Chaska approves park rezoning, Nordic spa concept plan
The Chaska City Council unanimously approved two major development proposals on August 13: rezoning five parcels for Southwest Chaza Park as protected open space, and greenlighting a concept plan to transform the vacant Oakridge Hotel into a Nordic spa resort. Both decisions move forward projects that have been years in the planning.
The council's first unanimous vote rezoned five parcels near Bigwoods Boulevard from "open development" to "public open space," clearing the way for Southwest Chaza Park. The rezoning aligns with the city's comprehensive plans dating back to 2020 and reflects a long-standing community goal to preserve the Big Woods natural area. Public speakers, including current and future residents, expressed strong support for the project, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of the wooded landscape and the planned trails and school connections. "You can't ever replace big woods. So once it's gone, it's gone," one resident said. The park design details remain under development and are available on the city's website.
In the second unanimous vote, the council approved a concept plan for Scanvic Nordic Spa at One Oakridge Drive, contingent on eight conditions. The project would repurpose the shuttered Oakridge Hotel and Conference Center into a modern hotel with conference space, restaurant, wellness amenities, and an outdoor Nordic spa—a first for the area. Developers emphasized that the spa and hotel business model complement each other seasonally: Nordic spas draw winter visitors when hotel occupancy is slower, while hotels see peak summer demand when spa interest wanes.
The primary challenge discussed was the outdoor spa's proposed location within wooded steep slopes, which violates current zoning regulations. City staff indicated a zoning amendment to the property's PMD22 district will likely be needed to permit the spa as a new use. However, staff worked with developers to identify previously disturbed areas where the spa could be located to minimize environmental impact. Developers stated their commitment to environmental protection is essential to the spa's success. "The goal of this group is 100% to protect the natural environment that exists because that's the very thing that's going to make this Nordic spa successful," said Travis Batting, a project representative.
Both projects now advance to the next phase of city review. The park moves toward detailed design, while the Nordic spa concept plan requires final approval and must address the eight conditions imposed by the council.
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Votes (2)
Public Hearing and Recommendation of Approval for Rezoning Southwest Chaza Park Parcels to P1, Open Space
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Ryberg [0:10:04] · Seconded by Commissioner Pasted [0:10:06]
Staff presented the history and rationale for rezoning five parcels from 'O open development' to 'P1 open space' for the Southwest Chaza Park, noting alignment with various comprehensive plans and the ongoing park design process. Discussion included the inclusion of Outlots G and H, which are already appropriately zoned for preservation. Public speakers, including future and current residents, expressed strong support for the park and its benefits, particularly the preservation of natural areas and planned trails. The commission clarified details regarding existing zoning and future park development timelines.
Recommendation of Approval of a Concept Plan for Scanvic Nordic Spa
Dissent: None
Moved by Austin [0:38:09] · Seconded by Sailor [0:38:29]
Staff presented the Scanvic Nordic Spa concept plan, outlining the repurposing of the Oakridge Hotel site for a hotel, conference center, and outdoor Nordic spa. Key discussion points revolved around the outdoor spa's encroachment into wooded steep slopes and the need for a PMD22 zoning amendment. Staff highlighted their non-support for certain proposed spa locations due to ordinance non-compliance but noted a willingness to work within 'disturbance limits' of previous site approvals. Developers elaborated on their commitment to environmental protection, the economic rationale for the spa (complementary seasonal business), and the community benefits of the facility, including its accessibility and unique offerings for Chaza residents. They presented revised preliminary layouts to fit within the staff-recommended disturbance limits.
Notable Quotes (8)
we won't get into the design of the park this evening. If you are interested in that, um that information is available on the city's website.
it's open, which is really a holding district...in order to follow that path uh what we would recommend is P1 which is a public uh public use type district.
just wanted to be supportive. You can't ever replace big woods. So once it's gone, it's gone. And I think the plan is really outstanding and especially with the trails and the connection to the school.
The outdoor spa space um is a new use and kind of an expansion or intensification uh beyond kind of uh what has formally been approved. So, we will likely need to do an amendment to the PMD22 zoning district uh to include that as a permitted use.
we did advise the applicant to really look at that area, that delineation as a starting point uh for where they'd like to locate the outdoor spa space as it's been maintained or impacted uh for a number of years.
the goal of this group is 100% to protect the natural environment that exists because that's the very thing that's going to make this Nordic spa successful.
number one from our perspective is off the table because it impacts the the parking that we do believe we need...the financials just simply don't work to make that work.
Nordic spas are typically more busy in the winter where tourism and hotel occupancy is slower and vice versa. Hotels and occupancy are a lot higher in the summer and Nordic spas aren't as busy during those hot months. So, it really complements and from a a feasibility standpoint, that's why we like this model and love the site.
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
Planning Commission project number for Southwest Chaza Park rezoning
City comprehensive plan identifying need for community park
City comprehensive plan continuing to identify site for future community park
Plan that brought refined detail and set boundaries for the park site
Current city comprehensive plan aligning with purchased park property
Document through which Outlot G and H were obtained
Current holding zoning district for Southwest Chaza Park parcels
Proposed public use zoning district for Southwest Chaza Park parcels
Planning Commission project number for Scanvic Nordic Spa concept plan
Planned Multi-Use District zoning for the Oakridge site
City's special regulations ordinance specific to wooded steep slopes
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Concept Plan for Scanvic Nordic Spa at Oakidge Hotel
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