Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Playground Project topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Eden Prairie outlines $1.2 million Homeward Hills playground and splash pad replacement
Summary
Parks staff presented a plan and timeline to replace Homeward Hills playground with a farm‑themed playground and splash pad; project cost is $1.2 million funded from park improvement and capital maintenance funds, with demolition to start in October and a ribbon‑cutting planned for next summer.
The Eden Prairie City Council on Oct. 7 received details about a planned replacement of the Homeward Hills playground, a project the Parks and Recreation Department estimates at $1.2 million and scheduled for phased work beginning this fall.
Parks and Recreation Director Amy Marco said Homeward Hills Park, in the city’s southeast corner, hosts summer camp programs with more than 700 child attendees and that the current playground is about 20 years old. She said the project is part of the city’s long‑term capital improvement plan and that staff and designers worked with the community and the Parks and Recreation and Natural Resources Commission on design and accessibility.
The proposed features include a farm theme to complement an on‑site restored barn; a splash pad (the department’s fourth), a children’s stage, separate play areas for ages 2–5 and 5–12, shaded seating areas, a Gaga ball pit, and a first 9‑square installation. Marco said the plan removes a large existing retaining wall, regrades the site to improve accessibility for people with mobility impairments and preserves large shade trees.
Marco described the schedule: demolition and site preparation would begin in October, including installing new water lines for the splash pad and drinking fountain, with equipment installation and landscaping resuming in spring. The department’s goal is to open the new playground and hold a ribbon cutting when school breaks for summer camp next June.
Council members asked operational questions. Council member Narayan asked about lighting and whether the park supports evening rentals; Marco said the park has pathway and barn lighting, and staff rents the barn at night. Council member Nelson complimented the design and said it addressed family needs and sight lines so caregivers can see children from shaded seating.
Funding and cost drivers Marco said the total project estimate is $1,200,000 and that funding is budgeted from the park improvement fund and the city’s capital maintenance and reinvestment funds. She said higher costs reflect site preparation, water and electrical infrastructure for the splash pad, and rising playground equipment prices.
Background and next steps Marco said staff engaged summer camp staff, the parks commission and playground designers during a months‑long planning process. With demolition slated to start in October, Marco told council members the department will pause work for winter and resume equipment installation in spring, aiming for a ribbon cutting next June.
No council vote was recorded on the playground presentation during the Oct. 7 meeting; the council heard the item as an informational update and asked clarifying questions.
