Park board approves Ski Loons contract and allows new pavilion and locked storage shed at Lump Park

The Brainerd City Park Board approved a one-year contract with the Ski Loons and gave staff direction to allow construction of a replacement pavilion at Lump Park that would include a locked storage area for the volunteer group.

The proposal presented by the Ski Loons called for rebuilding on the existing concrete slab and converting roughly two-thirds of that footprint into a locked shed for equipment and one-third into a small pavilion for public use. "Our proposal is to take approximately two-thirds of that current slab ... make that shed 20 by 16 and then a 10 by 16 pavilion adjacent to that," Matt Holmstrom, who represented the Ski Loons, told the board.

Why it matters: Board members supported the plan as a way to preserve programming and reduce equipment trips across grass, but they also asked for clearer upfront agreements about liability, maintenance, reservation privileges, and whether the non‑profit would receive fee waivers for pavilion reservations.

What happened: The board voted to approve the annual contract for the Ski Loons and separately approved the concept of constructing the combined pavilion and locked shed, contingent on staff drafting an agreement that documents exclusive shed use, public reservation rules for the pavilion, and maintenance responsibilities. The board discussed making a memorandum of understanding or a two-contract approach (one for park use, one for the structure) to protect the city’s assets while recognizing the group's investment.

What comes next: Staff will draft written agreement language to clarify the group's exclusive shed use during the contract term, reservation procedures for the pavilion (the group will reserve dates but city staff will track availability), and maintenance expectations. Council-level approvals may be required for final contract terms.