Park Board - 11.04.26

The City of Minnetonka Park Board meeting was held November 4, 2026. The board unanimously approved recommending the Big Willow Park Master Plan to the City Council, with revisions: move the Area 4 trail connection to the short-term priority and the Area 1 playground to the mid-term priority; further study the best location for creek access; remove leftover references to proposed off-leash areas; and clarify that the plan is a high-level vision requiring later study, design, funding decisions, and public input before implementation. The plan identifies possible future investments in trails and boardwalks, picnic shelters and restrooms, parking, playground upgrades, and creek access. Bolton & Menk provided planning-level cost estimate ranges, but no specific amounts were stated. No contract award, vendor selection, or purchase approval occurred.

The board also reviewed its 2027 work plan, which is to return for further review in December and go to the City Council in January. Planned items include capital improvement planning and Purgatory Park trail, signage, overlook, and memorial-bench improvements using CIP funding; Cullen Preserve implementation planning; a Red Barn feasibility study; and development of an ADA assessment plan. These were planning and work-plan discussions, not new spending approvals. The board reviewed its strategic goals and upcoming agenda items; no other procurement activity was identified.