Forest Lake’s Parks and Recreation Commission on Dec. 17 asked staff to take a closer look at alternative sites after hearing resident calls for a substantially larger dog park than the 2.6‑to‑3‑acre parcel proposed as parkland dedication for a new public works facility.

Staff member Dave explained the city’s public works project is on 26 acres and that parkland dedication from that project would yield roughly 2.6 acres that could be used for a dog park. He said staff sought directional feedback from the commission at this early, schematic stage rather than design details such as parking or amenities.

Resident Steve Guedek, who identified his Forest Lake address to the commission, testified that a 3‑acre park would be disappointing and urged the city to pursue a larger, more visible site. “I am very strongly opposed to a 3 acre park in Forest Lake,” Guedek said, adding that a south‑end parcel adjacent to Fenway and other nearby acreage could provide the scale and parking needed to make a dog park a lasting community draw. He recommended beginning with “what great would look like” and then working backward to funding and logistics.

Commissioners raised multiple practical questions about the proposed public works site: how much parking would be required, whether the airport crash zone or runway expansion created restrictions, and whether leased farmland or industrial zoning would block park use. Staff said those zoning and lease issues would need research and that the dog park is currently on the capital improvement plan (CIP) for 2028.

After public comment and internal discussion, the commission directed staff to investigate alternate locations, check lease and zoning constraints (including airport restrictions), and return with findings. Commissioners suggested placing the issue on the January agenda in some form for further direction; no formal motion to adopt a site was recorded.

Next steps: staff will research potential parcels, confirm regulatory and lease constraints, and present options for the commission in early 2026.