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Parks commission reviews CIP: signage, tree nursery, trails and LC Stevens plans
Summary
The Dayton Parks Commission examined the council-approved Capital Improvement Plan and discussed major park projects including signage rebranding, a grant-fed tree nursery, trail connections with county partners and phased upgrades to LC Stevens Park.
The Dayton Parks Commission reviewed the council-adopted Capital Improvement Plan and discussed multiple park projects, from signage and tree nursery plans to trail development and phased improvements at LC Stevens Park.
Staff presented a parks cheat sheet drawn from the council-adopted CIP and highlighted several line items that will affect parks over the next several years. Commissioners were told MSA will prepare plans that the council will review at its second January meeting to determine which Stevens Park items fit the council’s approved budget. Staff cautioned that construction is likely to fall in 2027 or later.
Signage and branding: Staff described an inventory of park signs and raised the prospect of a branding change. Commissioners noted the existing “swoosh” brand dates from 2019 and discussed the lifecycle and cost of replacements for major entrance signs and water-tower branding. Some suggested salvaging older brown signs for historic display.
Tree nursery and emerald ash borer response: Staff proposed establishing a tree nursery on public-works property, citing grant opportunities from Hennepin County, the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota DNR to underwrite an initial tree survey and nursery start-up. Staff estimated a $60,000 grant-funded start in 2027 and said production costs from a local nursery would be about $75 per tree compared with roughly $400 per tree when purchased from vendors.
Trails and partnerships: The commission reviewed trail projects in the CIP, including a DNR-funded water-landing at the historic village and a proposed connection at Goodin Park that could use a $550,000 grant with matching funds. Several trail segments scheduled for 2028–2029 depend on county and Three Rivers Park District timing and coordination.
Equipment and maintenance: Staff outlined capital equipment replacements (fund 401) including replacement mowers, a second utility tractor with plow/blower for trail maintenance, paint striping equipment, and a pickup with a garbage box to improve collection efficiency.
Budget context: Commissioners reviewed cash balances for park funds (fund 404 development, dedication funds and trail funds) and discussed how lower building activity and development will reduce inflows and influence how much can be dedicated to new projects. Staff noted some CIP line items are placeholders and numbers will be refined as design and bidding progress.
Next steps: Staff will present MSA’s plan options to council, continue grant searches for nursery and trail work, and return with more detailed cost estimates as designs are completed.
