Many of Council's priorities for 2018 include parks, trails, open space and recreation activity.  Based on data already gathered from the community as part of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, parks and trails are at the top of many residents list of items for improvement and change.  Staff will be issuing a request for proposals for a consultant to review at every level all of our recreation and park building facilities, trails, park land, future locations, open space, programing, revenues, expenses and long term viability including capital improvements. 

Many cities in the state have launched or completed similar studies.  Their recommendations are surprising in some aspects for the community requests for some non-traditional parks and amenities.  These reflect the changing demographics of communities. For instance, Edina is closing its golf course and creating a natural storm water park and educational area. Other communities are installing ropes courses, adventure playgrounds and pickle ball courts. 

As part of this thorough examination of the systems, most communities have created a larger community committee to allow the consultant to hear from various groups and interests while also engaging the larger community through surveys and community meetings.

The Steering Committee was designed to represent the various users and commissions and advisory boards that oversee the community's assets while also including businesses and residents at large.

The first task of the Committee will be to review RFP responses and assist in making a recommendation to the Council.

The Committee will be staffed by the Planning and Development Department with assistance from Parks and Rec.