City Council Parks Comm Work Session TRAILS AND COMMUNITY PARK 3-25-2025

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

2024 park accomplishments review

2025 park project planning

Tree City USA designation

Proposed tree protection/nuisance ordinance

Coordination with Three Rivers Park District

Land acquisition for a new community park

Regional park facility development vs. retrofitting existing fields

Areas of Interest (4)

City weighs multi-million dollar investment in 50-80 acre community park amid fiscal and land availability concerns.
Proposed tree ordinance faces pushback over potential city entry into private property for disease mitigation.
Frustration grows with Three Rivers Park District's lack of action on infected trees bordering residential properties.
City shifts strategy for event shelter: opting for rental tents instead of $500,000 capital expenditure.

Notable Quotes (3)

If you guys don't want to have a community park, then we can just stop the conversation now.
— Brad

Community ParkAddressing the long-standing debate on the feasibility of a large community park.

I don't have any support in telling somebody that they got to cut a tree down.
— Marty

Tree OrdinanceDiscussing the limits of city authority regarding diseased trees on private property.

I personally think the battle is lost. I think emerald ash borer killed every... I think it's endemic at this point.
— John

Tree PreservationDiscussing the severity of tree disease in the area.

People (4)

CarrieStaff/Park Lead

Provided updates on irrigation, park maintenance, and trail development projects.

JohnCommissioner/Board Member

Proposed Tree City USA designation and discussed tree preservation policies.

MartyDepartment Head/Staff

Manages tree disease issues and operational logistics for park projects.

BradCommissioner/Board Member

Leads discussion on the feasibility and potential land acquisition for a large-scale community park.

Places Mentioned

Hayden HillsRiver Hills ParkElsie Stevens ParkSundance WoodIron GardensLeather's ParkNorth Diamond Lake RoadElm Creek ParkCoon Rapids DamColumbus Street

Events & Meetings (1)

March 25th work session

Ordinances & Resolutions (1)

Tree Protection Ordinance

Proposed updates to provide authority for city management of diseased or nuisance trees, potentially including private property.

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