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Parks commission backs staff to seek proposals for Lions Park pavilion
Summary
Lake Elmo Parks Commission voted to recommend staff seek proposals for a shade pavilion at Lions Park in 2026; staff estimates a pavilion similar to others in the system will cost about $80,000 and no funding request is being made tonight.
The Lake Elmo Parks Commission voted July 21 to recommend that city staff seek proposals to install a shade pavilion at Lions Park in 2026.
Commissioners and staff said Lions Park has lost substantial tree shade since its 2017 renovation and that a pavilion would provide year-round shade and gathering space. City staff described the proposal as part of the 2025–2034 capital improvement plan and asked the commission to endorse seeking proposals and a priority listing for five pavilions proposed across the park system.
Staff said the city currently has pavilions at Pebble Park, Goose Park, Carriage Station and Ivywood; those structures are steel and require little maintenance. The estimate provided for a pavilion comparable to Goose Lake and Pebble Park — including concrete — is about $80,000, though staff said final costs will depend on design and location. Staff emphasized that no financial commitment was requested at this meeting and that the commission’s recommendation would authorize staff to develop design options and obtain vendor proposals.
Commissioners discussed siting to avoid conflicts with existing facilities. Staff said the north side of the park, near the playground and pickleball courts, is the most likely area for a pavilion because slopes and property lines on the south and between the courts and ball field limit options. Commissioners asked staff to consider siting that supports playground and court users and noted rental conflicts could arise if fields and the pavilion were reserved simultaneously; staff said those scheduling issues could be managed under the city’s reservation policy.
Motion: A commissioner moved to recommend staff seek proposals for a shade structure at Lions Park for installation in 2026; a second was given and the motion passed with majority voice vote.
Next steps include returning to the commission with design options, site sketches and cost estimates. Staff said combining pavilion work with other planned Lions Park projects would reduce total construction impacts.
