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Commission directs staff to gather proposals to replace Lions Park playground
Summary
The Parks Commission directed staff to seek proposals to replace the Lions Park playset in 2026 using recommended design elements; the project is budgeted in the CIP with $300,000 set aside from the park certification fund.
The Lake Elmo Parks Commission on July 21 voted to direct city staff to gather proposals to replace the playground at Lions Park using the recommendations presented by staff.
Staff said the playground, installed in 2000, has surpassed its expected 25-year lifespan. A 2024 parks master-plan survey showed Lions Park is the city’s most-visited park and that playground use is the park’s second-most-common activity after baseball. Staff proposed replacing the existing playset with equipment for ages 5–12, adding teen-oriented features and improving ADA access. Staff recommended removing the existing merry-go-round and a nonfunctional water fountain and noted the parking-lot paving planned nearby would improve ADA access to the new play area.
Financial details presented: the playground replacement is listed in the 2026–2035 capital improvement plan and staff said $300,000 has been set aside in the park certification fund for the project. Staff also outlined surfacing options: poured-in-place rubber surfacing runs roughly $30 to $60 per square foot depending on the scope, with higher prices for more extensive coverage under high-use elements such as slides and swings. Staff said contractors could price full-surface installs or targeted high-use-area surfacing as alternates.
Commissioners asked staff to consider a range of equipment to engage older children and teenagers while retaining toddler and 5–12 play areas with required separation. Adaptive swing options were raised and staff said the city has installed adaptive swings elsewhere. Commissioners also suggested adding benches and confirming separation requirements between play areas and the parking lot; staff said bench counts and site details would be included in contractor proposals and that the CIP project budget covers the project cost but accessory items could be itemized.
Motion: A commissioner moved to direct city staff to gather proposals to update the playset at Lions Park using the recommendations provided; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.
Staff plans to solicit proposals, then return to the commission with vendor options, cost breakdowns (including surfacing alternatives) and a recommended contract award schedule to allow construction in early 2026.
