Farmington council approves DNR grant application, commits up to $350,000 toward skate park match

The Farmington City Council on Feb. 18 voted to adopt Resolution 2025-16 authorizing the submittal of a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Grant application to design and build a skate park and support facilities at Rambling River Park, and approved using up to $350,000 from the Liquor Operations Committee project funds as the required match.

Kelly, a city parks staff member who presented the item, told the council the DNR Outdoor Recreation Program offers matching grants for acquisition, development or redevelopment of local parks and recreation areas. "The maximum grant award is $350,000 for a total project cost of at least $700,000," Kelly said, and noted the program requires a 1:1 match that can include cash, materials, labor or donations.

The skate park concept at Rambling River Park was included in the park master plan the council approved in August 2023 and was identified as a priority by the Park and Rec Commission. Kelly said the commission unanimously recommended on Jan. 8, 2025 that the council authorize the city's application. The council packet notes Farmington's prior application in spring 2024 was not funded; staff reported the city's previous score was 59 while funded projects scored in the 62'73 range.

Kelly said the city can reuse concept plans and maps provided at no cost by HKGI and Dakota County. Staff advised that DNR grant awards will be announced in summer and that projects funded under the program must be completed by June 30, 2027. City staff recommended using Liquor Operations Committee project funds for the required match; Kelly said that fund had $642,000 as of Dec. 31, 2023.

Councilmembers who spoke during the item expressed support for the project and asked staff to include a sentence in the application conveying the council's long-term support. One councilmember raised the idea of volunteer stewardship for the site, likening it to an "Adopt a Park" model; Kelly said Rosemont's park staff reported comparable graffiti levels and existing police presence and that volunteer stewardship could be considered later.

The motion to adopt the resolution was made by Councilmember Steve, seconded by Councilmember Holly. The roll call vote recorded in the meeting transcript shows Council Member Cordes: yes; Council Member Lean: yes; Council Member Wilson: yes; Mayor Hoyt: yes; Council Member Burnetts: yes. The council adopted Resolution 2025-16. Staff will proceed with the grant application and public engagement if the grant is awarded.

Background and next steps: If awarded, the DNR grant would cover up to 50% of eligible costs (maximum $350,000) and requires a local 1:1 match to meet the minimum project threshold of $700,000. Eligible costs include development of outdoor recreation facilities and associated support features such as lighting, benches, picnic tables and accessible routes. The city plans further public engagement with skaters, scooter and bike users to refine the design.