The Edina City Council reviewed progress on two major park redevelopment projects during a work session Tuesday, with construction timelines advancing for both Braemar Park improvements and the comprehensive Fred Richards Park renovation.

The Braemar Arena expansion project has selected JLG Architects as the project architect and Tegra Incorporated as owner representative, with construction manager interviews recently completed. The project will meet the city's sustainability requirements, including LEED Silver certification, geothermal systems, and potential solar arrays. Staff are exploring an alternative design that would enclose the existing outdoor rink as a fourth arena rather than demolishing the South Arena, which could reduce construction costs and preserve recent improvements.

At Braemar Park, the trail system opened successfully this past year with ongoing maintenance support from Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists volunteers. The city is examining options for pickle ball courts at the golf dome parking area, utilizing dual-purpose hard surfaces that would serve as parking in winter and courts in summer. The Courtney Fields baseball complex is nearing completion with new LED lighting and improved backstops scheduled to finish by fall 2025.

Fred Richards Park has progressed to 90% construction documents for site and landscaping work, with building design following separately. The project will include wetland banking through Nine Mile Creek Watershed District, creating an urban sedge meadow restoration. Plans call for two buildings: renovating the existing clubhouse for programming space and constructing a new facility with restrooms and food service near the park's center.

The Fred Richards playground will feature inclusive design developed with input from Children's Hospital, Autism Action Network, and Edina Schools special education staff. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 with completion targeted for spring 2027. The park will also include ADA-accessible pickle ball courts, a "food forest" with native edible plants, and flexible lawn areas for community events.