Inver Grove Heights commission approves 2026 parks and recreation work plan

The Inver Grove Heights Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission on Wednesday approved the commission's 2026 work plan after a presentation by Parks and Recreation Director Adam Lottis.

Lottis asked the commission to consider five focus areas for 2026, saying the plan builds on initiatives discussed during an earlier work session and adds new items identified for the coming year. "Several initiatives from 2025 were included in discussion and probably bringing forward into 2026," he said.

The plan calls for the commission to continue its ordinance-driven role reviewing and recommending park dedications for new housing; to pursue Northwest Area Park acquisition and, if successful, take part in master planning; to assist with master planning of the southwest area of Rich Valley Park and coordinate with Dakota County on a Purple Heart Plaza tied to the Veterans Memorial Greenway; to develop a lighting policy for the Rock Island Swing Bridge to guide color requests and seasonal programming; and to conduct community engagement and benchmarking of recreation programming as the city updates its comprehensive and system plans.

Commissioner Sandy Christiansen moved to approve the work plan; Nikki Barker seconded. The chair called for a voice vote, commissioners said "aye," and the plan was enacted with no opposition voiced on the record.

Under the approved approach, the commission will review park-dedication proposals as they arise and provide recommendations to the City Council on master-planning and design items, including any formal recommendations tied to the Rich Valley Park work and the lighting policy. The commission will revisit elements of the plan during future work sessions and provide updates at regular meetings. The commission's next regular meeting is scheduled for March 11 at 7 p.m.