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Council sides with neighbors, directs staff to designate Gustoson Park as a city park
Summary
After resident concerns and a park board recommendation, council voted to have staff prepare a resolution designating Gustoson Park as a city park and to stop further discussion of residential development on the site.
Brainerd City Council voted Tuesday to move forward with a resolution designating Gustoson Park as a city park and to discontinue further discussions about residential development on the property.
Community development staff summarized the park board’s recommendation: the park board voted 3–1 to recommend that the city designate the property as a city park and not pursue residential subdivision. Staff presented two options to council: (1) bring a resolution designating the property a city park and stop further development discussions, or (2) direct staff to continue exploring subdivision and potential sale.
Several councilmembers and speakers emphasized neighborhood use and the permanence of green space. Councilmember Chzach urged preserving the site, saying, "Once it’s gone, it’s gone," and described long-term neighborhood use. Councilmember Johnson and others said they were persuaded by neighborhood input and the park board’s recommendation.
Councilmember Johnson moved that staff bring a future resolution designating Gustoson Park as a city park and to not continue development discussions; the motion passed by voice vote.
The action is procedural (directing staff to draft the formal resolution). The council did not adopt the resolution at Tuesday’s meeting; staff will present the formal resolution on a future agenda for final council action.
Sources: City staff presentation (park-board materials attached to agenda), council motion and recorded vote on Feb. 2, 2026.
