Council backs Edgewater Park native-garden expansion, OKs grant application and up to $1,750 city match

The Mound City Council on Jan. 14 approved a Park and Open Spaces Commission recommendation to allow resident volunteer Tyler Piper to apply for a Hennepin County Good Steward grant to expand a native, pollinator-friendly garden at Edgewater Park and approved up to $1,750 in city support if the grant is awarded.

Deputy City Manager Maggie Reiswirth outlined the item, saying the parks commission supports the project and that the county grant would cover most costs. Reiswirth said the city’s share could be cash or in-kind support such as Public Works assistance clearing the site, providing mulch and limited watering through establishment. Tyler Piper told the council he has organized multiple native-plant installations in the city and would commit volunteer time for installation and ongoing maintenance.

Several council members raised neighbor concerns that native gardens can look untidy at certain points of the year. Piper proposed interpretive signage, a mulch edge for appearance, and a maintenance plan that includes trimming and seed harvesting; he said first-year watering would be required but that long-term watering typically is not needed once plants are established.

Council members also asked what would happen if parkland uses change. Staff said the grant likely requires a multi-year commitment (staff referenced a five-year term in the grant guidance) and that any sale or conversion of the park would require city action; Reiswirth said staff would confirm grant terms and noted many changes to parkland would take years and additional council action. The motion to approve the three staff recommendations — allow grant application, support up to $1,750 if awarded, and provide limited in-kind Public Works assistance — passed with one council member recorded as opposed by voice vote.