2026 1001 Parks and Recreation Commission

The City of Nisswa Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting, held October 1, 2026, included updates on the planned playground project and park signage. The playground design has been revised and is estimated to fit the approximately $741,000 grant budget, after a prior design was reduced by about $50,000. Staff said the project is funded with federal dollars and is awaiting National Park Service review through the DNR; the city cannot incur project costs until it has a contract with the DNR. A state historic-preservation review found no archaeological resources in the project area. Staff also applied for a $25,000 Bernick Family Foundation grant, with award notifications expected in January. The commission discussed design changes and potential ways to reduce costs, including sourcing or completing some work separately, but did not approve a final design, purchasing route, or award. Staff is comparing Sourcewell and state-contract options for equipment from Landscape Structures; Sourcewell offers a 1% rebate, but no selection was made.

The commission also reviewed revised park entrance-sign concepts from Sign Spot after an earlier comparison with Upland Advertising; members discussed design preferences, colors, and durability, but made no vendor or design decision. Other updates included a possible 2027 recreation-program rate increase from $35 to $40 per participant and conceptual trail and sidewalk planning. The agenda was approved by motion and second; no procurement-related votes or contract awards were recorded.