Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council advances Municipal Park Improvements to public hearing, schedules bid dates
Summary
The council voted to set a public hearing May 5 and a May 27 bid opening for the Municipal Park Improvements project, advancing an estimated $7.06 million plan that includes new courts, a fitness court, parking and an expanded banquet hall; staff outlined phasing and access concerns.
The council voted to set a public hearing and a procurement schedule for the Municipal Park Improvements project, moving the plan a step closer to construction.
A committee member moved to establish May 5, 2026, at 12 p.m. for a public hearing on the plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost and to set May 27, 2026, at 1 p.m. as the date to receive and open bids; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. The council is scheduled to consider bids at its June 2 meeting.
Why it matters: The project would add basketball and pickleball courts, a fitness court, expanded parking, alterations to the golf course, a relocated kitchen and an expanded banquet hall. Staff said the project is currently estimated at roughly $7.06 million and that funding would come from local funds and the Le Mars Area Betterment Foundation, a private local funding source. The council’s action establishes the process for public review and vendor selection.
Details: Staff described the banquet-hall layout as divisible into two sides with separate bar and catering kitchens so each side can operate independently, plus new restrooms. On the course side, the existing catering kitchen will become the golf-bar kitchen and a new catering kitchen will be created so both sides have catering capability, staff said. Renderings and finishes have been developed, and staff said furnishing choices are largely decided.
On cost and schedule, staff said the project estimate has changed over time: early planning put the project near $5.4 million, design work pushed projected costs as high as about $9 million, and the current estimate is just over $7 million. Staff outlined a phased approach: phase 1 focuses on the west side (pickleball and tennis courts, west-side parking and the fitness court); subsequent work will move to the east side for parking and the building expansion. Construction is expected to start in July 2026 with an anticipated completion in October 2026, subject to procurement and contracting timelines.
Access and service continuity: Council members pressed staff on whether reconstruction would interrupt play or shelter-house rentals. A civil engineer working on the site said the phasing plan is intended to keep existing courts operational until the new courts are ready, and staff said they will seek short-term parking solutions near the shelter house to preserve rentals and access during construction, though that parking would not be part of the Municipal Park project scope.
Impact on other projects: Council members asked whether the project’s price tag would reduce funds available for other Betterment Foundation projects. Staff said they will review actual bid results to determine remaining funds and that Cleveland Park is likely the next project to consider; previously discussed Betterment Foundation allocations were described as small and not significant enough to force changes now.
Next steps: The council will hold a public hearing May 5, receive bids May 27 and consider contract award at the June 2 meeting. Staff said vendors will be informed of the schedule and that staff will return with bid results and recommendations.
