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Project representative outlines phased approach to Memorial Park skate park, board directs staff to prepare application
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Summary
Project representatives described a three-phase skate-park plan for Memorial Park and told the board they aim to bid this year and begin construction in 2027; the board directed staff to prepare and return a special-appropriation application to enable sponsorships and phased construction.
A project representative presented a three-phase plan for the Memorial Park skate park and asked the Brainerd City Park Board for support to move the project into a formal application process.
The presenter said the team already has some state grant funding and proposes to proceed in phases so initial construction and infrastructure (including conduit for future lighting) can start while fundraising continues for later phases. The presenter told the board they hope to bid the first phase this year and begin construction in 2027, with a full-build target cited informally around $1.0–$1.1 million.
Board members praised the phased approach and emphasized sponsorships and design standards. Miller said the plan “makes sense” and encouraged staff to bring an application forward that would allow the project team to solicit larger sponsorships and naming opportunities. Staff (Paul and Jesse) said they would prepare the special-appropriation application and return it to the board for final sign-off.
What was decided: the board voted to approve the preliminary phasing and to direct staff to complete the application and return the final materials at the next meeting. The motion was moved by Miller and seconded by a board member; it passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: directing staff to prepare a funding application is a required procedural step that enables the project to pursue larger sponsorships and formal funding; it signals the board’s willingness to advance the skate park subject to subsequent approvals and funding.
Next steps: staff will prepare the application materials for board sign-off, pursue identified sponsorship conversations and proceed with procurement steps (bidding) consistent with the phased timeline if funding and approvals align.
