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Falcon Heights Parks & Recreation Commission discusses park upgrades and potential Lions Club donation
Summary
Commissioners prioritized lighting, fence repairs, basketball-court resurfacing and replacement exercise equipment at Community Park and discussed a potential donation from the Falcon Heights - Lauderdale Lions Club while exploring whether to revive a Friends of the Park 501(c)(3). Staff will seek cost estimates and meet with the Lions.
The Falcon Heights Parks & Recreation Commission on May 4 prioritized several next-phase improvements at Community Park and discussed fundraising options after the Falcon Heights - Lauderdale Lions Club signaled a possible donation.
Kelly Nelson, a city staff member, provided legal background on state statutes that limit how municipalities and volunteer groups can accept and manage donations and fundraisers and said the city previously had an active Friends of the Park 501(c)(3) that supported events such as the Ice Cream Social. Vice Chair Tom Faust said a 501(c)(3) typically requires a board and regular meetings, and commissioners discussed whether the Lions Club could serve temporarily while the commission explores forming or renewing its own nonprofit vehicle.
Commissioners identified priority capital items for Community Park: adding lighting and repairing a gap under the tennis-court fence, resurfacing the basketball court, and replacing perimeter exercise equipment. Eric Brenton, the commission chair, said prioritizing larger-ticket items may make fundraising appeals clearer for potential donors and recommended compiling concrete proposals for the Lions Club and City Council.
Faust urged staff to obtain quotes so the commission could present more concrete plans. Nelson said she would research next steps, consult with the City Administrator and schedule a meeting with the president of the Lions Club to discuss the verbally committed donation and possible interim arrangements.
In other business, Commissioner Robert Haight reported the Community Garden event on May 3 went well and noted two steering-committee members were elected. Commissioners congratulated Naomi Loud-Heinsch on being appointed as the Parks & Recreation representative to the Les Bolstad Community Advisory Committee. Nelson reminded commissioners they would not meet in person in June while each member conducts individual park audits; the commission will reconvene in July to review audit findings and make recommendations for repairs and replacements.
The commission approved the April 6, 2026 meeting minutes on a 5-0 vote and later adjourned at 8:04 p.m. No formal motions or votes were taken at this meeting on park improvements or on establishing a nonprofit; those steps will follow staff research and future proposals to Council.
