Council approves $15.3 million guaranteed maximum price to begin Fred Richards Park restoration

The Edina City Council voted May 5 to approve a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $15,286,130 with HNU Construction to implement the Fred Richards Park master plan. The larger project budget is roughly $20 million and will be funded primarily by the local option sales tax (17.7), with a $500,000 climate resilience grant and contributions from Hennepin County and watershed partners.

Rachel DeVries, park planning project manager, walked the council through design goals — restoring wetlands (over 20 acres of a 43‑acre site), establishing a food forest, nature play areas, courts and an event lawn — and described two pre‑construction packages already authorized (surcharge and tree removals). DeVries said 575 trees will be planted to replace removed trees, a greater than 2‑for‑1 ratio, and explained that a mix of sizes will be used to support restoration goals and higher establishment success.

Neighbors raised concerns about tree loss and wildlife impacts; staff said removals targeted hazardous or invasive trees and that plantings will be climate‑resilient natives, with some timbers reused on site for benches and play. Council members praised staff for pursuing grants and for balancing passive restoration with active recreation spaces.

Construction mobilization was expected to begin in June or July 2026, with planting and seeding continuing into spring/fall and major park facilities (playground, courts) installed in 2027. The council approved the GMP vote after discussing funding and sequencing.