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Residents press council over Stewart Hill pavilion and future cemetery options
Summary
Public commenters at the June 16 River Heights meeting urged caution about building a pavilion at Stewart Hill Park, saying the parcel has been discussed as potential cemetery land; councilors said $110,000 in RAPs grants is earmarked for a pavilion and could be forfeited if not used as proposed.
During public comment at the River Heights City Council meeting on June 16, multiple residents urged the council to reconsider a planned pavilion at Stewart Hill Park because the parcel has long been considered by some as future cemetery land. "I think you were making a mistake to put in big improvements up there," said Rob Stewart, a resident.
Why it matters: Council and residents said the parcel has been discussed for years as a potential cemetery, while councilors and staff said failing to use awarded RAPs funds for the pavilion would risk losing the grant. Chris Milbank, who has led park grant efforts, explained that about $110,000 in RAPs funding is available and that the city would need roughly $30,000 in local match to fully realize the project.
What residents said: Speakers raised concerns about the long-term need for burial space and the possibility that heavy capital investments could limit future cemetery use. One resident said, "I think we need to be looking into the future. That is the River Heights City Cemetery." Others pointed to maintenance issues at existing parks and asked for funding for upkeep.
Council response: Council members noted the grant constraints and emphasized a phased, pragmatic approach. Mayor Blake Wright said the pavilion's location was chosen on the park's north end with the option to preserve portions of the parcel for future uses. Council also outlined plans to pursue other RAPs applications next year for repairs at existing parks.
Next steps: The council retained the capital project in the tentative budget and said staff will pursue the RAPs-funded pavilion while monitoring public feedback; councilors encouraged residents to consider applying for or assisting with grants for other local park needs.
