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Commission recommends Eagan 2026 Parks Master Plan to city council after consultant presentation
Summary
After a presentation by HKGI, the commission voted to recommend the draft 2026 Parks Master Plan to the City Council. The consultant emphasized playground replacement needs, variety and connected greenways; commissioners raised trade‑offs on park hierarchy and funding.
The City of Eagan Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission voted on April 20 to recommend the draft 2026 Parks Master Plan to the City Council after a wrap‑up presentation by consultant HKGI.
Andrew (city staff) introduced the consulting team and turned the presentation over to Evan Clark of HKGI. Clark summarized the plan's structure—needs assessment, vision and guiding principles, priority recommendations and implementation guidance—and highlighted three priority recommendations: increasing playground replacements to an estimated 3–4 sites per year over the next decade, diversifying playground types to include nature‑play and accessible elements, and improving trail and greenway connections with regional partners such as Dakota County.
"One of the features that people are using the most … the trails are exceptionally popular," Clark said, describing how trail and greenway improvements could expand access and unlock regional funding opportunities.
Commissioners discussed the report's recommendation to adopt a system of 'prime' and 'support' parks rather than attempting identical investments across every site. HKGI staff said that approach helps manage rising replacement costs and prioritize limited capital dollars while preserving service‑area balance.
After questions from commissioners about priorities and splash pad demand, Commissioner (speaker 3) moved to recommend that the City Council approve the Parks and Recreation master plan as presented; Commissioner (speaker 2) seconded the motion. Chair called for the voice vote; commissioners responded "Aye" and the motion passed.
The consultant and staff noted next steps: integrating the parks master plan into the city's comprehensive plan and the five‑year CIP process, and using the plan to guide capital requests and programming decisions. The commission recorded no roll‑call vote in the transcript; the recommendation will be placed on the City Council agenda for final action.
Because the consultant at one point was referred to by a different name in preliminary remarks, the consultant's own introduction is the basis for the official attribution: Evan Clark of HKGI led the presentation and took questions.
