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Park commission approves 2025 small park upgrades and ranks McNite as top multi-year priority
Summary
The North St. Paul City Parks Commission approved a package of smaller 2025 park improvements — including gaga pits at four sites, Polar Park playground replacement and updates at Casey Lake and KBY Hills — and adopted a multi-year CIP ranking that prioritizes phased McNite improvements starting in 2026.
The North St. Paul City Parks Commission voted to request a set of 2025 park improvements and to recommend a phased capital improvement plan that places the McNite master-plan work at the top of the multi-year list.
Commissioners approved, by voice vote, a proposal to seek funding for four gaga pits (one at each agreed site), Polar Park playground replacement, KBY (Colby) Hills small-park additions and work at Casey Lake Park. Chair called the motion after commissioners discussed estimates and installation logistics; the motion was seconded and approved without a recorded roll-call tally.
Why it matters: the approved 2025 package aims to deliver several lower-cost, high-visibility items this year while phasing larger McNite investments across multiple years to match available funding. Commissioners emphasized that many cost figures are vendor estimates and that some items — especially McNite components — will require bids and further coordination with public works and finance.
What the commission approved and its planning schedule: commissioners also adopted a recommended multi-year CIP sequencing for planning purposes: 2026 — McNite playground and parking-lot work (including removal of existing tennis courts); 2027 — McNite mini pitch/flex field; 2028 — downtown open-space improvements; 2029 — additional McNite elements such as a skate park; 2030 — Third Street accessibility/nature-trail work; and 2031 — McNite pavilion. The vote to adopt that multi-year order passed by voice vote.
Costs and caveats: commissioners cited several rough estimates during the discussion: the downtown open space was cited near $786,000, a McNite playground estimate was discussed around $300,000 (vendor pricing and surfacing options could change that number), and a mini pitch or astroturf option was discussed as substantially more (figures discussed in the meeting were on the order of several hundred thousand dollars, with one estimate near $700,000). Polar Park equipment and installation were cited from a vendor quote of about $37,377 for equipment plus $22,254 for installation. Commissioners repeatedly noted these figures are preliminary and subject to formal bid processes and coordination with the finance director.
Commissioners' views: several members urged early, phased work on McNite to address safety and usability concerns. "McNite is such a focal place... it is really in bad shape and really needs our attention," said Commissioner Ingred Kohler. Other commissioners argued for balancing a mix of quick wins (gaga pits, Polar Park) to show progress to residents while preparing larger funding requests for council consideration.
Next steps: staff will submit the 2025 requests to the finance director and city manager for review and then present the recommended items to council per the city's packet schedule. Commissioners agreed to follow up with public works on installation logistics and to pursue possible grant funding for high-cost features such as the mini pitch.
