Minnetonka Lacrosse Association proposes field upgrades, offers volunteer partnership

Lindsey Reich, representing the Minnetonka Lacrosse Association, told the Shorewood Park Commission on July 22 that the nonprofit’s spring and summer programs rely heavily on Badger Field and that the group would welcome facility upgrades and stronger partnerships with the City. Reich said the association provides scholarships and financial assistance and coordinates coach and player development across several seasonal programs.

Reich listed potential improvements the association would like the City to consider, including a digital scoreboard that could accommodate sponsor signage, permanent storage or concessions, netting on the pond side, landscaping to reduce mud at the west end of the field, and the possibility of additional turf fields or a dome to expand year-round play. “With the ‘dibs’ program, every parent has to volunteer or pay two hundred dollars,” Reich said, describing the group’s effort to increase volunteer involvement.

Commissioners and staff discussed competing demand for turf from other associations, space constraints for a dome, and how sponsorships might work where there is no sturdy fence for signs. Parks and Recreation Director Czech praised the association’s responsiveness and noted the group has helped by photographing restroom issues and monitoring activity near the north end of the field.

Reich also expressed interest in participating in community events—field clean-up days or Arbor Day activities—to invest in the parks they use. The Commission did not take formal action on facility changes; Reich’s requests will be considered in ongoing park planning and the Parks Master Plan process.