Edina Parks Commission reviews code overhaul, aquatic center plans
The Edina Parks and Recreation Commission met October 14 to review proposed changes to its city code charter and hear updates on the aquatic center's 2025 season. The code revisions would reframe the commission's role from program operator to strategic advisor while emphasizing community wellbeing and sustainability.
The commission unanimously approved meeting minutes from September 9, with no dissenting votes. The main focus was Initiative 1.5.6, a comprehensive update to the city code section governing the Parks and Recreation Commission. According to MJ Lamon, the city's Special Projects & Engagement Manager, the revision is part of a broader effort to "improve consistency, clarity, and alignment with current practices" across all city boards and commissions.
The proposed changes significantly reshape how the commission describes its purpose and duties. Rather than focusing narrowly on park and recreation provision, the updated code emphasizes enhancing quality of life, fostering community wellbeing, and strengthening Edina's sense of place. The revision also clarifies that the commission serves as an advocate for parks and recreation—not an implementer of programs—and explicitly incorporates language around accessibility, inclusion, and sustainability. The commission's duties would be condensed from lengthy descriptions into five clear numbered items: advising City Council on planning and development, reviewing policies and community needs, recommending programs, advising on natural resources management, and contributing to long-term planning. One notable change removes the school board ex officio position from the commission's membership structure.
The commission also received an operational update on the Edina Aquatic Center's 2025 season. General Manager Patty McGrath reported strong performance: 75,179 total attendance and $171,095 in concession revenue. The center hosted three member-only after-hours swim events and expanded concession hours. However, the center faces challenges including declining season pass sales and variable weather impacts. Looking ahead to 2026, the center plans to extend its season by one week (June 4–August 23) and undertake a filter room replacement project scheduled for completion before the 2026 season opens.
The code update follows a timeline of commission review through October, City Council approval in November, and implementation in December 2025. The city also recently approved a Remote Meeting Participation Policy allowing board members to attend meetings via video technology starting January 1, 2026, when physically unable to attend in person.
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Votes (3)
Approval of Meeting Minutes (Sept. 9, 2025)
Dissent: None noted
Moved by Hulbert [Sept. 9, 2025] · Seconded by Kane [Sept. 9, 2025]
The commission reviewed and approved minutes from the September 9, 2025 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting. The September meeting included approval of an amended agenda (removal of Item 7.1 due to General Manager Patty McGrath's absence), welcome of new Student Commissioner Anna Harrington, discussion of Initiative 1.5.3 (2026 Strategic Plan update), updates on multiple work plan initiatives, and community concerns regarding off-leash dogs at Braemar Golf Course.
Initiative 1.5.6: City Code Update—Article III. Boards, Committees and Commissions, Division 7. Parks and Recreation Commission
Dissent: None noted
The commission reviewed proposed updates to the Parks and Recreation Commission's city code section. The update broadens the commission's purpose from a narrow focus on park and recreation provision to a vision emphasizing quality of life, community wellbeing, and Edina's sense of place. Key changes include: (1) reframing the commission as an advocate rather than implementer; (2) explicit inclusion of accessibility, inclusion, and sustainability language; (3) condensing duties from a long descriptive paragraph to a clear five-item numbered list; (4) emphasizing advisory role to City Council rather than program management; and (5) adding long-term planning perspective. The memo notes that the school board ex officio position mentioned in the old code (Sec. 2-257) is removed in the new version. Timeline: Commission review and comment (Sept–Oct 2025), City Council approval (Nov 2025), implementation (Dec 2025).
Edina Aquatic Center 2025 Season Update
Dissent: None noted
Patty McGrath, General Manager, presented the 2025 Aquatic Center operational summary. Highlights included: safe and fun summer season, successful staffing, 75,179 total attendance, $171,095 concession revenue, three Member Only After Hours Swim events, expanded concession hours, and renewed Edina Kids Club relationship. Challenges identified: season pass sales decline and variable weather. Looking ahead to 2026: filter room replacement project (scheduled for completion by 2026 season), review of pricing strategies and establishment of 2026 Fees and Charges, and extension of season by one week (June 4–August 23). The filter room project was noted as already underway with expected completion for the 2026 season.
Notable Quotes (6)
I have been attacked by off-leash dogs more times than I would like to count. He stated there are two signs that state dogs must be on a leash and licensed with the city. He asked if it would be possible to get more signage on the trailheads and perhaps the course entry.
It is not an unreasonable request, and they can do that.
The City of Edina is updating all sections of Chapter 2 – Administration, Article III – Boards, Committees and Commissions to improve consistency, clarity, and alignment with current practices. Each commission's section is being reviewed to ensure it accurately reflects its purpose, duties, and advisory role.
Broader framing of purpose: Updated from a narrow focus to a vision of enhancing quality of life and community wellbeing. Community identity emphasized: New language reflects how parks and recreation strengthen Edina's sense of place and belonging. Clarified advisory/advocacy role: The commission is described as an advocate for parks and recreation, not an implementer of programs.
Safe, fun summer! Staffing, Statistics, Hosted three Member Only After Hours Swim events, Member Only nights and Birthday Budge, Facility improvements, Renewed Edina Kids Club relationship, Expanded Concession Hours
Season Pass Sales, Variable weather
Ordinances & Resolutions (8)
City code section being updated to improve consistency and clarity regarding Parks and Recreation Commission establishment, purpose, duties, and membership. Timeline includes commission review (Sept–Oct 2025), Council approval (Nov 2025), and implementation (Dec 2025).
Revised section establishing the Parks and Recreation Commission to promote vibrant parks, open spaces, and recreation while enhancing quality of life, fostering community wellbeing, and strengthening Edina's identity. Emphasizes accessibility, inclusion, sustainability, and connection to nature and community.
Condensed five-item list of commission duties: advising City Council on planning and development; reviewing policies and community needs; recommending programs; advising on natural resources and wildlife management; and contributing to long-term planning for park and recreation systems.
Specifies commission composition of nine regular members and two student members. Previous version included ex officio school board nominee position; new version removes this provision.
Multi-initiative work plan including: Initiative 1.5.1 (Braemar Arena Implementation), 1.5.2 (Park Shelter Amenities), 1.5.3 (2026 Strategic Plan Update), 1.5.4 (Alternative Funding Strategies—moved to November), 1.5.5 (Climate Action Plan), and 1.5.6 (Code Update).
Operational summary documenting attendance (75,179 total), revenue ($171,095 concessions), staffing, facility improvements, and challenges including season pass sales decline and variable weather.
City Council-approved policy (October 7, 2025) enabling board and commission members to participate remotely via interactive technology when physically unable to attend in person. Effective January 1, 2026.
Original ordinance establishing current Parks and Recreation Commission structure; being updated through Initiative 1.5.6.
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Other Topics from This Document
Edina Aquatic Center 2025 Season Review
Initiative 1.5.6: City Code Update—Article III. Boards, Committees and Commissions, Division 7. Parks and Recreation Commission
Remote Meeting Participation Policy
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