Two Rivers council directs staff to pursue major interior renovation of Nashota Beach pavilion, caps planning at $450,000

Two Rivers City Council on Monday, Oct. 6, directed city staff to continue planning for a major interior renovation of the Nashota Beach pavilion and authorized staff to seek grant funding and community contributions, with a planning and preliminary-design spending cap of $450,000.

The council’s action formalizes the “option 2” approach discussed at a Sept. 29 work session: retain the existing building footprint while expanding restroom capacity, adding individual changing rooms, and redesigning the concession area to allow for a broader menu and a future private operator if council later chooses that path. City Manager Kyle told the council the $360,000 estimate discussed at the work session did not include several community ideas and that, because prices will likely rise in 2026, staff recommended an upper limit of $450,000 for the planning and funding-assembly phase.

The vote, taken after extensive public comment, authorizes staff to refine construction plans over the winter, assemble a complete funding package combining city funds, grants and community contributions, and return to the council with competitive-bid estimates and final costs before any construction contract is awarded. “We have multiple leads on major grant opportunities that we would not want to pursue unless we had your direction,” Kyle said.

Why it matters: Speakers at the meeting argued both for and against a larger renovation. Supporters and some council members said updating the building now will address health-code issues, improve restrooms and make the facility more usable year-round for organized events. Skeptical residents said they fear commercialization, higher taxes and loss of the beach’s character.

Public commenters pressed for transparency and more time. Resident Corey Tuus urged a delay and said, “The public deserves transparency and time to participate meaningfully in this process.” Resident Susan Robitai told the council, “This whole process has been rushed,” and asked that the council limit spending to the minimum needed to make the building safe and functional.

City staff and supporters urged a stepwise approach. Parks and recreation director Mike Mathes and City Manager Kyle said renovated plumbing, ADA-compliant fixtures and increased restroom capacity are long overdue; Mathes said an itemized estimate from a local contractor exists and staff would prepare an itemized bid package for public review. Council members emphasized that the motion does not award a construction contract and that any final project will return to the council after competitive bidding and further public review.

The council approved the motion to direct staff to proceed, with votes recorded at roll call (see Actions). Staff said they would present itemized options (base bid and add-ons) so the council could pick components and minimize taxpayer cost.

What’s next: Staff will refine plans this winter, pursue grants and community contributions, and return to the council with competitive bids and a finalized funding package before any construction contract is executed.

Ending: Council members and staff repeatedly told residents that the item is a direction to plan and pursue funding, not a final commitment to build. The city manager said staff will produce an itemized proposal for community review before any contract award.