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Staff updates: McKnight survey pending, Polar Park set for spring 2026, Southwood tree removals planned
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Summary
Staff reported that the McKnight site survey is complete and results are forthcoming, Polar Park playground installation is planned for spring 2026, Houssey windscreen work deferred to spring, Casey ball field reutilization is complete and Southwood will have dead trees removed under a restoration plan.
Staff provided project updates across the park system. "The survey of McKnight was happening Wednesday, Thursday, Friday of last week. So now they're just compiling all their info and gonna get it over to us," the staff member said when summarizing the McKnight work. The staff member confirmed Polar Park's playground installation is targeted for spring 2026 and that installation of pickleball windscreens at Houssey will be deferred until spring to avoid uninstalling them immediately for winter.
On maintenance, staff said the Casey ball fields have been converted to green space and noted ongoing work to identify soccer goals and other small improvements. Southwood tree work was described as removing a number of dead trees along a path; staff said horticulturalists will coordinate with prairie restorations and Minnesota Native Landscapes and will likely schedule removal when grounds are frozen in winter. The staff member also asked commissioners to help distribute laminated park‑passport flyers to park kiosks because staffing shortages limit in‑person distribution.
Commissioners gave brief event reports (the Autumn Arts Festival) and raised operational items such as parking safety at a cul‑de‑sac near Casey Lake. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.
