Staff is requesting City Council authorization to submit an application for the Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant through the Play Area grant. This opportunity would be for the development of the neighborhood park located off of 102nd Place and Jack Pine Lane within the Bellwether development. The grant application is due on September 10, 2026, and staff intends to request up to $300,000 in funding to support youth-oriented park improvements. 

The conceptual park plan was scheduled for initial review by the Parks and Trails Commission on August 20, 2026. Due to the timing of the packet preparation for the August 27, 2026, City Council meeting and the September 10, 2026 grant application deadline, the Commission's discussion and recommendation were not available at the time this report was finalized. Council authorization is requested at this time to allow staff sufficient time to finalize and submit the grant application prior to the application deadline. 

The concept plan included within the agenda packet is intended to serve as an initial vision for the site and to support the grant application. It is not a final design and will continue to evolve through future public engagement, Commission and Council discussion, cost estimating, and identification of additional funding sources. Current preliminary planning estimates place the overall project cost as approximately $1,000,000.

The draft concept includes amenities such as:

• Parking lot
• Open-air pavilion accommodating approximately 100 people
  • Consideration for integrated restrooms and a catering kitchen
• Veteran's Memorial
• Playground serving children ages 2-12
• Open green space
• Dog park
• Walking trails connecting to the existing open space trail system and the Diamond Lake Regional Trail

These improvements reflect priorities staff have consistently heard from residents including a Veteran's Memorial, dog park, neighborhood playground, walking opportunities, and green space. 

Staff also recently met with the Veteran's Group within the Bellwether community that expressed interest in supporting a future Veteran's Memorial in part through private donations. This partnership, along with other potential funding sources, could reduce the City's overall project costs if the project advances. 

Authorizing submission of the grant application does not commit the City to constructing the project as currently illustrated. Rather, it authorizes staff to pursue an external funding opportunity while continuing to refine the concept, engage the community, and identify additional funding partnerships. 

If awarded, the Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant would provide a significant funding source for youth-focused park improvements, particularly playgrounds, trails, green space, and related site improvements. Additional funding opportunities that may be pursued if the project develops include Park Dedication Funds, gambling funds for veteran-focused improvements, and donations through the SeeMyLegacy program. 

1. Authorize staff to submit the Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant application for the neighborhood park improvements.

2. Authorize staff to submit the application with additional direction regarding project priorities.

3. Decline authorization to submit the grant application.

Authorize staff to submit the Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant application for the neighborhood park improvements.

Authorize staff to submit the Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant application for the neighborhood park improvements.