Minnetonka City Council — Transcript
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Introduction of New Park Board Member
Parks Open Space and Trail (POST) Plan Overview
Park Board Strategic Plan and 2026 Work Plan
Votes (1)
Park Board Strategic Plan and 2026 Work Plan
The Board discussed proposed revisions to both the Strategic Plan and the 2026 Work Plan. Key points included adding 'protect' to conservation goals, refining the mission statement for 'equitable, inclusive, high-quality recreation,' and moving a strategy for city commissions engagement. There was extensive debate on elevating the priority of addressing 'areas of need' from Figure 45 of the POST Plan, with a consensus to add a 'deep dive' analysis of these areas to the Q2 2026 Work Plan. Discussion also covered ADA accessibility in playgrounds, the role of wood chips as an accessible surface, and the feasibility and cost of a city-wide ADA audit, balancing high-level policy with practical budget constraints and implementation challenges.
Notable Quotes (4)
I feel like we already have a lot on our plate. Let me start there that I think we can clip some of these things off but maybe not all in one year and and so you know looking at um you know opus is pro I would call opus in 2026 maybe we look at my eyesight's not as good to kind of reference the other areas but maybe in 2027 we look at another area that that appears to be unrepresent presented um than to have it be a whole item because that feels like a really big task to add to our existing work plan which is working towards the goals and the higher values. So I I I hear what you're saying. Um I know all the the cutting edge and and the micro parks and a lot of what Met Council has been pushing for the last five years um with diversity and inclusion items. I feel like we're going to capture a lot of that in the master planning process that we do and that we have to do it systematically than to focus on just one area because I I think we have to have a a realistic approach. So that's my two cents.
I guess I would be open to that, but I do feel [sighs] I mean I just feel for this feel for the people in in this part of our city and uh I think the people more information before we prioritize which one's next, which which one to even do? And then also like nobody likes to hear weight especially people who uh are already underresourced uh in their own life in their own you know day-to-day life and so I just have a greater sense of uh like urgency I guess and so that's why I'm hesitant to to say let's just do one at a time per here.
Caleb, I love your advocacy. I mean, you are amazing in your thoroughess and I admire all of the comprehensive homework you've done, but I don't necessarily align to the process in which we rebalance, maybe not even balance, but don't necessarily align to all the other priorities that we're working on. And so I I wouldn't agree to raising the priority on the ADA study unless I did a contextual study of what else is in the medium range here that I would like to increase.
Whereas the board, you really the intent is that you're working at more of that high level policy level. So, I'm just thinking that might be an an opportunity to help them understand like a what's the plan, what's coming up, how do you, you know, decide which pro which park you're focusing on? And then that gives them an opportunity to kind of have some of that discussion as well and maybe move it up earlier in the uh work plan.
Ordinances & Resolutions (16)
15-20 year guiding document for vision, goals, and implementation of park system investments, approved April 2022. It encompasses high-level planning, guiding principles, recommendations, priorities, and tools.
City plan complemented by the POST Plan, with priorities for habitat restoration revisited every 5 years.
City plan complemented by the POST Plan.
City plan complemented by the POST Plan.
City's public engagement platform used for gathering feedback during POST Plan development.
Initial study identifying Glen Lake Park as the best location for a potential skate park.
Developed around a year ago, with council awaiting Purgatory Park evaluation before broader implementation.
Master planning process for Glen Lake Park, about to kick off.
Master plan completed a few years ago, brought off-leash dog issues to the forefront.
Draft master plan coming to the Park Board, with preliminary survey results recently received.
Presented master plan with exciting improvements planned for the next 1-2 years, requiring additional Capital Improvement Plan funding.
Funding program for city projects, including park improvements; allocates funds years in advance and is presented to the city council for specific budgeting.
Operational budget for replacement of playgrounds and general park improvements, scheduled for an update in the 2026 Work Plan.
Guiding document for the Park Board's mission, goals, and strategies, proposed for approval with amendments.
Annual work plan for the Park Board, detailing items for each quarter, proposed for approval with amendments.
Map illustrating 'areas of need' by overlaying city parks, 10-minute walk distances, and high minority populations, prompting discussion on equitable access.