Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Grant topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City to seek DNR grant to rebuild Casey Lake hockey rink; project estimate about $450,000
Summary
City staff will apply for a Minnesota DNR outdoor recreation matching grant (up to 50%, max $500,000) to replace dasher boards, install a concrete rink surface, add LED lighting and complete required ADA upgrades at Casey Lake Park; council authorized staff to submit the application.
The North St. Paul City Council authorized staff to apply for a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources outdoor recreation grant to restore the Casey Lake Park hockey rink and make related park ADA upgrades.
Community development staff described the DNR program as a matching grant of up to 50% of project costs with a maximum award of $500,000. Staff’s preliminary estimate for the rink project is about $450,000, including new dasher board systems (~$145,000), soil correction and concrete rink surface (~$220,000), and replacement LED lighting (~$25,000). The DNR preliminary application deadline is Feb. 27 and the final application is due March 31. If awarded, all project work must be completed by June 30, 2028.
Staff emphasized the DNR requirement that any facilities in the park touched by the grant must be ADA accessible; that will trigger upgrades beyond the rink itself, such as accessible connections to playgrounds, the sand volleyball area and potentially relocating the fishing pier to meet maximum slope requirements. Staff also reported outreach to the Ramsey Washington Watershed District and the conservation district as potential partners for site restoration and stormwater management; those partners could supply funding and strengthen the grant application.
Council members asked about likely city matching obligations and ADA scope. Staff said the city would be responsible for matching funds (the CIP includes $500,000 for Casey Lake Park active-play improvements in 2028) and that some ADA work might be modest (staff estimated roughly $50,000 for small asphalt/concrete connections). Council member Schwar moved to authorize application; Council member Woods seconded and the motion passed by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will prepare the preliminary application for DNR review, refine cost estimates and, if the city is later offered the grant, return to council with final budget numbers and a resolution to accept or decline the award.
