Minnetonka staff update board on GlenLake skatepark study, Opus and Ridgedale wayfinding plans
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Summary
Staff briefed the park board and council on GlenLake Park planning (skatepark feasibility), wayfinding and lighting work in the Opus area ahead of light rail, Ridgedale trails and wayfinding, and habitat restoration plans under the 2021 Natural Resources Master Plan.
Staff told the joint study session that GlenLake Park is entering a planning phase with Damon Farber Landscape Architects to explore options including a skateboard park and potential removal of the GlenLake Activity Center to repurpose the corner for park uses.
Regarding Opus, staff said wayfinding and lighting work is underway to improve navigation of a complex trail network ahead of anticipated light-rail service. Staff noted Opus is evolving into a dense residential area and flagged the need to consider whether new parks there should primarily serve local residents or be designed as regional destinations.
The group discussed Ridgedale Commons and acknowledged the farmers market move reduced foot traffic; staff said they do not currently track visitor counts and that objective data would require camera review or traffic counts if the city wants formal numbers.
On habitat work, staff reiterated the 2021 Natural Resources Master Plan identifies parks for site-specific restoration and maintenance plans; the next parks slated for that work include Civic Center, Victoria Evergreen, Kinsell and Minnetonka Mills Park, with work expected to proceed into contract development and winter implementation when ground conditions are favorable.
No formal actions were taken; staff described continuing design and outreach steps and indicated more detailed concepts and timelines will be discussed on the site tour and at subsequent meetings.
