Minnetonka Park Board debates adding equity language, shifts 2026 work-plan timing

Staff opened the discussion on item 7b by reviewing the Park Board—s vision and mission and presenting four high-level goals with supporting strategies. The board was asked to review the material and return comments before staff takes a work plan to the City Council for approval in January.

Board member Caleb urged the group to make equity an explicit element of the strategic plan. "I was wondering if we could add to the second bullet points, you know, equity," he said, arguing the board should ensure the park system does not produce inequitable distributions of amenities. Members discussed whether equity should be a standalone goal or incorporated as a specific strategy; several favored weaving equity into strategy language while others…