Brainerd council approves resolution to accept $750,000 bonding allocation and local donations for Memorial Park skate park

Brainerd City Council on a unanimous voice vote approved a resolution authorizing the city to receive $750,000 in state bonding funds earmarked in a 2025 bond bill for construction of a 15,000‑square‑foot skate park in Memorial Park and to accept and transfer local donations held by the Skate Park Association.

Community development director James Kramvik told the council the bonding bill includes $750,000 for the project and that the Skate Park Association had raised $119,248 in local donations toward construction. He said funds would be reimbursable to the city once invoices are submitted and that the park board had authorized application materials required for distribution of the bond allocation.

Councilmembers asked about ongoing maintenance, durability and winter operations after recalling vandalism and maintenance costs from a previous skate park. Kramvik said the planned facility is fully concrete to reduce long‑term maintenance and that the park board and association had discussed security lighting and cameras to mitigate vandalism. Paul Forslund, representing City of Skates, said most outdoor skate parks in Minnesota are not maintained during winter and recommended treating the facility like other outdoor recreation assets.

Councilmember Bevins and others said they supported the project while urging continued fundraising so the city would not be asked for additional contributions. After council discussion and a motion to approve the attached resolution, the council voted in favor and the resolution carried.

The council directed staff to follow park‑board plans for maintenance and to ensure the grant reimbursement process is observed. The resolution authorizes city staff to accept the bond allocation and transfer donated funds in accordance with the grant agreement.