Planning Commission unanimously recommends parks and open space master plan to city council

On April 2025 the North St. Paul Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council approve the Parks and Open Space Master Plan, following a lengthy review and public-comment-style discussion with representatives from the Parks and Recreation Commission and the plan consultant.

The recommendation matters because the master plan will guide where the city prioritizes park investments, accessibility upgrades and multiuse facilities over the next decade. Commissioners and Parks representatives discussed lifeguard staffing at Silver Lake, restoration of McKnight Fields, accessibility at Southwood Nature Preserve, and programmatic elements such as skateboarding and flexible sports fields.

Parks representatives said the plan collects community feedback and lays out priorities that the city will use to sequence improvements. “Historically, we've had to have fundraised to have lifeguards at the beach,” said Laura, a Parks and Recreation representative, describing how lifeguard staffing at Silver Lake previously relied on community fundraising and noting the city would need cost estimates before restoring a funded lifeguard program. Commissioners asked staff to return with a cost estimate for lifeguards so the City Council can weigh budgeting options.

Discussion highlighted McKnight Fields as a high-priority site: commissioners and Parks representatives said the existing tennis courts are in disrepair and the plan proposes flex fields to accommodate soccer, futsal and other small-sided sports, space for skateboarding and BMX activity, and a natural play area to serve older children. Parks staff and the consultant HGA were credited for producing a community-friendly report that the commission said made trade-offs and options clear.

Accessibility and historic use were recurring points. Commissioners asked whether Southwood Nature Preserve — used for education — could become more accessible while retaining natural character. Parks staff said volunteer task forces historically managed Southwood and that recent discussions assign primary maintenance to the city, with volunteers proposing projects. Staff emphasized that new park projects will be designed to meet ADA requirements, and they noted the higher cost and time required to add concrete paths and other accessible features.

Commissioners and Parks staff also discussed Houssey Park and a neighborhood ice rink: staff said a rink is planned to return next year but that event programming has varied with staffing and weather. The packet also references ongoing housing development and other context that staff said would be reviewed and updated where needed before the plan goes to council.

After discussion, Commissioner Authy moved to recommend approval of the Parks and Open Space Master Plan to the City Council, and Commissioner Muick seconded. The commission voted unanimously in favor, and the commission chair instructed staff to forward the recommended action and the plan to the City Council for final consideration.

The Planning Commission did not set a city council hearing date; the plan will be transmitted to the City Council for its review and final decision. Staff and the Parks Commission will provide any additional cost estimates and updates requested by commissioners as the Council considers the plan.