--- ## author: Beck, Megan date: D:20260501132258-05'00' --- ## Parks and Natural Resources Commission Agenda May 5, 2026 | 7 p.m. ## Health East Sports Center, Upper-Level Conference Room ## 4125 Radio Drive, Woodbury, Minnesota 55129 The City of Woodbury is subject to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination because of disability by public entities. The City is committed to full implementation of the Act to our services, programs, and activities. Information regarding the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act is available from the City Administrator's office at 651-714-3500. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons are available upon request at least 72 hours in advance of an event. Please call the ADA Coordinator, at 651-714-3500 (TDD 651-714-3568) to plan. The May 5, 2026, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Meeting is taking place in-person only at M Health Fairview Sports Center, Upper-Level Conference Room. Members of the public may attend the meeting in-person. Public comments will be accepted during the Open Forum. Questions regarding the meeting will also be taken between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 651-714-3583 or at RecOnline@woodburymn.gov. Questions received after 4:30 p.m. will be responded to in the next three to seven business days. *Please note that all agenda times are estimates. 7:00 p.m.* 7:05 p.m. 1. 2. ## Call to Order ## Open Forum 7:10 p.m. 3. Approval of Minutes – March 3, 2026 7:15 p.m. 4. PNRC Commissioner Introductions - Brief introduction from each commissioner, background, and why you chose to serve with this commission. 7:25 p.m. 5. Environmental Stewardship Update - Memorandum 26 - 03 7:45 p.m. 6. Parks and Recreation Annual Report - Memorandum 26 - 04 8:05 p.m. 7. Parks and Facilities Long-Range Plan Update - Memorandum 26 - 05 8:20 p.m. 8. Discussion Items 1 a. E-transportation update b. Project status update 8:30 p.m. 9. Monthly Update – Memorandum 26 - 06 8:35 p.m. 8:45 p.m. 9:00 p.m. 10. 11. 12. ## Council Update – Council Member Wilson ## Announcements/Miscellaneous 1 ## Adjourn If a Commission member cannot attend this meeting, please contact Christine Thueson at 651-714-3584 or christine.thueson@woodburymn.gov at your earliest convenience. Thank you. 1 Discussion and status updates are intended to be informational or of brief inquiry. More substantial discussion of matters under status updates and miscellaneous should be scheduled for a future agenda. ## City of Woodbury ## Central Park – Prairie Room ## 8595 Central Park Place ## Woodbury, MN 55125 651-714-3583 Minutes of ## Parks and Natural Resources Commission Regular Meeting Tuesday, March 3, 2026 ## Commission Members Present: Emily Bernstein-Hanlon, Sarah Branion, Anna Doherty ## (Chair), Andy Evenson, Richard Freese, Mary Schaffer, ## Brian Trusinsky, Nash DeLawyer (Student), Foster Sprunger (Student) ## Commission Member(s) Absent: None ## Council Member Present: Jennifer Santini Staff and Guest Presenters: Michelle Okada, Parks and Recreation Director ## Dan Moris, Recreation Enterprise Manager ## Reed Smidt, Recreation Operations Manager ## Josh Kinney, Parks Planner ## Christine Thueson, Recording Secretary 1. Call to Order Chair Doherty called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. ## 2. Open Forum None. ## 3. Special Order of Business A. Swearing in of new Commissioners – Council Member Santini administered the Oath of Office to new Commission members Andy Evenson, Mary Schaffer, and Brian Trusinsky; and new Student Commission members Nash DeLawyer and Foster Sprunger. ## 4. Action Items A. December 2, 2025, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes Chair Doherty asked for the approval of the Minutes from the December 2, 2025, meeting of the Parks and Natural Resources Commission. Motion: Moved by Commissioner Freese, seconded by Commissioner Branion to approve the December 2, 2025, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes. ## Vote: In favor: All ## Against: None ## Absent: None ## Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes March 3, 2026 Page 2 ## 5. Staff Introductions and Presentations Ms. Okada introduced Dan Moris, Recreation Enterprise Manager, and Reed Smidt, Recreation Operations Manager, who shared their professional backgrounds and personal interests. Questions from Commissioners centered on allocation of revenue and budget fund differences between Eagle Valley Golf Course and the Recreation Department. ## 6. Parks and Facilities Long-Range Plan – Memorandum 26-01 Ms. Okada provided a review of the Parks and Facilities Long-Range Plan (PFLRP). At the direction of Council, staff are preparing a plan that will serve as a guide for planning, enhancing and managing projects within the City’s parks and recreational spaces. A focus group will be organized to include City Council appointed residents as well as representatives from community user groups, who will provide feedback as part of the engagement process. Ms. Okada reviewed the intent of the PFLRP, adding that a consultant was recently hired to help facilitate various aspects of the Plan. Ms. Okada said staff will keep the commission informed and seek consensus from the Parks and Natural Resources Commission (PNRC) throughout the process, and ultimately the PNRC will approve a final recommendation to be presented to the City Council for consideration. The PNRC’s work on the PFLRP will also inform the City’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan. 7. Appointment of a Parks and Natural Resources Commission Representative to the 2050 ## Comprehensive Plan Task Force Ms. Okada provided Commissioners with details regarding the need for a representative from the PNRC to serve on the City’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan Task Force. The Task Force will meet an average of once a month, starting in early May. The representative will attend the Task Force meetings and report back to the PNRC. Council Member Santini added the 2050 Comprehensive P lan will help guide the City’s approach to future land use and development as the Woodbury community continues to grow. Acting as representative to the Task Force will provide a unique opportunity to be informed about discussions at that level. Commission Chair Doherty asked if any members were interested in serving as the PNRC Representative for the Task Force. Commissioner Freese indicated he was interested, and a Motion was requested. Motion: Moved by Commissioner B ranion, seconded by Commissioner E venson, to appoint Commissioner Freese as a representative to the 2050 Comprehensive Plan Task ## Force ## Vote: In favor: All ## Against: None ## Absent: None ## Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes March 3, 2026 Page 3 ## 8. Discussion Items 1 Mr. Josh Kinney, Parks Planner, presented a summary of park projects scheduled to take place in 2026. Mr. Kinney provided information on several projects including the La Lake South Trail, park building improvements and remodels, and restoration efforts in several parks happening in conjunction with the City’s Environmental Division and Washington County. Commissioner questions included how park projects are determined, and whether the city has input with developers regarding the amount of land allocated toward park dedication. Also discussed was cost sharing related to the Irrigation Replacement at M Health Fairview Sports Center, and the impact the project will have on efficiency and water conservation. Commissioners inquired about the status of the La Lake North bond request with the State Legislature, and the timing of the City of Woodbury welcome sign renovation. A Commissioner asked if improved safety components to crossing areas on Interlachen Drive could be a project for consideration. Staff indicated they would share the request with the City’s Engineering Team. Mr. Reed Smidt, Recreation Operations Manager, provided an update on the E -transportation ordinance recommendations presented to City Council during their workshop meeting on February 25. Mr. Smidt said Council directed staff to proceed with updating the ordinances per the PNRC’s recommendations, except for the helmet ordinance for e-bike riders under 18 years of age. Mr. Smidt stated Council expressed a desire to stay aligned with State Statutes, which do not currently have such a requirement for e-bikes. Mr. Smidt said Council requested staff include examples of prohibited transportation modes related to the Recreational Motor Vehicles ordinance and review applicable City Code restrictions of e- transportation modes at large tournaments and special events. Council also directed staff to review language regarding commerce or rental of motorized foot scooters on City owned property and right- of-way areas, indicating that any rentals would need to start and end at the rental business. Mr. Smidt said he will work with the City Attorney to finalize the ordinance changes, which will then follow the public posting process for ordinance updates. The ordinances will be presented to Council at their meeting on March 25. Commissioner discussion included clarifying questions about businesses contracting with e-bike companies, and current efforts in the State Legislature to further define e-transportation, helmet use, and potentially registration of e-motos. A Commissioner asked if the City Council Workshop minutes were available for review and requested the specific House and Senate Bill Numbers regarding e-transportation. Further discussion was held about placing a heavy emphasis on education and awareness regarding the use of e-transportation in the community. Staff will continue to work with schools and focus on providing information for parents. Public Safety will also provide support with education and awareness efforts. It was noted that enforcement of the ordinances may be a challenge, but there are many opportunities to increase public education and awareness. Commissioners indicated a desire for staff to continue efforts advocating the City Council further consider a helmet ordinance for e-bike riders under age 18. The request was confirmed by consensus from all Commissioners. Ms. Okada noted that requests for further consideration could 1 Discussion and updates are intended to be informational or of brief inquiry. More substantial discussion of matter under status updates and miscellaneous should be scheduled for a future agenda. ## Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes March 3, 2026 Page 4 be included in the letter but would not be part of the codification taking place at the March 25 Council meeting as it would require a separate public posting process. 9. Monthly Update - Memorandum 26 - 02 Ms. Okada noted the Monthly Update Memorandum, which is included in the agenda packet to give Commissioners a peek at what is happening in each division of the Parks and Recreation Department. ## 10. Council Report – Council Member Santini Council Member Santini provided an update on recent City Council projects and topics. Council Member Santini thanked the PNRC for their work on the E-Transportation Recommendations, and stated the Council had a good discussion at their Workshop meeting regarding an ordinance mandating helmet use. Council Member Santini also mentioned Mayor Burt’s recent State of the City address is available online and provides a good summary of the City’s strategic initiatives. 11. Announcements/Miscellaneous Ms. Okada mentioned the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce Community Expo is taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 28 at the M Health Fairview Sports Center. Ms. Okada noted she will forward details about the Community Expo to Commissioners, as well as a copy of the project map from Mr. Kinney’s presentation and the House and Senate File Numbers regarding E-Transportation. A Commissioner requested time on the next meeting agenda for more thorough introductions of PNRC members. 12. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted, /s/ ________________________________ ## Christine Thueson ## Administrative Technician I ## City of Woodbury ## Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 26 – 03 May 5, 2026 ## Parks and Natural Resources Commission Members: ## Subject: Environmental Stewardship Update ## Summary The Woodbury City Council adopted the City’s Environmental Stewardship Plan in December 2024. Following adoption, staff developed a Two-Year Roadmap (2025–2026) outlining priority actions identified through community engagement, along with initiatives currently underway. The staff Project Management Team continues to meet regularly to monitor progress on the Two- Year Roadmap and has begun evaluating and identifying actions for inclusion in the 2027–2028 roadmap. At the May meeting, staff will provide an update on implementation of the Environmental Stewardship Plan, including recent accomplishments, key events, upcoming programs, and an introduction to the new Environmental Stewardship Dashboard. ## Respectfully Submitted, / s / ## Jennifer McLoughlin ## Environmental Resources Manager ## Attachment(s): ## Environmental Stewardship Plan Two-Year Roadmap (2025-2026) ## Water ## New ## Current ## Expand/ ## Improve W 2-3: Evaluate requirements for allowable impervious surface. W 2-4: Implement water quality standards for tree preservation and green infrastructure. W 3-3: Develop a Salt Reduction Plan. W 1-2: Implement the Woodbury Water Wise Implementation Plan. W 3-2: Expand partnerships to improve water resources. ## Environmental Stewardship Plan 2-Year Roadmap 2025-2026 ## Local Food and Agriculture ## New FA 1-1: Identify potential sites for additional community gardens. FA 1-5: Identify potential locations and partnerships for farmers markets. ## Transportation and Land Use ## New ## Current TL 3-4: Evaluate parking standards to reduce underutilized space. TL 2-6: Facilitate public transportation and other transit services opportunities. TL 6-1: Evaluate the feasibility for city fleet electric vehicles. TL 5-3: Develop a fleet action plan for city-owned vehicles and mobile equipment. The 2-Year Roadmap incorporates the community’s feedback and priorities for the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Plan. The actions outlined in the plan support mitigation, adaptation, and community equity and were prioritized based on specific criteria developed by a resident planning team. Ongoing evaluation, measurement and refinement of these actions are essential to achieving the plan’s goals. Every two years, staff will work with the Parks and Natural Resources Commission to update the roadmap. ## Greenspace and Ecosystems ## New ## Current GE 1-2: Evaluate locations for solar, trees, and turf conversion. GE 1-3: Develop a tree rebate program. GE 3-1: Promote invasive species control programs. GE 5-1: Expand pollinator habitat. ## GE 2-2: Implement the city’s System-wide Natural Resources Management Plan. ## Buildings and Energy ## New ## Expand/ ## Improve BE 1-5: Promote alternative roofing materials. BE 3-5: Develop model HOA language regarding on-site renewable energy adoption. BE 5-1: Ensure energy efficient products are evaluated with city equipment purchases. BE 5-2: Conduct a city facility energy audit. BE 5-4: Develop a 5-year plan for city facility energy improvements. BE 8-1: Evaluate city policies to incentivize sustainable building. BE 2-1: Promote incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy. ## Economy ## New E 2-2: Develop outreach campaign and checklist for residents to support this plan. ## Waste Management ## New ## Expand/ ## Improve WM 2-1: Partner with Washington County on School Advisory Committee. WM 2-4: Implement compost collection at city facilities. WM 2-2: Explore compost opportunities with Washington County. WM 5-1: Expand the city’s Purchasing Policy. ## Health and Safety ## New ## Expand/ ## Improve HS 1-2: Evaluate an anti-idling specification for city contractors. HS 1-5: Develop an emergency response toolkit. HS 3-3: Promote the city’s communication channels and emergency response resources. HS 1-3: Promote resilient homes resources. HS 3-2: Expand emergency management capacity related to extreme weather. ## Cross-Pollinating Actions ## New ## Current CP 1-1: Identify a sustainable budget to support this plan. CP 1-3: Identify grants and programs for energy efficiency. CP 1-5: Evaluate city code for barriers to implementing this plan. ## CP 1-8: Develop a Community Engagement and Communications Plan to support this plan. CP 1-6: Evaluate city policies related to waste reduction & recycling. ## Actions in Progress BE 1-2: Expand the promotion of energy efficiency best practices used at city facilities. BE 4-4: Explore opportunities for the construction of community solar within the city. BE 5-3: Expand the city’s participation in the SolSmart Program. WM 1-1: Promote Washington County programs that decrease solid waste through reuse. WM 2-3: Promote Washington County programs that decrease solid waste by composting. WM 3-3: Promote Washington County programs that decrease solid waste by recycling. WM 4-4: Develop a litter cleanup program within the city. W 1-1: Evaluate water reuse opportunities within the city. W 2-2: Expand flood risk evaluations and update as necessary. W 3-1: Expand non structural water quality best management practices. GE 1-1: Evaluate tree protection standards to preserve tree canopy with development. GE 2-1: Partner with the Washington Conservation District on a topsoil verification program. GE 3-2: Implement the city’s vegetation maintenance program. TL 1-1: Partner with Public Safety to promote the city’s “Bike Rodeo”. TL 1-3: Implement an update to the city’s parks and trails map. TL 2-2: Partner with Metro Transit to increase safety and security on public transportation. TL 2-3: Advocate for standards with bus rapid transit to promote transit-oriented development. TL 3-2: Implement master planning of mixed use developments and walkability. TL 5-1: Develop standards to prepare city facilities for electric vehicle infrastructure. TL 6-1: Evaluate the feasibility for electric vehicles in the city fleet regularly. ## Local Food and ## Agriculture FA 1-3: Promote existing local farmers markets to expand access to local food. Buildings and ## Energy ## Waste ## Management ## Water Greenspace and ## Ecosystems ## Transportation ## and Land Use ## Funding and Commitment Woodbury is committed to a lasting strategic vision for environmental stewardship that balances the city’s enduring vision with the practical realities of its financial landscape. The city will need to remain flexible, agile, and resilient to navigate the competing resources and challenges of a growing community with ever evolving and complex needs. The City Council will annually assess and allocate funding during the budget development process while balancing the many goals of the city to achieve the actions outlined in the adopted Environmental Stewardship Plan. ## City of Woodbury ## Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 26 – 04 May 5, 2026 ## Parks and Natural Resources Commission Members: ## Subject: Parks and Recreation Department 2025 Annual Report Staff are pleased to present the Parks and Recreation 2025 Annual Report. This report documents the Parks and Recreation Department’s year in review, highlighting key items and statistics for each division within the department. At the upcoming meeting, staff will provide an overview of the report that will include some of the highlights from 2025. ## Respectfully Submitted, / s / ## Jodi Sauro ## Parks and Recreation Coordinator ## Attachment: Parks and Recreation Department 2025 Annual Report ## Parks and Recreation ## 2025 Annual Report ## Parks and Recreation ## 2025 Annual Report ## Parks and Recreation Department ## Michelle Okada| Parksand Recreation Director ## Dan Moris | Recreation Enterprise Manager ## Reed Smidt| Recreation Operations Manager ## Josh Kinney| Parks Planner ## Jodi Sauro| Parks and Recreation Coordinator ## Christine Thueson| Administrative Technician I 2 ## Recreation ## Jeremy Bailey| Recreation Supervisor ## Anna Kemper| RecreationProgramSpecialist ## Joseph Vaughan| Recreation Program Specialist ## Eagle Valley Golf Course ## Joe Otto| Superintendent ## Will Onkka| Asst. Superintendent ## Derek Holmes| Golf Professional ## Suzanne O’Connell | Food & Beverage Lead ## Central Park ## Jennifer Anderson| Recreation Technician ## John Haldeman| Recreation Program Specialist ## M Health Fairview Sports Center ## Katie Ryden | Sports Center Assistant Manager ## Gregory Samms | Sports Center Specialist ## Nathan Christensen | Building Maintenance Assistant ## AndrewStoffel | BuildingMaintenanceTechnician TheParksandRecreationDepartmentprovidesa comprehensivesystemoffacilities,programsandopenspacesto enhancethequalityoflifeforallpeople thatlive,workandplayin Woodbury.Westrivetoworkcooperatively, be highly organized,practicegoodstewardshipandhavea positiveattitudein allwedo. ## ParksandNaturalResourcesCommission TheParksandNaturalResourcesCommissionadvisestheCityCouncilandotheradvisorycommissions regarding mattersrelevanttopark,naturalresources,andrecreationfunctions,reflectingtheattitudesand concernsofthecitizens ofWoodbury,aswellasreviewsthecomprehensiveplanandparkclassification systemand encouragestheconservation and preservationofnaturalresourcesinordertoachievea more sustainablecommunity. ## Message from the Parks and Recreation Director 3 I am excited to reflect on the continued growth, innovation and strong community connections that defined our year in 2025. These accomplishments are made possible by our talented, passionate, and dedicated full-time and part-time staff, whose commitment to excellence is at the heart of everything we do. I am also grateful for the support of our volunteers, partners, City Council, and Parks and Natural Resources Commission. As Woodbury continues to grow, our team remains committed to providing exceptional parks, programs and spaces that enhance quality of life for all. A major highlight was the successful reopening of Central Park following its renovation. Since welcoming back visitors, the facility has quickly resumed its role as a vibrant hub for events, facility partners, programs, and everyday productivity and connection in the garden. Eagle Valley Golf Course and the M Health Fairview Sports Center both had strong years, with high participation, increased usage and continued financial success, demonstrating the value these facilities bring to our community. Across the system, recreation programs and events continued to thrive. The expanded offerings, including adding targeted programs for older adults and additional inclusive programming initiatives. We also enhanced accessibility to programming through initiatives like the Mobile On-Site Recreation Experience (MORE) program that brought programming directly into a few neighborhoods. Our parks system continued to grow and evolve in 2025, with new trail additions and improvements, facility updates, and expanded community spaces such as the community gardens, Shawnee Park shelter and the playground replacement (with added inclusive features) at Pioneer Park. We also advanced natural resource management efforts across several high-quality open spaces. Together, these improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to stewardship and sustainability, ensuring our parks remain welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable for generations to come. The major focus in 2026 is planning through the City of Woodbury’s Parks and Facilities Long-Range Plan. This effort will serve as a comprehensive guide for planning, enhancing, and managing projects within the city’s parks and recreational spaces, ensuring the system and its facilities meet the needs of current and future community members. We look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead and invite you to explore all that Woodbury Parks and Recreation has to offer. ## Warmly, ## Michelle Okada ## Parks and Recreation Director ## Parks and Recreation Team Fall 2025 ## Parks and Recreation ## 2025 Annual Report ## Demographics, Data and More Woodbury’s population has grown from 47,000 residents in 2000 to more than 82,000 presently. The city expects to reach about 90,000 residents by 2040.Approximately three-fourths of the City has been developed. One of Woodbury’s greatest assets is its growing diversity, with 29 percent of residents identifying as people of color. The Comprehensive Plan provides for a sustainable quality of life through a commitment to preserving and expanding community open space, natural areas and an interconnecting trail system. Woodbury’s park system consists of more than 3,700acresofparkandopenspaceland includingEagleValleyGolf Course, 63 park and open space sites, a variety of amenities from the Sports Center, to the newly renovated Central Park, Tamarack Nature Preserve, fishing piers, off-road cycling trail, a skate park, buildings, shelters, athletic fields, courts, playgrounds, 192.6milesoftrails and much morewithinthe entire parksystem. 4 Population | 82,022 Households | 30,848 Median Age | 38.5 Persons under 18 | 24.9% Persons 19-64 | 57.6% Over 65 Years Old | 14% 7th ## Largest City in Minnesota 2025 ## Best Citiesto Live ## US News 2025 26th ## 50 Best Suburbs to Live for Families ## Money Magazine 2025 71.2% 11.4% 7. 3 % 4.8% 4.7% ## Race and Ethnicity ## White Alone ## Asian Alone ## Black Alone ## Hispanic or Latino More than one Race ## RecreationSponsorships& Partnerships ## Parksand Recreation 2025AnnualReport 5 212 volunteers donated their time for the Parks and ## Recreation Department Thank you to our platinum sponsors And shout-out to our gold, silver and bronze sponsors! Local businesses contributed $29,971.90 , as well as a Bike Fix it station valued at $2,206.98 ## Highlights ## RecreationDivision The Recreation Division is responsible for managing community recreation facilities and coordinating a wide variety of programs that serve residents of all ages and abilities. A dedicated team of full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff oversee the programming, and scheduling of athletic fields, park buildings, and shelters. Recreation programming staff plan and deliver a variety of programs and special events throughout the year, while engaging with volunteers and building partnerships with community-based organizations. Additionally, the division provides administrative support for the entire Parks and Recreation Department and assists with park planning projects. 1,589,770 ## Parksand Recreation 2025AnnualReport 6 $1,228,685 $1,087,296 $1,104,941 $1,794,258 $1,832,689 $2,138,250 202320242025 Revenue/Expenditures 2023-2025 ## RevenueExpenditures •Adult athletic leagues remained strong, led by volleyball (103 teams) and softball (87 teams). New individual registration options in volleyball and soccer expanded access, connecting more than 175 participants to recreation and social opportunities through these adult leagues. •Puzzlepalooza grew in its second year, moving to Central Park to accommodate demand. Across two events, 56 teams competed, with strong interest in additional puzzling programs. •Several 2025 events added sensory-friendly elements, ## including Halloween Hoopla, Big Truck Day, One Woodbury, and Cookies and Crafts with Santa, with designated times and quiet spaces to support more inclusive participation. ## •The MORE (Mobile On-Site Recreation Experience) program launched in 2025, bringing recreation directly into the community from June through August and expanding access at apartments, parks, and events. •Adult/Senior recreation programming continues to expand with more programs, education, and social opportunities. Central Park hosts most senior programs, supported by a quarterly newsletter reaching nearly 200 residents. 2025 was the 45 th year of the ## Woodbury Puppet Wagon touring the City each summer ## Highlights ## Central ParkDivision Central Park serves as a dynamic, year-round community hub, offering flexible spaces for everything from daily use and small gatherings to large civic events, performances, and private celebrations. Supported by dedicated staff, the facility delivers high-quality programming, rentals, and welcoming public spaces that foster connection, learning, and recreation for guests of all ages. Since reopening, strong participation and demand have reinforced its role as a cornerstone of community life in Woodbury. 1,589,770 ## Parksand Recreation 2025AnnualReport 7 $368,775 $164,974 2025 ## Revenue/Expenditures ## RevenueExpenditures ## Ribbon Cutting for Grand Re-opening •Following over a year and a half of construction, Central Park reopened to the public on October 6. In the short time since reopening, the facility quickly returned to a high level of activity—hosting numerous events and welcoming the community back. •Highlights from the first few months of being re- open include the facility’s grand re-opening ## celebration, Holiday Tree Lighting celebration, wedding celebrations, recreation programming and various trainings. •Amphitheater programming continues to grow, highlighted by the popular Performance in the Parkseries along with choir performances, music lessons, town hall meetings and wedding ceremonies. ## •Lookout Ridge Indoor Playground accommodated more than 130 birthday parties and private rentals in 2025, highlighting strong demand and community enthusiasm for the revitalized playground space. Performance in the Park ## Tree Lighting Event ## LibertyChurch continuedtheir use in2023 ## Parksand Recreation 2025AnnualReport 8 3,699 hours of rental use in 2023 For more than 20 years, Central Park has been a place to play, connect, learn and have fun. After two decades, the facility needed significant updates so that it can continue to attract visitors for years to come.In April 2024, construction began. The facility welcomed the community back on in October 2025. ## CentralParkRenovation Project Enclose the amphitheater ## Replace Lookout Ridge Indoor Playground, add party spaces Program space with a senior focus Maintain greenery and water feature in the park Increase parking and pedestrian access to the facility ## Recreation & Central Park by the Numbers 1,589,770 ## Parksand Recreation 2025AnnualReport 9 86% Rating Programs asExcellent or Good in the most recent Community Survey ## Lookout Ridge 11,480 paid admissions 133 parties hosted Open 10/6/25 Outdoor skating rinks were open 45 days during the 2025–2026 season 51 days in 2024–2025 11 days in 2023–2024. 13 Performances in the Park were hosted in 2025 2 more than in 2024 22 Special Events in 2025 2 more than in 2024 ## Annual July 4th Hometown Celebration, welcoming thousands of attendees for live music, food vendors, a kid's zone, and fireworks show. Hours utilized at outdoor fields in 2025 5,796 less than 2024 ## Hours utilized at Park Shelters and Buildings in 2025 627 more than 2024 87 Adult Softball teams 51 Adult Soccer teams 103 Adult Volleyball teams ## 9 Adult Yard Games teams 26 Adult Pickleball teams 860 Pickleball participants 45,131 11,329 2025ParkProject Highlights ## Parksand Recreation 2025AnnualReport 10 ## Chippewa Park ## Small Shelter Installation ## Pioneer Park ## Playground Replacement ## La Lake Park South Trail and boardwalk ## Installation ## Brookview Park ## Court Replacement ## M Health Fairview ## Sports Center ## Concession ## Building Renovations ## Shawnee Park ## Building Renovation ## Powers Lake ## Fishing Pier Replacement ## Community Garden ## Expansion ## EagleValleyGolfCourse ## Overview Eagle Valley Golf Course features amenities including a championship 18-hole course, 60 station practice range, food and beverage operation and banquet/meeting room space. Along with the full-time staff, Eagle Valley Golf Course also employs approximately 70 seasonal employees annually. The facility encompasses 225 acres of open space. Eagle Valley offers more than public golf, with programs for a wide range of players. The Eagle Club provides frequent users with benefits such as discounted fees, range access, merchandise discounts, and advanced reservations. The facility offers lessons for youth through adult, including junior programming through The First Tee® of Minnesota. It also partners with Special Olympics and hosts local high school teams during the spring season. As part of the Parks and Recreation Department, the course operates as an enterprise fund within the City budget. ## Highlights •There were 204 total days available to play in 2025; eleven (11) more than 2024 and twenty-seven (27) more than 2023. There is a correlation between increasing the number of days available to play with a reduction in the average number of rounds per day. The added days during the shoulder time of the season offers less capacity as rounds played during the summer months. Banquet rental revenue for the full year was $59,092 compared to $46,897 in 2023, which was the last full year prior to the renovation of the food and beverage area. EagleValley’s grouplessonprogramset arecordformostparticipantenrollments ina season.Our junior and adultsessionsincluded645 participants. ## Parksand Recreation 2025AnnualReport 11 $732,001 $832,663 $889,207 202320242025 ## Operating Margin ## EagleValleyGolfCoursebytheNumbers 163 170 182 203 185 205 218 220 376 353 152 427 44,942 ## RoundsPlayedin2025, 821morethan2024 3,271 more than 2023 645 LessonParticipantsin 2025, 67 more than 2024 162 more than 2023 $59,092 ## BanquetRentalRevenue $39,143 in 2024 $46,897 in 2023 141 ## BanquetRentals 95 in 2024 163 in 2023 91% ## Parksand Recreation 2025AnnualReport 12 ## Rated Programs and Facilities excellent or good In the community survey 177 193 204 235 229 220 483 578 645 202320242025 ## Performance Metrics ## Days Available for PlayRounds per dayLesson Participants ## M HealthFairviewSportsCenter ## Overview M Health Fairview Sports Center is a multi-use sports centers. As a divis ion within the Parks and Recreation Department, the Sports Center is operated as an enterprise fund within the City budget. The Sports Center serves the community and region with high-quality amenities, including a 90,000-square- foot indoor field house, two ice arenas, an outdoor rink, splash pad, and Madison’s Place inclusive playground. It is home to local youth associations and three high school hockey teams. In addition to organized athletics, the facility offers public programs such as skating lessons, open skate, and activities like soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and hockey. It also hosts a variety of community events in partnership with Parks & Recreation and local organizations, including Special Olympics, Minnesota Wild programs, celebrations, and expos. $1,777,753 $1,873,227 $1,045,544 $1,639,400 $1,195,473$1,212,246 $907,120 $1,085,454 ## Parksand Recreation 2025AnnualReport 13 $2,002,931 $2,232,895 $2,388,304 $1,491,929 $1,532,796 $1,627,658 $511,002 $700,099 $760,646 202320242025 ## Operating Revenue, Expenditures ## and Operating Income ## RevenueExpendituresOperating Income ## Highlights •The sports center had its best year ever garnering; $760,646 in operating revenue. ## •I ncrease of 14.8 % in field house rentals due to additional off-peak season events and hosting several consistent late night adult league rentals. •Increase of 28.,4% in skate service revenues. A few factors that contributed to the in crease were purchasing an automated Sparx skate sharpening machine and more winter weather, lending to an increased number of skaters utilizing the outdoor rink (and renting skates) in November and December. ## Special Olympics Event- 2025 89%ofavailable peakfieldhouse hours sold or utilized for ## Programming 77% 2024 74% 2023 93% of available peak ice hours sold or utilized for programming 89% 2024 91% 2023 ## M HealthFairviewSportsCenter bytheNumbers 202320242025 $150,074$176,483$185,900 ## Concessions ## Parksand Recreation 2025AnnualReport 14 3,490 3,146 2,043 3,500 2,664 2 , 074 3,254 1,886 2,088 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000 ## Ice Open ProgramsField House Open ## Programs ## Skating Lessons ## Programming Comparison 202320242025 Respondents rating the Sports Center programs and facilities as excellent or good in the most recent community survey. 91 % 6,035 2,520 ## Parksand Recreation 2024AnnualReport ## City of Woodbury ## Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 26 – 05 May 5, 2026 ## Parks and Natural Resources Commission Members: ## Subject: Park and Facilities Long Range Plan Update ## Summary This memo provides an update on the progress of the Parks and Facilities Long-Range Plan and outlines key steps completed to date. Since initiation, the project has focused on building a strong foundation for community-informed planning through structured engagement and internal coordination. • Engaged ISG as the lead consultant to guide development of the Parks and Facilities Long- ## Range Plan • Hosted staff project management team meetings to establish priorities and frame focus group sessions • Conducted focus group kickoff meeting to initiate engagement and affirm project goals • Facilitated a visioning exercise with both staff and focus group participants to identify plan aspirations and understand the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats • Facilitated interested party identification with the Focus Group, to identify a broad range of interested parties ensuring a diverse and inclusive community representation through the engagement process • Developed online website page specific to the plan development woodburymn.gov/parksplanning The project is now moving into its next phase, focused on developing and refining a comprehensive community engagement process. This effort will outline clear approaches for outreach, feedback collection, and ongoing interested party involvement. A key priority during this phase is to engage as many interested community members as possible. In addition to hosting engagement opportunities at a variety of community events, staff are compiling a list of community groups, organizations to ensure broad and inclusive participation. These groups will be intentionally invited to take part in surveys, listening sessions, or other information-sharing opportunities. The greater community members will be reached via various outreach platforms. Staff will review the list with the Commission and seek feedback on any additional groups or perspectives that may not yet be listed. The draft schedule has been modestly updated as planning events and phases continue to be refined. We anticipate incorporating one to two additional phases of engagement; these will be further defined and detailed as the planning process progresses. ## Foundational Documents and Begin Focus Group Q1 2026 ## Project awareness and Phase I Community Engagement (Broad, survey, pop-up events, widespread notification) June-September 2026 ## Phase II Community Engagement (Facilitated Discussions) Q4 2026-Q1 2027 Additional phases of engagement, plan prioritization, draft plan development ## Q2 2027-Q3 2027 Final Plan presented for approval Q3/Q4 2027 ## Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 26 - 05 May 5, 2026 Further updates will be provided as the engagement process progresses and additional milestones are reached. ## Respectfully Submitted, / s / ## Michelle Okada ## Parks and Recreation Director ## City of Woodbury ## Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 26 – 06 May 5, 2026 ## Recreation Division – Reed Smidt Gaelic Games is a new youth and teen program providing an opportunity to experience two of the fastest and exciting field sports in the world, the traditional sports of Ireland. We hosted 28 participants in this program, teaching them how to play Gaelic Football and Hurling. Participation in Adult League programming continues to increase in the city. We are excited to foster and grow the love for volleyball, and this year we saw a 15-percent total increase in participating teams from last volleyball season. The Adult Softball Leagues have 52 teams enrolled for league play at M Health Fairview Sports Center this spring. Strong participation is expected to support an active and successful season, providing quality opportunities for recreation, competition, and community engagement. The first Youth Puzzle Competition took place at Central Park in partnership with Cottage Grove Parks and Recreation. Teams of two youth and one adult competed to complete a 350-piece puzzle. The event was a great success, with participants sharing how much they enjoyed the experience and even requesting that it be offered year- round. Families had a wonderful time at Breakfast with the Bunny at Eagle Valley Golf Course! Guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast from Ze's Diner, got creative with fun crafts, danced along to music, and made special memories taking photos with the Bunny. The morning ended with a lively bunny hop! ## Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 26 – 06 May 5, 2026 ## Central Park – Reed Smidt Central Park recently hosted Prom photo sessions for local students. For a nominal cost, the sessions offered an affordable way for teens and their families to capture memories of their big night in a beautiful indoor setting. The first event drew an enthusiastic crowd, with about 45 students posing among the garden scenery. Community members are enjoying the public art installations at Central Park, which highlights works by local artists. These installations rotate monthly, and visitors are encouraged to stop by often to experience the latest displays. ## M Health Fairview Sports Center – Katie Ryden The east rink ice was removed following the completion of the youth hockey season earlier this spring. Ice has been refreshed; staff painted the white base, marked out the lines, circles and face off dots and built up approximately one inch of ice prior to the rink reopening for the next round of use. The Woodbury Expo was hosted in March. With over 170 exhibitors and several food vendors, it was a fun way for the community to see all the wonderful businesses, and local organizations that call Woodbury home. ## Eagle Valley Golf Course – Dan Moris Eagle Valley Golf Course has been navigating a roller coaster of temperatures early in the 2026 season. Despite the inconsistent weather, the course has seen strong turnout on warmer days, giving staff reason to be optimistic about another successful year. The practice area is scheduled to transition to the grass teeing surface at the start of May. Delaying this move until temperatures become more consistent will give the turf a better opportunity to recover and establish itself. Meanwhile, the maintenance team has been actively slit seeding portions of the greens, collars, and select fairway areas. Following a challenging winter—marked by multiple warm-up periods—some of the Poa annua (Poa) did not survive as well as expected. Courses of similar age often contend with Poa, as it naturally spreads and can overtake Bentgrass and Bluegrass. Fortunately, Poa typically rebounds once temperatures consistently reach the 80s.