Tonka Bay officials discussed plans for a public engagement event tied to the city's 125th anniversary during this week's City Council meeting, floating the celebration as a way to gather residents' input on parks, trails and long-term city planning while marking the milestone year.

The proposed event was one item on a broad agenda that also included immediate tree removals on public property, final approval of a residential subdivision at 75 Birch Bluff Road and the rescheduling of the council's August 11 meeting because of a primary election.

Council members indicated the anniversary event could be paired with ongoing planning work already under way across the city, including park master plans and upcoming construction projects. The Parks Commission recently met at Manitou Park to review tree plans and a master plan that includes a parking lot extension, and members said their next review would take place at Wakoda park.

Several projects that could feature in public conversations at an anniversary gathering are already moving forward. A trail construction project is planned along Lila Lane, and a 2027 feasibility report project area is expected to bring construction activity to the Lakeview neighborhood and Tonka Bay Road.

Council members also said the city needs a broader, longer-range approach to managing its trees — a subject that could draw resident interest at a public event.