StoryMusic in the Park Event ReviewJuly 16, 2026

Music in the Park Draws Council Attention as Mound Weighs Park Investments

City officials reviewed the summer concert series alongside a 5-0 vote on new Avon Park playground equipment during a wide-ranging council meeting.

Published Jul 30, 2026

Mound's Music in the Park series drew discussion at this week's City Council meeting, where officials reviewed the event's venue history and connected it to a broader conversation about the city's parks and recreation investments.

Surfside, a previous location for the Music in the Park series, was among the sites referenced during the meeting as council members considered how residents use the city's public spaces. The review came the same evening the council voted 5-0 to move ahead with new playground equipment at Avon Park.

Parks spending under the microscope

Discussion of park amenities turned practical, with staff warning that some equipment designs have proven costly to maintain — a factor officials said should inform future decisions about facilities that host public events.

I will add that the parks lead requests that we don't have a tube like this that does a U shape because we have that at one or two other parks and we're consistently spending quite a bit of money replacing it because fireworks go off in there or they melt it or they damage it because they're out of sight and they can do what they want inside of that tube. And we are spending upwards of $6,000 per year to replace parts.
— Ryan Preach, Public Works Director

Council member Mcinany said residents who use the parks during the summer months — the same season the concert series runs — have raised concerns about equipment comfort in hot weather.

So, one thing I would add to this is I talked to several parents and grandparents and there's a question about like all these slides and they get hot and the kids can't use them in the summer because they're too extremely hot like they burn.
— Council member Mcinany

Cost and aesthetics debated

Other Topics from This Document

Non-Compliant Roadside Signs and Enforcement
Communication Issues with Building Permits (Safe Built)

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Votes (6)

Pay Request #5 to Minger Construction for Water Treatment Improvements Project 25-12

5-0 Approved

Moved by Council member Pew [00:13:31] · Seconded by Council member Mcinany [00:13:41]

A discrepancy was noted in the dollar amount listed for Pay Request #5 for Minger Construction. The consent agenda listed an amount of $1,138,736.70, which was clarified as the correct figure, correcting an earlier internal reference. Discussion also touched on the inclusion of traffic control costs for 'Phase Two' of a project, with staff confirming pay requests are based on completed work and additional sign costs would be itemized separately.

Orono Police Department Activity Report

No formal vote, discussion and data request only

New Police Chief Chad Centra introduced himself and provided a brief overview of the department's activity, including a business burglary. The Mayor raised concerns about consistently high numbers of DWI drivers and alcohol-related incidents, asking for new strategies. A council member inquired specifically about traffic enforcement for speeding on West Edge Boulevard, especially given rerouted traffic due to construction, requesting data on citations. Chief Centra clarified that while he can't dictate citation numbers, officers are visible and conduct stops, and he would gather the requested data for the police commission meeting.

Public Comment: Water Quality - AJ Shannard

No formal action, direction to contact city staff for resources

AJ Shannard presented a jar of discolored water, vehemently stating it was 'non-drinkable' and demanding immediate city action, expressing frustration with a prolonged issue in his new development. The Mayor explained the city's plan for a new water treatment plant within one to two years and suggested in-home treatment options via the city website. Mr. Shannard dismissed the timeline as too slow and the digital resource due to his work schedule, emphasizing the urgency.

Public Comment: Water Quality - Anonymous Resident

No formal action, direct assistance offered by Public Works Director

A resident reported finding carcinogens (arsenic) and magnesium phosphates in her tap water from two Mound properties, linking these to multiple family members and friends experiencing cancer and neurological disorders. She highlighted the financial burden of personal water treatment and the city's long-standing 'don't drink your water' advice without adequate notification to all residents. The Public Works Director offered direct assistance, including involving the health department for further testing at her properties.

Avon Park Playground Equipment Selection

5-0 Approved

Moved by Council member Mcinany [01:21:48] · Seconded by Council member Pew [01:22:12]

Public Works Director Ryan Preach presented nine options for new playground equipment at Avon Park, within an $80,000 budget, based on survey data prioritizing shade, caregiver seating, swings, slides, and climbing structures. The Parks Commission recommended option 3A (Little Tikes) with a blue and white color scheme. However, council members debated color preferences, opting for a more natural palette (forest green slides, cinnamon shade, brown/tan accents) to blend with the park's environment. Concerns were also raised about slide heat in summer and the need for benches with armrests to deter loitering. ADA accessibility for the play structure and mulch was confirmed, and the overall budget was discussed to include an ADA path and potentially a new backstop.

Water Treatment Plant Newsletter and Decision Timeline

No formal vote, discussion on newsletter content and communication strategy

The council discussed a four-page special newsletter on water quality, aiming to inform residents transparently about the city's long-standing water issues (manganese) and the goal of building a new water treatment plant. Debate included careful phrasing to avoid fear-mongering while clearly stating the 'don't drink the water' recommendation for untreated tap water. The newsletter will detail the financial impact ($2.08/month increase for the plant, on top of other rate increases) and critical dates: August 25th for design/bid request presentation, and October 13th for the final vote on accepting a bid. The council emphasized the need for prominent disclosure of these public engagement opportunities, acknowledging past low attendance at water-related meetings. Ryan Preach confirmed the plant would address iron/rust and manganese, but fluoride injection remains legally mandated.

Notable Quotes (17)

So this is the additional traffic control which is another $4,589. Is that a different phase or is that still within the same project?
— Council member Mcinany [00:10:48]

Pay Request #5 to Minger Construction for Water Treatment Improvements Project 25-12

Yeah. So, that there is a type of that the dollar amount that's listed on the consent here doesn't match there. So, it should be one 1,137. together before an 82. Okay. I just wanted to make sure we were clear on what we were what we were approving and because yeah, they're saying initially 863, but then the estimated amount was 64725 which may or may not include all of the expenses I guess is what you're saying because of the signage that we used.
— Matt [00:11:39]

Pay Request #5 to Minger Construction for Water Treatment Improvements Project 25-12

Um we have consistently had high numbers of DWI drivers. Mhm. And and in your report, in addition to that, there are alcohol related like people having alcohol in their car, um open bottles, um you know, all that. So rather than just accepting this is a problem or or that this is the way it is, do you have any thoughts or could you put some thinking to how could we address getting our city a little drier maybe?
— Mayor Holt [00:18:18]

Orono Police Department Activity Report

I still don't see any reported traffic stops for speeding. Have any numbers on that? Including the report that I got from Jesse looks like another report from dispatch, not from [clears throat] actual tickets that have been written. Um I don't I don't have actual citations. And then um all the traffic stops I they don't have my they don't have the addresses there because uh so can you just get that together? I'm going to be at the police meeting tomorrow. So I'm on the police commission. So if you can look into that I would appreciate it. That might be tough to do though before first thing in the morning. So

Ordinances & Resolutions (8)

Resolution 2637Resolution

Approve appointment of election judges

Public Works Project 26-10Other

Project associated with Pay Request #2 to Tanks Co.

Well Number EightOther

Project involving construction management supervision and inspections by KM Engineering

Water Treatment Improvements Project 25-12Other

Project associated with Pay Request #5 to Minger Construction

Street and Utility Improvements Projects 2601 and 2602Other

Projects associated with Pay Request #1 to GH Asphalt

Resolution 2648Resolution

Support for Southwest Trails Association for 2027 grant to Minnesota DNR

THE MOUND RECORDER

Music in the Park Draws Council Attention as Mound Weighs Park Investments

Parks spending under the microscope

Cost and aesthetics debated

Other Topics from This Document

Non-Compliant Roadside Signs and Enforcement

Communication Issues with Building Permits (Safe Built)

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Wider agenda

Go deeper on this topic

Votes (6)

Notable Quotes (17)

Ordinances & Resolutions (8)

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