Parks commission recommends Option 2 playground with cargo net and accessible swing; amends budget to $115,000

Lake Elmo parks staff presented two playground replacement options for Cleis Park during the Jan. 22 Parks Commission meeting and the commission voted to recommend City Council approve Option 2 with specified additions and a not-to-exceed budget of $115,000.

Adam, city parks staff, said the existing Cleis Park playground was installed in 1993 and has exceeded the typical 20–30 year lifespan used in the parks master plan. Staff presented two contractor proposals: an option priced at about $80,000 and a second option near $79,000. Adam said the city’s capital improvement plan (CIP) lists a $60,000 allocation for the project but that lower-cost options lose amenities and may be sized for toddlers rather than ages 5–12.

Commissioners and staff discussed features to attract older children, ADA-accessible seating options for swings, surfacing and safety clearances. Adam noted the contractor could add a cargo net and that the net plus associated concrete edging would likely add roughly $15,000 to the base price. He also said a child/accessible swing could be included: “I would definitely include a child swing whichever way we go,” Adam said. The staff recommendation included relocating the playground to improve visibility, planting trees to replace removed ash and oak trees, and installing an asphalt trail; most demolition and some trail work would be done by public works with the contractor completing bituminous asphalt work.

A commissioner moved to recommend City Council approve purchase and installation of Option 2 with an added swing and A‑frame cargo net, asphalt trail and tree plantings, and with installation expenses not to exceed $100,000. After discussion, the commission amended the motion to increase the cap by $15,000 to $115,000 to reflect the cargo net estimate. The amended motion passed by voice vote; the transcript records the motion passing with no named opposition.

Commissioners also discussed keeping the existing ball field in place for now and noted construction scheduling depends on contractor availability; staff said typical notice is two to three weeks and that spring or summer installation is possible. Staff indicated some project costs such as seed, black dirt and dumpster services may be incorporated into the project to avoid drawing from the limited parks operating budget.

The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final approval and appropriation decisions.