Minnetonka City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Park Board Strategic Plan and 2027 Annual Work Plan
Board reviews/finalizes its strategic plan (vision, mission, goals on natural resources, park/trail renewal, athletic facilities) and a 2027 quarterly work plan including Opus Station Park Vision Plan, Red Barn feasibility study, 2028-2032 CIP, Glen Lake skatepark, ADA assessment.
Big Willow Park Master Plan
Final draft (Oct. 2026) by Bolton & Menk presents four focus areas, four themes (connectivity, safety/accessibility, facility condition, program offerings), phased short/mid/long-term recommendations, design standards and 344-response survey; a resident urged rejection as written.
Information Items
Staff reports item listed on the Nov. 4, 2026 agenda; packet includes addenda noting public comments received after publication for Item 7B.
Upcoming Meeting Schedule
Staff report on upcoming Park Board meetings; the 2027 work plan lays out quarterly agenda items including a Q3 joint Park Board/City Council meeting and tour.
Areas of Interest (6)
- Neighbor challenges whether Focus Areas 3 and 4 improvements — new creek access, bridge, shelters, expanded parking — are backed by survey data showing 76% say access points are sufficient.
- Tension between recreation expansion and Minnehaha Creek restoration in a 'urban wilderness' corridor under watershed district oversight.
- What will the Big Willow plan cost? Short/mid/long-term phasing feeds into the 2028-2032 CIP and council budget decisions.
- Park inventory found tripping hazards, drainage and accessibility problems in the high-use Focus Area 1 — how soon will they be fixed?
- Survey reach: 344 responses, 48% residents of 10+ years — is engagement representative of the whole city?
- Resident proposal for a tree-identification program in city parks awaits board response.
Topic analysis (4)
Park Board Strategic Plan and 2027 Annual Work Plan
Board reviews/finalizes its strategic plan (vision, mission, goals on natural resources, park/trail renewal, athletic facilities) and a 2027 quarterly work plan including Opus Station Park Vision Plan, Red Barn feasibility study, 2028-2032 CIP, Glen Lake skatepark, ADA assessment.
- Review and finalize strategic plan and 2027 annual work plan (Q4)
- Appoint Chair/Vice-Chair in Q1 2027
- Approve 2028-2032 CIP in Q2 2027
Big Willow Park Master Plan
Final draft (Oct. 2026) by Bolton & Menk presents four focus areas, four themes (connectivity, safety/accessibility, facility condition, program offerings), phased short/mid/long-term recommendations, design standards and 344-response survey; a resident urged rejection as written.
- Park Board review of final draft before City Council adoption
- Consider public comments received after packet publication
- Incorporate recommendations into future CIP planning
Information Items
Staff reports item listed on the Nov. 4, 2026 agenda; packet includes addenda noting public comments received after publication for Item 7B.
Upcoming Meeting Schedule
Staff report on upcoming Park Board meetings; the 2027 work plan lays out quarterly agenda items including a Q3 joint Park Board/City Council meeting and tour.
Votes (3)
Approve the Oct. 7, 2026 meeting agenda
Moved by Hanley · Seconded by Christie
Approve June 3, 2026 meeting minutes
Moved by Christie · Seconded by Semersky
Approve Sept. 2, 2026 Joint City Council/Park Board Study Session minutes
Moved by Hanley · Seconded by Semersky
Notable Quotes (4)
My central question is: Who are the proposed improvements in Focus Areas 3 and 4 intended to serve? The City's survey does not show a need for more access.
Adding infrastructure conflicts with restoring the area's natural character. The neighborhood supports low-impact trails, necessary safety and erosion work, and continued ecological restoration.
the city's park system is fundamental to community building, environmental and economic sustainability, health and well-being, and creating stronger connections to community destinations.
An inclusive city with outstanding parks and recreational opportunities within a healthy and biodiverse natural environment.
People (14)
David IngrahamPark Board ChairCalled Oct. 7, 2026 meeting to order; addressed in public comment
Called Oct. 7, 2026 meeting to order; addressed in public comment
Jennifer ChristiePark Board MemberPresent Oct. 7, 2026; moved minutes approval
Present Oct. 7, 2026; moved minutes approval
Anne HanleyPark Board MemberMoved agenda approval Oct. 7, 2026
Moved agenda approval Oct. 7, 2026
Katie SemerskyPark Board MemberSeconded motions Oct. 7, 2026
Seconded motions Oct. 7, 2026
Caleb SchultzPark Board MemberAbsent (excused) Oct. 7, 2026
Absent (excused) Oct. 7, 2026
Brad LehrmanPark Board MemberListed in master plan acknowledgments
Listed in master plan acknowledgments
Matt KumkaPark and Trail Project ManagerMaster plan project lead; named in resident comment
Master plan project lead; named in resident comment
Darin EllingsonStreet and Park Operations ManagerAttended Oct. 7 meeting; master plan staff
Attended Oct. 7 meeting; master plan staff
Leslie YetkaNatural Resources ManagerMaster plan staff; recipient of public comment
Master plan staff; recipient of public comment
Eric HoltProject Manager/Design Lead, Bolton & MenkLed master plan design
Led master plan design
Kristin BlahaPublic Engagement Lead, Bolton & MenkLed engagement effort
Led engagement effort
Peter BrandtResident, 12817 Burwell DriveOpposes development in Focus Areas 3 and 4
Opposes development in Focus Areas 3 and 4
John ZelinskiMinnetonka residentProposed park tree identification program (Oct. 7)
Proposed park tree identification program (Oct. 7)
Rebecca SchackMayorListed in master plan
Listed in master plan
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (7)
- Park Board Meeting, Wednesday Nov. 4, 2026, 6:00 PM, Community Center - Minnehaha Room, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd (D1, D8)
- Oct. 7, 2026 Regular Park Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m. (minutes for approval) (D1)
- June 3, 2026 regular meeting (minutes approved Oct. 7) (D1)
- Sept. 2, 2026 Joint City Council and Park Board Study Session (D1)
- June 27, 2025 project kickoff meeting with Bolton & Menk (D10)
- July 2025 park inventory/site visits (D4)
- Q3 2027 Joint Park Board/City Council meeting and tour (D9)
Ordinances & Resolutions (2)
Master plan to be recommended to City Council for adoption, guiding phased park improvements and CIP funding.
Quarterly work plan for Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2027 aligned with POST and NRMP implementation.