Forest Lake council bars cell tower at Cooling Camp Park after strong neighborhood opposition

Forest Lake’s City Council instructed staff to deny any future requests to site a commercial cell tower at Cooling Camp Park after residents raised health, property‑value, wildlife and park‑use objections.

More than a dozen residents spoke during open forum and the Cooling Camp agenda item, arguing that the park’s playgrounds, ball fields and nature trails make it inappropriate for a tower. Maria Bloomberg cited a conservation‑grant restriction she identified as “Section 6F of the LCON act,” saying land dedicated with that funding is limited to public outdoor recreation and that siting a tower could violate the grant terms.

Staff told the council no formal land‑use application had been submitted. Parks staff and the parks commission had earlier expressed interest in potential lease revenue from a tower site, but staff also said they had contacted the DNR and did not conclude restrictions were unambiguously blocking all potential uses; council asked staff to provide documentation if the company submits a formal application.

Members of the council said the neighborhood’s nearly unanimous feedback weighed heavily. One councilor said public opposition and park character made the proposal a “non‑starter.” The council then passed a motion directing staff to deny any future requests for a tower at Cooling Camp Park and to look for other alternative locations and documentation of any grant restrictions.

What comes next: Staff will confirm whether the Cooling Camp property contains covenants or grant restrictions that would legally bar non‑recreational uses, and will report back on alternative sites and the tower company’s coverage needs if a formal application appears.