Staff is seeking initial feedback from the Parks and Trails Commission regarding a conceptual park plan and recommendation to pursue external grant funding through the Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant Program, specifically through the Play Area grant (https://www.hennepincounty.gov/services/grants-funding-opportunities/youth-activity-grants). Staff is exploring the park located off of 102nd Place and Jack Pine Lane (within the Bellwether development).

The City has been previously successful in receiving funding through this grant program for improvements at Heritage Park. Staff is currently working to close out the Heritage Park grant as the project reaches completion. 

During the Parks and Trails Commission meeting on May 21, 2026, Commissioners discussed the length of time this park property has remained undeveloped, the continued community interest in seeing the site improved, and potential funding opportunities to move the project forward. One funding source previously discussed was gambling funds, particularly for veteran-focused improvements. More recently, staff identified the Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant as another funding opportunity.

The application deadline for this grant is September 10, 2026. Although this is a relatively quick turnaround, staff believes a competitive application can be submitted in time, with a funding request of $300,000.

While the grant is centered around youth activities, staff believes the proposed project aligns well with the grant's intent. With continued residential development surrounding the park and a growing population of families and grandchildren visiting from nearby neighborhoods, there is an increasing need for amenities such as playgrounds, open green space, and recreational opportunities.

Presented within the packet is an initial draft concept for discussion. This concept is being presented for the first time at the August 20 Parks and Trails Commission meeting and is anticipated to also be provided in the the City Council packet on August 27.

It is important to note that this remains an early concept and has not fully identified operating budget impacts or funding sources. Initial estimates are approximately $1,000,000.

The draft concept includes the following potential amenities:

• Parking lot
• Open-air pavilion accommodating approximately 100 people
  • Consideration for integrated restrooms and a catering kitchen
• Veteran's Memorial
• Playground for children 2-12
• Open green space
• Dog park
• Walking trail loop with connections to the existing open space park trail loop and the Diamond Lake Regional Trail
• Wellhouse/restroom location
  • Staff's current direction would be to relocate the restroom facility to the pavilion based on additional site and operational considerations

The concept is intended to begin a community conversation and is expected to evolve as additional public input, Commission and Council discussion, and funding opportunities are explored. There are some inconsistencies (i.e., inaccurate street label) that would need to be further worked out prior to the grant application.

Staff recently met with a veteran's group within the Bellwether community, where members expressed interest in contributing towards a Veteran's Memorial through future donation opportunities. This community interest demonstrates the potential for partnerships that could leverage grant funding and reduce the City's overall project costs.

The proposed concept attempts to address many of the priorities that staff and Commissioners have heard from the community, including;

• A Veteran's Memorial
• A dog park
• A neighborhood playground serving both nearby families and grandchildren of residents in the neighborhoods
• Walking opportunities and green space

With the grant application deadline approaching quickly, staff is requesting initial feedback on the overall concept to help determine which elements should be emphasized within the grant application. Applying for grant funding does not commit the City to constructing the project exactly as shown, rather, it positions the City to pursue outside funding while continuing public engagement and concept refinement.

Staff requests that the Parks and Trails Commission:

• Provide initial feedback on the conceptual park plan.
• Indicate whether they support staff pursuing the Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant. 
• Provide any additional comments or recommendations regarding amenities, priorities, or other funding opportunities that should be considered if the project moves forward.

The Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant could provide a significant funding source for youth-oriented improvements, particularly items such as:

• Playground
• Trails
• Green space
• Parking and site improvements supporting recreational areas

Additional funding opportunities that could complement the project:

• Gambling funds for veteran-focused improvements, including the proposed Veteran's Memorial.
• Park Dedication Funds.
• SeeMyLegacy donations for amenities such as benches, playground, Veteran's Memorial components, and other park features.

1. Recommend staff apply for the Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant.

2. Provide direction to modify the scope of the grant application before submission.

3. Decline.

Recommend staff apply for the Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant.

Recommend staff apply for the Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant.