Lake Elmo’s Parks and Recreation Commission spent substantial time Wednesday reviewing capital items proposed for Lions Park and directed staff to develop a longer-range plan for the site before finalizing all work scheduled in the 2026–2027 CIP.

Staff summary and CIP items: Adam (Parks staff) reviewed the current Capital Improvement Program entries: a playground replacement and surface reconstruction for 2026 (initial cost estimate about $315,000; commission recommendation previously $317,000), reconstructing the courts / ice rink surface, a new pavilion and additional asphalt trail connections in 2026, and a concession-building rehabilitation budgeted for 2027. Staff noted the courts’ asphalt has cracked, that nets were removed for safety, and that use has declined since the opening of new courts at Pebble and Tablin Parks.

Discussion points: Commissioners explored several alternatives instead of proceeding piecemeal. Options discussed included:
- Proceeding with the playground replacement now while beginning a long-range plan for the whole park; commissioners noted risks of replacing large playground infrastructure and then later changing adjacent layout.
- Resurfacing the multiuse courts and retaining a summer roller‑hockey/roller‑skating surface as an alternative to dedicated pickleball or reimagining court layout. Staff described technical issues with an existing center storm drain that complicates winter-ice reliability.
- Pavilion choices: staff presented a standard pavilion (roughly $80,000–$90,000) or an architecturally customized structure (approaching $300,000). Commissioners favored practical shade structures with picnic tables for family use but asked staff to present multiple costed options.
- The concession building renovation: staff estimated $400,000 to $500,000 to bring the building into Americans with Disabilities Act compliance while maintaining restroom access; commissioners discussed whether a reduced concession footprint, food‑truck pad or other hybrid solutions could provide flexibility and serve large civic events.

Council direction and next steps: Commissioners recalled city council concerns about the city’s overall number of playgrounds and a desire for unique amenities in each park. Several commissioners urged staff to prepare a long‑range plan for Lions Park that lays out alternative uses for the ball field (retain, relocate or remove), pavilion options, court/ice-rink scenarios and concession‑building options — including cost estimates and phasing — and to return with those options before the commission and council. Staff said completing a concept plan would require budget for a designer and that such a plan would slow immediate implementation timelines if council requests broader review.

Ending: No formal action was taken on specific capital projects at the meeting. Commissioners asked staff to prioritize a Lions Park long‑range concept as part of the 2026 work plan so the commission and council have alternatives and costed phases before committing to large construction work.