Park board approves application to seek $750,000 bonding funds for regional skate park

The Brainerd City Park Board voted to approve submitting a reimbursable grant application to support construction of a 15,000‑square‑foot regional skate park at Memorial Park.

James (speaker 10), representing the Skate Park Association, told the board the group has raised about $120,000 through local donations and events and that $750,000 has been allocated in a bonding bill. He said the grant is reimbursable — the city would seek reimbursement for eligible expenses after they are incurred — and that, if awarded, the next steps would include hiring a consultant to begin design work and then moving to construction in spring following contractor selection.

Board members expressed strong support for the project and noted its potential to draw visitors from neighboring communities. Member comments included concerns about long‑term durability and warranties for concrete work; one member urged that the design and contract documents include testing standards and extended workmanship and structural warranties to reduce future repair costs.

The motion to approve submitting the application was made by Jeremy (speaker 7) and seconded; the board voted in favor and the chair declared the application approved. Staff said the city council will later need to approve a related resolution if the grant is awarded and that city staff would manage the design and contracting process if funding is secured.

If the application moves forward, staff noted the project would likely proceed with a consultant for final design followed by selection of a build contractor; the Skate Park Association expects to have a contractor identified during the design phase to prepare for construction next spring.