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North St. Paul parks commission recommends applying for DNR grant to rebuild Casey Lake rink
Summary
The North St. Paul Parks Commission voted to recommend staff apply for a Minnesota DNR outdoor recreation grant to rebuild the aging Casey Lake hockey rink, noting a February feedback deadline, a likely 50/50 match and possible CIP timing impacts on other projects.
The North St. Paul Parks Commission voted to recommend that city staff apply for a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources outdoor recreation grant to rebuild the aging hockey rink at Casey Lake and to shift city funds if necessary so construction could be completed in time to meet the DNR schedule.
Randy, the city of North St. Paul public works supervisor, told the commission the rink is "30 plus years old" and described persistent grade and drainage problems that make it difficult to maintain quality ice. He said the DNR program has a $500,000 state portion for a full $1 million project in typical full-award cases but that the city would not necessarily seek the maximum award. "Right now my best guess is probably around 400," Randy said, adding that the grant is a 50/50 match: "So it'd be 200 city, 200 state." He said a reconstructed rink would sit on a concrete slab, include energy-efficient LED lighting and new dasher boards, and would address the wet subgrade that causes movement and uneven ice.
Commissioners asked about footprint, accessibility and summer uses. Randy said the intent is to keep the rink the same size and add ADA-accessible access routes; the commission discussed adding seasonal gates, reconfiguring a drive lane to provide closer parking and the possibility of painting temporary pickleball lines in summer. A commissioner also noted potential revenue or community-use benefits: Randy said he had contacted Eric Peterson, president of the East Metro Stars, to gauge demand for rental ice time.
Commissioners discussed timing and budget trade-offs. Staff said the DNR application must be submitted for feedback by Feb. 28 with a final application due March 31; awarded work would need to be completed by early 2028, making 2027 the likely construction year. Commissioners noted that accelerating Casey Lake work could require moving some CIP funds earlier and might delay other park projects, such as elements of the McNite Sports Complex.
After discussing contingencies if the grant is not awarded, a motion was made and seconded to recommend staff apply for the grant and to shift CIP funds as needed; the commission voted in favor and the motion passed by voice vote. The commission asked staff to present the recommendation to the city council within the coming month and to report back after council review and after any award decision.
What happens next: Staff said they will attend a DNR webinar to refine application language, complete the application with finance and the city manager, and bring the recommendation to city council for authorization to apply. If the DNR awards funds, staff expect to return with construction scheduling and budget adjustments; if not, the commission will revert to the previously planned CIP timeline.
Sources: Commission discussion and presentation by Randy, public works supervisor.
