The Cost
Paying for this Community Investment
Addressing the needs of every park and trail in the city would cost more than $115 million, according to expert analysis. This underscores the significant investment required to enhance the entire park system and address community needs in the years ahead.
Recognizing that the total cost is too high to tackle all at once, the city structured the plan in phases to manage resources effectively and focus on community-identified priorities.
The current plan calls for the following core improvements over the next six years, bringing the overall cost to $60 million, plus interest and bonding:
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Neighborhood Parks: $10-12 million.
This funding would go towards improvements at up to 15 neighborhood parks, ensuring every resident has an updated, high-quality park within a half-mile of their home. The city would work with residents to align specific upgrades with local priorities. For many neighborhood parks, this will mean updated playgrounds, fields, park buildings, and other amenities.
Trail system upgrades: $9-11 million.
This funding would be used to close trail gaps along MN Highway 13, improve trail connectivity to regional destinations, and enhance safety and accessibility throughout our trail system.
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The proposed plan for Spring Lake Park includes the following improvements:
Site preparation: $4.25 million, including erosion control, grading, and water/sewer utility services.
Road and parking updates: $4.5 million, including paved and expanded parking and lighting.
Upgrades to trails and sidewalks: $650,000, including renovating or replacing aging infrastructure to improve safety and accessibility.
Expanding opportunities for athletics: $7.25 million, including eight additional pickleball courts, up to four high-quality athletic fields, irrigation, and updated skating rinks.
New park structures: $3.5 million, including safe and inclusive playgrounds, a building with restrooms, park shelters, and storage.
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The city’s proposed plan would update aging amenities and expand recreational opportunities to be enjoyed by residents of all ages and abilities at Lakefront Park, including:
Circulation Improvements: $3.34 million, including expanded parking, a new road to the beach with ADA-accessible parking, and updated lighting throughout the park.
Upgrades at Watzl’s Beach: $1.76 million, including new shaded canopies, a building with restrooms, an outdoor shower, a new fishing pier, and a stairway connected to the upper parking lot.
North Park Area: $3.27 million, including tennis and pickleball courts, shaded structures, a new adventure playground, and a splash pad.
Main Pavilion Area: $2.18 million, including pavilion upgrades, new basketball courts, and a new skatepark.
East Park Area: $6.31 million, including a new winter warming house and summer rental facility, expanded parking, and an ice skating area with lighting.
Central Park Area: $2.88 million, including trail updates, disc golf, and the replacement of the Little Prior boardwalk.
Tax Impact:
If voters approve this plan, the tax impact for property owners would be gradually phased in over the next six years as projects move forward—not reaching the maximum impact until 2031.
For a median-value home of $433,600, the maximum tax impact is estimated to be about $22 per month in Year Six of the plan.
Your individual tax impact will depend on the value of the property you own.
