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Commission supports one‑year parking agreement with St. Peter's Church while debating long‑term parking needs at Belts Park
Summary
Commissioners voiced general support for a one‑year $5,500 parking agreement with St. Peter's Church for roughly 30 parking spots but discussed the long‑term tradeoffs and the $100,000 estimated cost to construct a permanent lot.
Forest Lake’s Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed and expressed general support on Dec. 17 for a one‑year agreement to pay St. Peter’s Church $5,500 for the use of about 30 parking spots adjacent to Belts Park, while debating whether the city should invest in a permanent parking lot.
Staff said the one‑year agreement was negotiated to address summer parking shortages during Belts Park use; the contract includes snow clearing of the adjacent sidewalk. Commissioners reviewed the history of the Belts Park reconstruction and noted community input requesting amenities such as a bathroom. Staff said council previously approved the agreement and that staff were seeking the commission’s feedback.
Commissioners discussed safety, circulation and the loss of parkland if a long‑term lot were built; staff said earlier designs had estimated roughly $100,000 to construct a parking lot when the park was first designed. Several commissioners recommended a longer‑term contract if the city intends to rely on St. Peter’s parking for multiple years; others said a one‑year agreement was reasonable while the city explores permanent options and parking connections.
The commission indicated support to recommend continuation of the one‑year agreement to council, and asked staff to include parking planning in future Belts Park discussions.
