Board approves park dedication cash requirements for two commercial plats, using $11,000-per-acre rate

The Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board on Jan. 15 approved final park dedication requirements for two commercial plats, calculating fees at the city's $11,000-per-acre maximum for commercial subdivisions.

Parks and Planning Superintendent Ben Jaszewski described the Minnesota Science & Technology Center 2nd Addition as a 32.58-acre portion of a larger site north of I-694 proposing a 300,000-square-foot office and research-and-development addition. Using the city's commercial maximum, staff calculated a park dedication cash fee of $358,391 (32.58 acres × $11,000). The board approved the final park dedication requirements and notes that the cash fee is payable prior to the plat's filing with the county and the final amount will be based on the rate when paid.

Jaszewski also described Tricare 9th Addition, a 2.07-acre site for a climate-controlled storage facility; the corresponding park dedication cash fee at $11,000 per acre is $22,770. The board approved the final park dedication requirements for that plat as well. Board Member Judy Hanson thanked staff for the historical rate detail provided and said she supported the proposed rate increases. Chair Bill Lewis recommended the City Council approve the proposed 2026 Park Dedication Rates when it considers the item at its first meeting in February.

Staff emphasized that applicants may pay the cash fee any time after final plat approval but must pay before the plat is released for filing; the final amount is based on the rate at payment, and City Council review of the annual rate could affect the final cash dedication.