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Commission keeps Tablin Park playset and defers a full park concept until 2028
Summary
Parks staff said the Tablin playset (installed 1997) shows wear but can likely last two to three years; commissioners voted to keep it in place now and to reconsider a full park concept for Tablin in 2028 while addressing accessibility and trail connectivity in future planning.
The Lake Elmo Parks Commission voted to keep the existing playset at Tablin Park and to defer a full park concept plan until 2028.
Adam, the parks staff lead, told commissioners Tablin’s playground (installed in 1997) shows aging and some cosmetic deterioration but has no recent maintenance requests indicating imminent failure; he estimated the structure could likely last another two to three years. Staff noted the site presents accessibility and topography challenges (steps and a steep hill) and flagged that replacing stairs or improving access would require additional design and possibly engineering work.
Commission discussion emphasized connectivity and the park’s place in the broader park system. Commissioners noted a planned multimillion-dollar park on adjoining land and raised the idea of considering Tablin holistically with other investments rather than pursuing an immediate replacement that could be redundant. One commissioner suggested focusing on accessibility improvements (for example replacing wooden steps) if near-term work is necessary.
The commission then approved a motion to keep the current Tablin playset and to revisit a full park concept in 2028. Staff clarified funds currently earmarked in the CIP would remain available for parks and could be reallocated in future years if the commission chose to do so.
Next steps: staff will retain the current playset and return with broader concept planning for Tablin in or before 2028 if maintenance needs or safety requests emerge earlier. The commission encouraged gathering additional community input and aligning any future proposal with other nearby park investments.
