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Delano commission backs mass-grading plan for new community park, flags forest and maintenance concerns
Summary
The Delano Park and Recreation Commission unanimously recommended that City Council approve a mass-grading plan for the new community park despite a $150,000–$200,000 funding gap; members pressed staff to limit forest impact, plan native-grass maintenance, and add user signage.
The Delano Park and Recreation Commission voted unanimously to recommend that City Council approve a mass-grading plan for the new community park, saying the work would reduce long-term grading costs, limit weed growth and allow the city to develop the site in phases.
Nick Neaton, Community Enrichment Director, told commissioners the city has $450,000 in this year’s capital plan for grading, while the mass-grading concept produced by Stantec is estimated at $600,000–$650,000. Neaton said staff will present a funding plan to City Council in February and expects the project to be out for bids in the spring, with hopes to complete grading by mid-summer 2026.
Commissioners raised several reservations before the formal recommendation. Members asked staff to ensure grading minimizes impacts on existing forested areas, to develop a maintenance plan for establishing native grasses and controlling weeds, and to place signage notifying park users of ongoing restoration work — Neaton relayed a suggested sign reading "prairie-planting-in-progress." Commissioners also recommended reserving one future parking-lot space as an open-grass area for informal play and locating an undeveloped parking area off 90th Street to reduce neighborhood impacts.
On a motion by Chair Sean Jergens and a second by Commissioner Marnie Lucas, the commission voted unanimously to forward the recommendation to City Council.
Neaton also presented a list of possible park names from staff and consultant, including East River, Big Woods, Old Growth, and South Woods, and commissioners suggested additional options such as Prairie Woods, Destination and Imagination. Neaton said staff would solicit name suggestions by email over the next month and bring a recommendation to the February commission meeting.
The commission additionally received an update on playground planning for the new park. Neaton said staff will meet with vendor Landscape Structures on Jan. 29 to review a concept emphasizing destination-style design, phased development, integrated water features and accessibility. Staff plan to convene a focus group of commissioners and neighborhood residents and will provide updates at future meetings.
The commission did not take final action on funding at the meeting; staff directed to present financing options to City Council.
