Parks commission approves Pebble Park parking expansion not to exceed $2,000

The Lake Elmo Parks Commission approved a staff recommendation to expand the gravel parking area at Pebble Park during the Jan. 22 meeting, voting to authorize the work with a not-to-exceed amount of $2,000.

Adam, city parks staff, explained that pebble/park parking becomes congested when multiple amenities are in use, including pickleball courts, the playground and field activities. Staff proposed squaring up an approximately 30-by-50-foot area, cutting back an existing hill to create a flat surface, placing recycled asphalt for driving and parking, and building a rock retaining wall like those used elsewhere in the park. The plan calls for preserving a mature maple tree, removing dead ash and some spruce, and planting replacement trees elsewhere in the park. Staff said much of the work would be done by public works staff, with recycled asphalt and surfacing done by contractors.

Commissioners discussed minor traffic-control measures such as additional parking bumpers, signage at a tight corner to prevent parking that blocks the throat of the driveway, and a low-cost approach to improving on-site parking efficiency. The commission also considered planting a ground-cover or wildflower mix on disturbed slopes to reduce regrowth of buckthorn and other undesirable vegetation; commissioners described the idea as relatively inexpensive with low ongoing upkeep.

A commissioner moved to approve staff purchases and the parking expansion “not to exceed $2,000.” The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Staff will proceed with the parking work and report back on implementation details and any further costs that require council action.