs in the area f)Park service level – reminder that input is needed g)Upcoming park walk though – Carriage Station Kastler motioned to adjourn the meeting; Sturtz provided a second. Motion passed 6-0. Hoelscher adjourned the meeting at 7:22 PM Respectfully Submitted Julie Johnson, City Clerk City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission Minutes August 18, 2025 Members Present: Vice Chair Esch; Commissioners Barrett, Bloyer, Kastler, Petersen and Sturtz. Absent: Chair Hoelscher Staff Present: Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel The meeting was called to order by Esch at 6:30 PM. Approval of Agenda Barrett motioned to approve the agenda. Kastler provided a second. Esch recommended moving “Pickleball Noise” to the beginning of the agenda. Amendment accepted unanimously. Motion passed 6-0. Public Comments John Howley, 8190 Lake Jane Trail North, commented on the impact of the pickleball courts at Pebble Park on him and his family, noting issues with noise from pickleball and from players voices. Mr. Howley also commented on health hazards from dust from the parking lot and the impact on the value of his home. Tony Bonfe, 746 Ivywood Circle North, commented on noise from the pickleball courts at Ivywood Park and noted the lack of parking causing inconvenience and public safety issues. Dana Echeverria, 8140 39th Street North, commented on pickleball noise and light pollution impacts at her property from Pebble Park. Jill Nokleby Kaiser, 8241 Deer Pond Court North, commented on negative impact of lights and noise from Pebble Park and asked that the Commission take action on the issues. Paul Bultman, 8243 Deer Pond Court, commented on the constant percussive sound of the paddles hittin the balls and the shouting of the participants. Mr. Bultman cited studies on adverse health effects of exposure to constant noise and asked for the courts to be moved. Josh Godbout, 8100 Lake Jane Trail North, agreed with previous comments and stated he would like to see some action taken. Sandra Runk, 3646 Layton Avenue North, commented on excessive pickleball noise at Lions Park Pickleball Noise Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel presented an overview of pickleball court locations and number of courts at each location. Swanepoel also noted distance of the courts at each park to the nearest residences, decibel levels measured at those locations, and potential options for sound mitigation. Discussion was held regarding parking at Ivywood park, lighting malfunctions and options for mitigation of pickleball impacts on neighbors. Barrett motioned to adjust playing hours to allow more quiet time early in the morning and late evenings. Sturtz provided a second. Discussion held regarding all options presented by staff. Commission Barrett withdrew her motion. Kastler motioned to adjust park hours at Pebble Park to sunrise to sunset and recommend that city staff explore noise mitigation including noise reducing blankets as well as equipment and report back with findings before any further recommendations are made to City Council, recommend parking on one side of the street at Ivywood Park around the park. Barrett provided a second. Esch motioned to amend the primary motion to adjust park hours at Pebble Park and Lions Park for pickleball to be sunrise to sunset with no lights. Barrett provided a second. Motion passed 6-0. Primary motion passed 6-0. Lions Park Playground Replacement Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel reviewed five options for planned updates to the Lions Park play area, noting features of each play set and estimated costs. Discussion was held regarding features of the five options and related costs over the CIP allotted amount. Barrett motioned to recommend to City Council to purchase and install a new play set at Lions Park and to recommend option 4 not to exceed $317,000. Sturtz provided a second. Motion passed 6-0. Parks Service Level Discussion Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel opened discussion on the service level and staffing needs currently being provided in city parks and asked Commissioners for input on additional items they feel maybe lacking. Discussion held regarding addition of a Parks Director, related job functions and cost. Commissioners provided input on specific duties they would like to see included in a Parks Director position. Communications a)Reminder of joint workshop with the City Council on September 9th b)Reid Park parking lot improvement beginning Sturtz motioned to adjourn the meeting; Barrett provided a second. Motion passed 6-0. Esch adjourned the meeting at 8:55 PM Respectfully Submitted Julie Johnson, City Clerk STAFF REPORT DATE: 09/15/2025 Motion TO: Park Commission AGENDA ITEM: Lake Elmo Pickleball Friends Donation SUBMITTED BY: Adam Swanepoel, Assistant Public Works Director REVIEWED BY: Marty Powers, Public Works Director CORE STRATEGIES: ☒ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community ☐ Efficient, reliable, innovative services ☐ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance ☐ Balanced Finances now and future ☐ Managed Growth ☐ Resilient Infrastructure BACKGROUND: The Lake Elmo Pickleball Friends has offered to donate several items to the pickleball courts in Pebble Park.. Jenifer Watters recently reached out to the city with a suggestion to donate several items handmade by members of the pickleball club. The items include 2 wooden benches, paddle rack, drink rack and a portable fence to divide the North and South courts. ISSUE BEFORE PARKS COMMISSION: Should the Parks Commission accept the donations offered by the Lake Elmo Pickleball Friends Club? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: The Lake Elmo Pickleball Friends Club wish to donate several hand-crafted items for park improvement at Pebble Park. Several wood items were crafted and would aid users of the pickleball courts. Parks Commissioners should consider the following when accepting donations: (1) Is the gift of lasting value to the community? (2) Does it create potential liability issues for the City? That is, will people walk on it, sit on it, or under it? Will construction be inspected, is construction up to current standards (ADA accessible, for example?) Are the materials used acceptable for public construction? (3) Will some member of the public find the item offensive; can it be construed as having a religious content, or offending members of a protected class? (4) What will the potential annual maintenance cost of the gifted object be? Do the costs outweigh the value of the gift? (5) Does the gift carry implied duties that the City must perform? What is the cost of performance of such duties? Does the cost exceed the value of the gift? (6) If costs, direct or indirect exceed the value of the gift; acceptance of the gift may still be warranted if a public purpose is being served and all understand the costs as well as the value of the gift. (7) Also, does the acceptance of the gift imply that the City will replace the gift when worn out, destroyed by vandals, etc? If the gift is found to be no longer of use in the future, may the City at that time, sell, dismantle or convert to another use? (8) All agreements, prohibitions, etc, with respect to the gift should be noted in the minutes or Memorandum of Agreement for future reference. FISCAL IMPACT: There are no financial obligations to the donation offered by the pickleball club. If the commission chooses to accept the donations, any exclusions should be made for future upkeep or removal of these items. OPTIONS: 1) Approve the donation from the Lake Elmo Pickleball Friends to include two wooden benches, paddle racks, drink rack and dividing fence. 2) Do not accept the donation. The Parks Commission should identify any agreements or exclusions related to the recommendation. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends not accepting the donation from the Lake Elmo Pickleball Friends Club as the items do not serve as a long-term value to the city. Aluminum benches and permanent fencing are examples of an donation the city may consider with a long-term value. DONATION FORM FOR LAKE ELMO CITY PARKS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, MEMORIALS, TRIBUTES, WORKS OF ART (Including funding proposals for the above purposes) DONOR INFORMATION Name: ______________________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________________________________ Hereby makes a proposal to fund and/or construct a Public Improvement Project, memorial, tribute, or work of art consisting of : The intended purpose of this donation is: Proposed location: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Donation subject to the following restriction (if any): Condition, Conservation and Maintenance Requirements: What type of materials will be used in the proposed Project? What is the intended life span of the Project? ____________________________________________________________________________________ What short and long-term maintenance may be required and what is the anticipated cost of such maintenance? The City of Lake Elmo will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the intended purpose of the donation but reserves the right to utilize, relocate and/or dispose of any item through donated funds as the City of Lake Elmo may deem fit. This agreement shall not take effect until the City Council of the City of Lake Elmo has specifically accepted this donation. Donor: Date: ______________________________________ ________________________ Recommended: _____________________________________ ________________________ Department Head Date Accepted: _____________________________________ ________________________ City Administrator Date STAFF REPORT DATE: 09/15/2025 Motion TO: Park Commission AGENDA ITEM: Graf Family Park Bench Donation SUBMITTED BY: Adam Swanepoel, Assistant Public Works Director REVIEWED BY: Marty Powers, Public Works Director CORE STRATEGIES: ☒ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community ☐ Efficient, reliable, innovative services ☐ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance ☐ Balanced Finances now and future ☐ Managed Growth ☐ Resilient Infrastructure BACKGROUND: The Graff Family has offered to donate $1650.00, to be used for community improvement within Sunfish Lake Park. Linda Kirst recently reached out to the city with the interest of donate money for the purchase of a park bench to be placed in Sunfish Lake Park near the entrance for the bike trail. ISSUE BEFORE PARKS COMMISSION: Should the Parks Commission accept the donation of $1,650 from the Graf Family? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: The Graf Family wish to donate $1650 to fund an upgraded park improvement in Sunfish Lake Park. The donation would help purchase a bench to be placed near the entrance near the bike and hiking trail head. The plaque would read: In memory of Neil Swenson who lived a life filled with Kindness, joy and love. "Let's Ride!" Parks Commissioners should consider the following when accepting donations: (1) Is the gift of lasting value to the community? (2) Does it create potential liability issues for the City? That is, will people walk on it, sit on it, or under it? Will construction be inspected, is construction up to current standards (ADA accessible, for example?) Are the materials used acceptable for public construction? (3) Will some member of the public find the item offensive; can it be construed as having a religious content, or offending members of a protected class? (4) What will the potential annual maintenance cost of the gifted object be? Do the costs outweigh the value of the gift? (5) Does the gift carry implied duties that the City must perform? What is the cost of performance of such duties? Does the cost exceed the value of the gift? (6) If costs, direct or indirect exceed the value of the gift; acceptance of the gift may still be warranted if a public purpose is being served and all understand the costs as well as the value of the gift. (7) Also, does the acceptance of the gift imply that the City will replace the gift when worn out, destroyed by vandals, etc? If the gift is found to be no longer of use in the future, may the City at that time, sell, dismantle or convert to another use? (8) All agreements, prohibitions, etc, with respect to the gift should be noted in the minutes or Memorandum of Agreement for future reference. FISCAL IMPACT: The proposed donation would be placed into the parks general maintenance fund for the purchase of a park bench. OPTIONS: 1) Approve the donation from the Graf Family and recommend putting the donation towards the purchase of a bench to be placed in Sunfish Lake Park. 2) Do not accept the donation. The Parks Commission should identify any agreements or exclusions related to the recommendation. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the following motion: “Move to recommend to the City Council to approve the donation from the Graf Family to purchase a bench, placard and installation materials not to exceed $1650 and to be placed in Sunfish Lake Park.” DONATION FORM FOR LAKE ELMO CITY PARKS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, MEMORIALS, TRIBUTES, WORKS OF ART (Including funding proposals for the above purposes) DONOR INFORMATION Name: ______________________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________________________________ Hereby makes a proposal to fund and/or construct a Public Improvement Project, memorial, tribute, or work of art consisting of : The intended purpose of this donation is: Proposed location: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Donation subject to the following restriction (if any): Condition, Conservation and Maintenance Requirements: What type of materials will be used in the proposed Project? What is the intended life span of the Project? ____________________________________________________________________________________ What short and long-term maintenance may be required and what is the anticipated cost of such maintenance? The City of Lake Elmo will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the intended purpose of the donation but reserves the right to utilize, relocate and/or dispose of any item through donated funds as the City of Lake Elmo may deem fit. This agreement shall not take effect until the City Council of the City of Lake Elmo has specifically accepted this donation. Donor: Date: ______________________________________ ________________________ Recommended: _____________________________________ ________________________ Department Head Date Accepted: _____________________________________ ________________________ City Administrator Date STAFF REPORT DATE:10/20/2025 Discussion TO: PARKS COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM: LIONS PARK FUTURE AMENITIES FROM: Assistant Public Works Director – Adam Swanepoel REVIEWED BY: Public Works Director - Marty Powers CORE STRATEGIES: ☒ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community ☐ Efficient, reliable, innovative services ☒ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance ☐ Balanced Finances now and future ☐ Managed Growth ☐ Resilient Infrastructure BACKGROUND: On 09/09/2025 the Parks Commission meet with the City Council for a joint workshop to discuss park amenities and replacements. The City Council has provided direction to the commission to consider opportunities to limit full replacement of playground sets in neighborhood parks and look for other opportunities to add other unique amenities in their replacement. In 2026 we are scheduled to replace three playground sets within the community to include Lions, Tablyn and Ridge Park. Additionally, the CIP calls for a surface reconstruction of the pickleball courts, adding a new park pavilion and additional asphalt trails in Lions Park. ISSUE BEFORE PARKS COMMISSION: Would the Parks Commission like to make changes to our Lions Park Playground recommendation to City Council? Would the Parks commission like to proceed with a reconstruction of the court and ice rink surface or recommend a different use or amenity in its place? Would the Parks commission like to proceed with the construction of a pavilion, parking lot pavement and connecting trail within Lions Park? Would the Parks Commission like to rehab the concession building in 2027? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: City Council has directed the parks commission to take a closer look at the playground replacement going forward. The council would like to see neighborhood parks with different amenities and strategic plan for replacement and potentially larger playground sets within community parks. Lions Park is scheduled for a playground replacement in 2026. City Council advised that the replacement is justified and needed, though the Parks Commission should consider other amenities in lieu of playground replacement for parks within one-half mile. Reid, Pilot, Firefly and Tanna Ridge Parks all fall within a one-half mile of the Lions Park location. Reid and Tanna are scheduled to be replaced in years 2033 and 2030. Pickleball has been the primary use of the Lions Park ice rink in the summer. Beginning in 2024, staff began removing nets due to the trip hazard caused by the court surface damage. The current surface is scheduled to be replaced in 2026. Construction would remove the existing surface along with the center drain and a new flat surface would be constructed in its place. The current Parks Master Plan suggests pickleball courts be placed 600 feet away from residential property. Staff recently reviewed the noise issue that pickleball causes with the Parks Commission and City Council in August of 2025. Hours of court use were adjusted, and future sound barriers are being considered. With these courts within 200 feet from residential properties, does the Parks Commission wish to reconsider the dual use of this area? The parks CIP has five pavilions over the next 5 years being added to the park system. Lions Park is being considered for a pavilion in 2026 with the reconstruction of the playground. Construction of a park shelter similar to those constructed in Pebble, Goose Lake and Ivywood Park cost around $90,000. If a pavilion is considered, would the parks commission like to recommend a shelter similar to what we have installed in the past or consider a different design. Trail and parking lot improvements are also being considered with the 2026 Lions Park project. A trail connecting the parking lot to the playground, ice rink, volleyball courts and concession stand will add connectivity and access to all the parks amenities. FISCAL IMPACT: The Parks Commission reviewed the CIP in May of 2025. At that time $300,000 was scheduled for the playground replacement at Lions Park. Court resurfacing is also scheduled in 2026 and is expected to cost around $50,000. Paving of the parking lot and trail are expected to cost approximately $80,000. STAFF REPORT DATE: 10/20/2025 Discussion TO: PARKS COMMISSION FROM: Assistant Public Works Director – Adam Swanepoel AGENDA ITEM: Ridge Park Concept Design CORE STRATEGIES: ☒ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community ☐ Efficient, reliable, innovative services ☒ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance ☐ Balanced Finances now and future ☐ Managed Growth ☐ Resilient Infrastructure BACKGROUND: As part of the 2025 Work Plan, a concept design has been developed for Ridge Park with the goal of transforming the existing neighborhood park into a vibrant community park. This initiative aligns with the recommendations outlined in the Parks Master Plan and provides a strategic vision that accommodates future growth and phased development. A key driver for the concept design is the planned playground replacement scheduled for 2026. City staff have identified the need to relocate the playground due to persistent wet soil conditions and the need to improve accessibility for all users. By establishing a comprehensive concept now, the City can ensure that upcoming improvements, such as the playground relocation to fit within a long-term, coordinated plan that supports future investments and community needs. ISSUE BEFORE PARKS COMMISSION: What concept plan would the Parks Commission like to see implemented and are there any suggested changes to the concept? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: Bolton & Menk has developed two separate concept plans for Ridge Park, each informed by feedback collected through a community survey administered by Public Works staff. The survey targeted residents living in the Cardinal Ridge, Parkview Estates, and Torre Pines developments. A total of 90 mailings were sent to homeowners within these neighborhoods. The survey included six questions designed to gather input on community preferences and park usage. In response, 25 residents completed the survey online, while an additional eight submitted responses by mail, resulting in a total of 33 responses. This community feedback played a key role in shaping the design options presented in the concept plans. 1. How often to you visit Ridge Park per week? With 33 responds to the survey, nearly 40% of respondents indicated 1-2 times per week. The next closest response was seven, using the park 3-5 times per week. 2. What activities do you do when you visit the park? The most common activity was walking followed by use of the playground. 3. Would you like to see the playset updated or removed? 80% of responses were in favor of the playground being updated. 4. Would you like to see the ballfield updated or removed? A majority of those surveyed were in favor of updating the ballfield. 57% of online respondents were in favor along with four additional written ballots in favor of updates. 5. What other Amenities would you like to see at the park? While many of those surveyed responded with, None. Additional comments included adding some type of hard-surfaced court including basketball, tennis and pickleball. 6. Should a pavilion or shade structure be constructed at the park? Sixteen responses voted in favor of a pavilion being installed in the park. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no financial obligation at this time. Fiscal impacts are outlined in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) any future plans for this park should be added into the CIP. RECOMMENDATION: At this time, staff is not presenting a formal recommendation. Instead, staff encourages the Commission to review and discuss both concept plans alongside the survey results. Based on this discussion, the Commission is asked to provide direction on a preferred concept or identify elements to amend or combine. Following this input, staff will return with an updated concept plan that incorporates the Commission's feedback, along with a preliminary cost breakdown for proposed amenities to support future planning and phased implementation. RIDGE PARK | CONCEPT DESIGN LAKE ELMO, MN DESIGN CONCEPT - OPTION A IVORY AVE N15TH ST NINWOOD AVE N LEGEND: YOUTH SOCCER FIELD YOUTH BASEBALL FIELD BASKETBALL COURT PLAYGROUND PARKING LEGEND: SHELTER SIGNAGE CROSSWALK STORM WATER BASIN PORTABLE RESTROOM LEGEND: MOWN PATH CRUSHED LIMESTONE PATH PAVED SIDEWALKS/TRAILS FUTURE SIDEWALK 1 1 1 1 6 2 2 7 3 3 8 4 4 6 9 9 9 8 7 7 10 7 7 7 9 105 5 0’50’25’75’100’200’ (60’ BASELINE - 200’ OUTFIELD) (FUTURE) (INWOOD AVE N) (POTENTIAL FOR PICKLE BALL STRIPES X2) (40-50 STALLS) PRAIRIE/ NATIVE VEGETATION EXISTING TREE CANOPY MOWN LAWN 8 RIDGE PARK | CONCEPT DESIGN LAKE ELMO, MN DESIGN CONCEPT - OPTION B IVORY AVE N15TH ST NINWOOD AVE N 1 1 1 24 6 310 9 9 9 9 8 7 7 7 7 5 0’50’25’75’100’200’ LEGEND: YOUTH SOCCER FIELD YOUTH BASEBALL FIELD BASKETBALL COURT PLAYGROUND PARKING LEGEND: MOWN PATH CRUSHED LIMESTONE PATH PAVED SIDEWALKS/TRAILS FUTURE SIDEWALK 1 2 3 4 5 PRAIRIE/ NATIVE VEGETATION EXISTING TREE CANOPY MOWN LAWN (60’ BASELINE - 200’ OUTFIELD) (60-70 STALLS) SHELTER SIGNAGE CROSSWALK STORM WATER BASIN PORTABLE RESTROOM FUTURE CONNECTION 6 7 8 9 10 11 (FUTURE) 11 (INWOOD AVE N) RIDGE PARK | CONCEPT DESIGN LAKE ELMO, MN CONCEPT A CONCEPT B DESIGN CONCEPT - COMPARISONS • FULL COURT BASKETBALL • POTENTIAL STRIPING 4 PICKLE BALL COURTS • 1 YOUTH SOCCER FIELD • 1 YOUTH BASEBALL FIELD • 1 SHELTER • FULL COURT BASKETBALL • 1 YOUTH SOCCER FIELD • 1 YOUTH BASEBALL FIELD • 1 SHELTER (FUTURE) • 40-50 PARKING STALLS • 2 VEHICULAR ENTRANCES • MOWN, CRUSHED STONE, PAVED PATHS • 5 PEDESTRIAN ENTRY POINTS • 1 STORM WATER BASIN • 60-70 PARKING STALLS • 2 VEHICULAR ENTRANCES • MOWN, CRUSHED STONE, PAVED PATHS • LONG PAVED SITE PATH • 4 PEDESTRIAN ENTRY POINTS • 2 STORM WATER BASINS (60’ BASELINE - 200’ OUTFIELD) (60’ BASELINE - 200’ OUTFIELD) (FUTURE) (FUTURE) (IVORY AVE N + INWOOD)(IVORY AVE N) Walk dogs through it. Throw frisbee for dogs. Walk. Take kids play ground Walk and use playset Walk and use playset Walking, play with dog and kids, playground Use all the green space and the small loop path to walk None Play with grandkids on the play structure I don’t use it My kids are 10 and 11 and they don’t go that often because it’s a smaller park with less to do. Playground and ball field Pickle ball, basketball. walk Play with our toddler on the playset My kids play on the playground Player and ballfield Walk - needs better (paved) paths Walk dog, bring granddaughter to play set. Playground and softball drugs None -8/30/2025 08:37 PM None- 8/30/2025 08:37 PM Tennis, pickleball and basketball courts - 8/30/2025 01:46 PM Park is just fine the way it is. It’s quiet and used by many people because of the large unorganized green space. - 8/29/2025 09:55 PM None - 8/29/2025 12:41 PM Pickleball courts with fences between courts to stop balls rolling across courts and wind shields on the fences! - 8/28/2025 05:50 PM If we added pickelball I would use the park - 8/26/2025 08:10 PM Bigger slides for older kids. This neighborhood has wide range of ages. Better access to the park from Ivory Ave and 16th street so my kids can bike to it without having to go all the way around to the other side near Inwood. Paved bike trail would be nice. My daughter wants the triangle swinging monkey bars. - 8/26/2025 07:10 PM Lights, benches. Side note, I would visit this park more if the amenities above were added. - Pickleball courts - 8/26/2025 12:19 PM Really just an updated playset. With young kids and knowing the neighborhood will get younger families, this would be great to have. - 8/26/2025 10:44 AM Rest rooms. Information about native plants and animals found in area. The ability to remove the dead trees - 8/26/2025 08:48 AM Walking trails - 8/26/2025 07:32 AM Maybe a tennis court? - 8/25/2025 08:32 PM Multi age use 3+yrs. - 8/25/2025 06:26 PM pickleball/tennis courts - 8/25/2025 05:57 PM a dirtbike track - 8/6/2025 05:48 PM