Parks commission backs Lions Park pavilion and playground upgrades for 2026
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The Lake Elmo Parks Commission voted July 21 to recommend that staff seek proposals to install a shade pavilion at Lions Park in 2026 and to gather proposals to replace the park's aging playground.
Staff member Adam told commissioners the city's 2025'034 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) includes a proposal to add five pavilions across the park system over the next five years and that Lions Park is a priority because of tree loss from storms, emerald ash borer and oak wilt. "The cost of a pavilion, you know, we are looking at that. I think are the ones that are similar to Goose Lake and Pebble Park, we're around that 80,000. That include the concrete and the pavilion itself," Adam said.
The pavilion recommendation at the meeting was for staff to seek designs and placement options; no financial obligation was requested or committed at the meeting. Commissioners discussed siting constraints near the playground, pickleball courts and the ballfield, and asked whether reservations could conflict with games. Adam said Lions Park is reservable and staff would consider location and design to minimize conflicts.
On the playground replacement, Adam said the current play set was installed in 2000 and has surpassed its roughly 25-year expected lifespan. He cited survey data from the 2024 parks master plan showing Lions Park as the most-visited park and said playground use was the second most common activity there. Staff recommended replacing the existing set with equipment for ages 5 to 12 while adding features that will engage older children and teens and provide ADA access.
Adam described surfacing options and costs: poured-in-place surfacing runs about $30 to $60 per square foot; staff advised targeting high-use areas (under slides and swings) when budget limits the scope. He also said the 2026'035 CIP and the parks dedication fund have set aside $300,000 for the playground replacement.
Commissioners asked about reuse of a nonoperational water fountain; Adam said the fountain has not been operational in his time and noted that removing it would allow the water service line to be rerouted nearer the pickleball courts for future ice-rink water access. Commissioners also raised inclusion of adaptive swings and additional benches. One commissioner suggested keeping the existing concrete border where practical to reduce costs.
Motions and outcomes: Commissioner 7 moved and Commissioner 4 seconded a recommendation that staff seek proposals for a shade structure at Lions Park for installation in 2026; the motion passed on a voice vote. Later, Commissioner 5 moved and Commissioner 6 seconded to direct city staff to gather proposals to update the Lions Park play set using the recommendations provided; that motion also passed on a voice vote.
Why it matters: Lions Park is among the city's most-used parks; commissioners said safety issues at the playground and the loss of shade make the proposed pavilion and playground replacement high local priorities. Funding for the playground replacement is in the CIP; staff will return with proposals and designs for commission review.
Next steps: Staff will solicit proposals for pavilion designs and playground replacements, including cost estimates for poured-in-place surfacing and phased options that focus on heavy-use zones. Any specific contract awards or spending decisions will return to the commission and city council for approval.
Staff member Adam told commissioners the city's 2025'034 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) includes a proposal to add five pavilions across the park system over the next five years and that Lions Park is a priority because of tree loss from storms, emerald ash borer and oak wilt. "The cost of a pavilion, you know, we are looking at that. I think are the ones that are similar to Goose Lake and Pebble Park, we're around that 80,000. That include the concrete and the pavilion itself," Adam said.
The pavilion recommendation at the meeting was for staff to seek designs and placement options; no financial obligation was requested or committed at the meeting. Commissioners discussed siting constraints near the playground, pickleball courts and the ballfield, and asked whether reservations could conflict with games. Adam said Lions Park is reservable and staff would consider location and design to minimize conflicts.
On the playground replacement, Adam said the current play set was installed in 2000 and has surpassed its roughly 25-year expected lifespan. He cited survey data from the 2024 parks master plan showing Lions Park as the most-visited park and said playground use was the second most common activity there. Staff recommended replacing the existing set with equipment for ages 5 to 12 while adding features that will engage older children and teens and provide ADA access.
Adam described surfacing options and costs: poured-in-place surfacing runs about $30 to $60 per square foot; staff advised targeting high-use areas (under slides and swings) when budget limits the scope. He also said the 2026'035 CIP and the parks dedication fund have set aside $300,000 for the playground replacement.
Commissioners asked about reuse of a nonoperational water fountain; Adam said the fountain has not been operational in his time and noted that removing it would allow the water service line to be rerouted nearer the pickleball courts for future ice-rink water access. Commissioners also raised inclusion of adaptive swings and additional benches. One commissioner suggested keeping the existing concrete border where practical to reduce costs.
Motions and outcomes: Commissioner 7 moved and Commissioner 4 seconded a recommendation that staff seek proposals for a shade structure at Lions Park for installation in 2026; the motion passed on a voice vote. Later, Commissioner 5 moved and Commissioner 6 seconded to direct city staff to gather proposals to update the Lions Park play set using the recommendations provided; that motion also passed on a voice vote.
Why it matters: Lions Park is among the city's most-used parks; commissioners said safety issues at the playground and the loss of shade make the proposed pavilion and playground replacement high local priorities. Funding for the playground replacement is in the CIP; staff will return with proposals and designs for commission review.
Next steps: Staff will solicit proposals for pavilion designs and playground replacements, including cost estimates for poured-in-place surfacing and phased options that focus on heavy-use zones. Any specific contract awards or spending decisions will return to the commission and city council for approval.
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