Meadow Park playground design approved by Parks & Rec; city plans fall site work and spring equipment install

Meadow Park playground plan moves toward construction Ashley (city staff member) presented an update on Meadow Park to the Chaska City Council on Aug. 18, describing a final playground design and a near‑term construction schedule. Ashley said Meadow Park — the neighborhood park removed to build the public safety facility — received 96 survey responses from residents in the immediate area and that about 10% of respondents identified a mobility or accessibility limitation. "Of those 96 responses, most of the people were walking or biking to the park, living within about 10 minute walking distance," Ashley summarized to the council. Planned features and design decisions The design before the council provides a roughly 4,400‑square‑foot play area — about 300 square feet larger than a recently built neighborhood playground — and uses pour‑and‑play surfacing (a continuous, accessible rubber surface). Ashley said the plan emphasizes shade tree plantings and includes a 20‑by‑20 shelter to provide a gathering point for small events and to support community interaction with public safety staff. Playground vendors presented three concept options to neighborhood representatives; Ashley said the neighborhood group and the Parks & Recreation Commission both favored the selected design. Ashley described the chosen layout as a hybrid that mixes climbing, slides, swings and a small “ninja course”‑style play element so the playground serves a range of ages and abilities. The plan also includes a paved loop path through the play area so small children can use bicycles and trikes. Construction timing and next steps Ashley said the city is coordinating Meadow Park site work with remaining contractors from the adjoining public safety project so the city can economize on grading and site mobilization. "Starting August is when we're anticipating that we'll be able to get into that park," Ashley told the council, and city staff said they expect play equipment orders to be completed in the spring so the site can accept them and the park be available for public use next summer. The Parks & Recreation Commission has recommended the design to the council. Staff said construction access and scheduling will be coordinated with contractors working on the public safety campus to reduce costs and shorten the timeline. Community relevance The Meadow Park replacement focuses on an immediate neighborhood with short walking access; the plan was adjusted based on resident feedback about shade, open space and inclusive play. Staff flagged accessibility and shade as design priorities because several respondents noted mobility limitations. The council did not take a final construction contract vote on Aug. 18 but authorized staff to proceed with the coordination needed to start site work in the coming weeks. Closing note Neighborhood representatives and Parks & Rec endorsed the selected playground vendor and layout; staff will continue coordination with public works and the public safety construction contractor to stage grading this fall and equipment delivery next spring.