02102026 Parks and Rec Commission Agenda Packet
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK SESSION MEETING AGENDA
February 10, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights
1. Call to Order
2. Discussion
a. Review 2026-2030 Master Plan Implementation-Phase 1
b. DNR-Outdoor Recreation Grant Update
3. Adjourn
Next Meeting
March 10, 2026 at 6:30 P.M.
Information is available in alternative formats or with the use of auxiliary aids to individuals
with disabilities upon request by calling city hall at 651-452-1850 or by emailing
cityhall@mendotaheightsmn.gov.
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2.a
Parks and Recreation Work Session Memo
MEETING DATE: February 10, 2026
TO: Chair Blanks and Commissioners
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Review 2026-2030 Master Plan Implementation-Phase 1
ACTION REQUEST:
Staff will present the 2026-2030 Master Plan Implementation-Phase 1 document that our team
has prepared utilizing the City Council accepted Park System Master Plan document from July,
2025. The Commissioners will be able to discuss the plan, goals, tactics, and timelines for
achievement.
BACKGROUND:
Throughout 2024 and Q1 and Q2 of 2025, staff worked with consultants from PROS
Consulting and Confluence to develop the City's first Park System Master Plan. In July, 2025
the City Council accepted the 173-page document, which provides a road map for parks and
recreation in Mendota Heights over the next 15 years.
The plan is comprehensive, but can be overwhelming to process based on its depth and detail.
In order to provide clear expectations for the community, Commissioners and City Council--
staff has developed a five-year implementation plan that tackles the first of three phases of
the plan.
The tactics and deliverables included in this plan have been woven into individual staff work
plans and staff will provide periodic updates on milestones and progress.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Implementation Plan 2026-2030
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2026-2030 MASTER PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION PHASE 1
Goal 1: Upgrade parks and trails to meet community needs and expectations
with purposeful park design and amenities that support Mendota Heights’ high
quality of life.
Tactic 1 – Capital Improvement Plan
Develop an approved Capital Improvement Plan that utilizes the equity analysis and asset
management condition index to provide a vision for future park projects. The plan will balance
maintaining existing amenities and updating parks with unique, new amenities that align with
national trends and standards, community needs, and park amenity gaps. This plan will
incorporate a prioritization ranking for projects and will coincide with the financial forecast and
direction provided by the City Council.
•Staff Responsible: Parks and Recreation Director
•Timeline: 2026
Tactic 2 – ADA Transition Plan
Implement the ADA Transition Plan recommendations through phased projects, measurable
benchmarks, and dedicated funding to improve accessibility across the park system to achieve
equitable access to park facilities, programs, and outdoor experiences.
•Staff Responsible: Parks and Recreation Director/Public Works Superintendent/Park
Maintenance Lead/Assistant City Engineer
•Timeline: 2026-2030
Tactic 3 – Branding Framework
Develop and implement a consistent branding framework that is applied department-wide,
including park signage, facilities, marketing materials, digital platforms, uniforms and program
communications. A unified brand will enhance the visitor experience, build community pride, and
ensure all parks and services are clearly identifiable as part of one connected park system.
•Staff Responsible: Parks and Recreation Director/Communications
Coordinator/Recreation Program Coordinator
•Timeline: 2029
Page 3 of 10
2026-2030 MASTER PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION PHASE 1
Goal 2: Meet the desired unmet program needs outlined in the citizen survey
as priorities for the parks and recreation system to build on in the future.
Tactic 1 – Improved Indoor Programming
Identify gaps in indoor Parks and Recreation programming capacity and implement short-term
and long-term solutions to meet resident needs through partnerships, temporary facilities, and
future capital investment.
•Staff Responsible: Parks and Recreation Director/Recreation Program
Coordinator/Recreation Facilities Coordinator
•Timeline: 2028
Tactic 2 – Cost Recovery Policy
Develop and implement a comprehensive Cost Recovery Policy that provides clear staff direction
on pricing programs, services, and facility rentals. The policy will establish consistent pricing
principles aligned with community values, financial sustainability, and accessibility, while
ensuring transparency and equity in cost recovery decisions.
•Staff Responsible: Parks and Recreation Director/Recreation Program
Coordinator/Recreation Facilities Coordinator
•Timeline: 2026
Tactic 3 – Asset Management Software
Implementation of the asset management software platform to centrally track parks and
recreation facilities, infrastructure, and equipment. The initiative will standardize data collection
related to asset condition, lifecycle, maintenance activities, and associated costs. By improving
the accuracy and availability of facility data, the department will enable data-driven decision-
making for maintenance planning, capital improvement prioritization, budgeting, and long-term
sustainability of parks and facilities.
•Staff Responsible: Parks and Recreation Director/Assistant City Engineer/Public Works
Superintendent/City Mechanic/Park Maintenance Lead
•Timeline: 2026-2030
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2026-2030 MASTER PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION PHASE 1
Tactic 4 – Par 3 Business Plan
Develop a comprehensive, data-driven business plan for the Mendota Heights Par 3 Community
Golf Course that evaluates current operations, financial performance, and market positioning;
identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, diversify and stabilize revenue, and manage costs;
and establishes a clear strategic direction that supports long-term financial sustainability, high-
quality customer experiences, and broad community access.
•Staff Responsible: Recreation Facilities Coordinator
•Timeline: 2027
Goal 3: Provide high quality recreation programs and amenities that are
desired and developed to build a strong user base.
Tactic 1 – New Core Programs and Events
Develop and implement one new core program or event each year that directly reflects the
interests, needs, and goals of the Mendota Heights community. This initiative will leverage
demographic data, community engagement insights, and feedback from residents to ensure
offerings are relevant and inclusive. The goal is to enhance participation, strengthen community
connections, and promote health, wellness, and recreation opportunities for all age groups.
•Staff Responsible: Recreation Program Coordinator/Recreation Facilities Coordinator
•Timeline: 2027-2030
Tactic 2 – Program Review Framework
Develop a systematic program review framework to assess all Parks and Recreation programs and
events, enabling data-driven decisions on whether to continue, discontinue, or retool offerings.
The framework will use established criteria, such as participation rates, community impact,
alignment with departmental goals, financial sustainability, and resident feedback, to ensure that
resources are allocated effectively and programs remain relevant, engaging, and equitable.
•Staff Responsible: Recreation Program Coordinator
•Timeline: 2028
Page 5 of 10
2026-2030 MASTER PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION PHASE 1
Tactic 3 – Standardized Proposal Process
Develop a standardized program and event proposal process that ensures all new Parks and
Recreation offerings are strategically aligned, financially viable, and responsive to community
needs. Each proposal will define financial objectives, demonstrate alignment with the
department’s strategic plan, and provide evidence of community interest and demand.
•Staff Responsible: Recreation Program Coordinator
•Timeline: 2028
Tactic 4 – Fee-Setting Process
Implement a structured process for setting fees for parks and recreation programs and facilities
that aligns with the City Council approved Cost Recovery Policy. Fees will be informed from the
City’s asset management software, comparison data from neighboring cities, and direct costs to
the city—ensuring fees reflect actual costs, support financial sustainability, and remain equitable
and accessible to the community.
•Staff Responsible: Parks and Recreation Director/Recreation Program
Coordinator/Recreation Facilities Coordinator
•Timeline: 2028
Goal 4: Develop long-term capital investment plan outlined in the Master Plan
for creating parks and future indoor program space over the next ten-year
period.
Tactic 1 – Funding Strategy and Financial Plan
Develop and implement a long-term funding strategy and financial plan designed to ensure the
department’s programs, facilities, and community initiatives are adequately resourced over the
next ten years. This initiative will include identifying diverse revenue streams, prioritizing
investments in maintenance and capital projects, forecasting future financial needs, and creating
sustainable funding mechanisms to support both current operations and future growth.
•Staff Responsible: Parks and Recreation Director/Finance Director/City Administrator
•Timeline: 2029
Page 6 of 10
2026-2030 MASTER PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION PHASE 1
Tactic 2 – Grant Opportunities
Develop a comprehensive list of potential grant opportunities and evaluate their alignment with
the department’s Master Plan and the broader needs of the City. This initiative will focus on
identifying funding sources that support priority projects, programs, and capital improvements,
ensuring that external funding opportunities are strategically leveraged to advance the
department’s long-term goals. By aligning grant opportunities with community needs and planning
objectives, the department can enhance resource acquisition, maximize impact, and strengthen
partnerships with public and private stakeholders.
•Staff Responsible: Parks and Recreation Director/Recreation Program
Coordinator/Recreation Facilities Coordinator/Administrative Special Projects Coordinator
•Timeline: 2027
Tactic 3 – Park Maintenance Plan
Create a long-term park maintenance plan to ensure all parks, facilities, and recreational assets
are safe, functional, and aesthetically appealing for the community. This initiative will include the
development of standardized maintenance schedules, assessment of current infrastructure
conditions, prioritization of repairs and improvements, and allocation of resources for ongoing
upkeep. By proactively managing park maintenance, the department will extend the life of assets,
enhance user experiences, and support the City’s goals for sustainability, safety, and community
engagement.
•Staff Responsible: Parks and Recreation Director/Public Works Superintendent/Park
Maintenance Lead
•Timeline: 2030
Tactic 4 – Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Establish a comprehensive set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure and track
progress toward departmental goals, program effectiveness, and community outcomes. This
involves identifying meaningful metrics across operations, program participation, facility usage,
maintenance, and community satisfaction—as well as implementing a system for regular
monitoring, reporting and analysis. By tracking KPIs, the department can make data-driven
decisions, optimize resources, demonstrate accountability, and continuously improve services to
meet the needs of the community.
•Staff Responsible: Parks and Recreation Director/Assistant City Administrator
•Timeline: 2026
Page 7 of 10
2026-2030 MASTER PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION PHASE 1
Tactic Timeline
Capital
Improvement
Plan
ADA
Transition
Plan
Cost Recovery
Policy
Asset
Management
Software
Key
Performance
Indicators
2026
Par 3
Business Plan
New Core
Programs &
Events
Grant
Opportunities
2027
Improved
Indoor
Programming
Program
Review
Framework
Standardized
Proposal
Process
Fee-Setting
Process
2028
Branding
Framework
Funding
Strategy &
Financial Plan
2029
Park
Maintenance
Plan
2030
Page 8 of 10
2.b
Parks and Recreation Work Session Memo
MEETING DATE: February 10, 2026
TO: Chair Blanks and Commissioners
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director
SUBJECT: DNR-Outdoor Recreation Grant Update
ACTION REQUEST:
Staff will provide an update to the Parks and Recreation Commission on the DNR grant process
and timeline.
BACKGROUND:
As part of the 2026 budget process, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended the
renovation of the picnic shelter and the replacement of the playground at Valley Park. In
discussions surrounding the two projects with both the Commission and City Council-staff
recommended applying for a DNR-Outdoor Recreation Grant. Dakota County has a contract
with a Landscape Architect consultant who is assisting staff in submitting the grant application
at no cost to the City of Mendota Heights.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Recreation Grant Program
provides matching grants to local units of government for up to 50% of the cost of acquisition,
development, and/or redevelopment of local parks and recreation areas. Project proposals
must have a total project cost of at least $100,000. Grants are reimbursed based on up to 50
percent of the total eligible costs. The maximum grant award is $500,000 (for a total project
cost of at least $1,000,000). The local match can consist of cash, the value of materials, labor
and equipment usage by the local sponsor; donations; or any combination thereof.
The Department of Natural Resources will review and rank applications during the spring of
2026. Preliminary grant awards will be announced in the summer of 2026. The application
deadline is March 31, 2026.
The review and selection process will focus on guidelines outlined in the 2026-2030 State
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Additional review components will assess
the design of the proposed project and existing park facilities. Project design should be
compatible with the physical characteristics of the site, consistent with generally accepted
engineering and architectural design standards, in accordance with accessibility standards, and
minimize risk to the health and safety of users.
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Staff will provide the Commissioners with an update on the recommended scope of the project
and grant application to ensure that it is competitive. The City Council will be asked to approve
a resolution of support for the grant at their February 17 meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
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