Planning commission backs recommendation for concession stand and restrooms at Veterans Field

The Minnetonka Planning Commission voted 4-0 on July 10 to recommend that the City Council approve a conditional use permit and site-and-building plan for a new concession stand with permanent restrooms at Veterans Field, 18301 Highway 7, on the Minnetonka High School campus.

The proposed structure would add a 17-foot-tall concession building, combine an existing two-tiered retaining wall into a single taller wall, and provide permanent heated-and-cooled restrooms closer to the spectator seating. The commission's recommendation directs the City Council to consider the resolution at its July 28 meeting.

The project replaces a smaller 400-square-foot concession and press-box structure and would retain the existing lower-level concession for storage and the upper-level press box. The applicant said the new building would include a concession area on one side and bathrooms on the other. The district representative said the restroom layout shows two stalls in each of the men’s and women’s rooms and that the design "meets the code for 600 people in the stand." The representative added that portable toilets would still be available for unusually large events.

Paul, a representative of the Minnetonka School District, described the engineering and erosion-control work planned for the retaining walls. He told commissioners that the existing two-tier retaining walls total between 14 and 22 feet from grade and that the replacement single wall is engineered with a base and geogrid reinforcement extending approximately 20 feet into the hillside. "Our engineers have signed off on it," Paul said, adding that the design includes additional catch basins and a standard curb to reduce surface erosion.

Commissioners asked about capacity for large events, pedestrian circulation and emergency access, ADA compliance, and sponsorship plans. The applicant said the new restrooms replicate fixtures used at larger visitor bleachers on campus and are intended to serve routine crowds; for very large events the district could supplement with portable restrooms. The applicant said ADA access would not be changed and that the project is fully ADA compliant.

The applicant also described funding: the commission heard that the Diamond Club — a community booster organization that had funded roughly 90% of the original ballfield project over 15 years — has agreed to donate the cost of the concession building, while district resources will pay for the concourse work. The applicant estimated the facility cost at about $1 million.

Commissioners expressed general support after asking technical questions about geotechnical design, drainage and pedestrian safety. Commissioner Henry said he lives nearby and voiced support; Commissioner Brink and Commissioner Minion also supported the motion. Commissioner Minion moved approval; Commissioner Brink seconded. The roll call vote was Brink — yes; Henry — yes; Minion — yes; Chair Waterman — yes.

The commission conditioned the recommendation on the staff-recommended landscaping improvements, which the applicant says will include 35 trees, 39 shrubs and nine perennials, and noted that a small number of parking stalls will be removed to maintain emergency vehicle access as reviewed by the fire marshal. The City Council will consider the item on July 28.