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AGENDA RECOMMENDATION |
Consent Calendar 5.J.
City Council Regular Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 06/08/2026
Agenda Item:
Resolution receiving feasibility report, ordering improvement, preparation of plans and specifications, and ordering advertisement for bids for Capital Improvement Project 11200; Land of Memories Park.
Recommendation/Action(s):
Adoption of the attached resolution.
Summary:
The Land of Memories Park project is located in the existing Land of Memories Park, which serves as an established recreational area located along the Minnesota and Blue Earth River. The park currently offers significant programming opportunities, and the proposed improvements will enhance the experience of visitors from a cultural significance and practical accessibility standpoint.
Staff have been working with a consultant, ISG, to prepare the feasibility report and evaluate the No Rise, confirming the proposed improvements will have no impact within the floodplain. Additionally, staff have been working with members of the Mahkato Mdewakanton Association to develop the design of a custom playground system and pour in place surface promoting access for all users. The purchase of the play system and surfacing is planned to be by the city directly. As part of the preparation of the final feasibility report, procurement lead time for the playground system was confirmed by Flagship Recreation to be 12–16 weeks. The proposed schedule is for the city to purchase the equipment following City Council approval and award of the bids received, which will put delivery of the system over the winter months. The recommendation would be for the system to be stored and installed during favorable construction conditions in the spring and summer of 2027.
Cost and funding for the proposed improvements are presented in the attached feasibility report and shown below.
The city was the successful recipient of grant funding under the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Recreation Grant Program in the amount of $200,000. The grant funds can be expended through the end of 2027, at which time they will no longer be able to be extended. As a condition of the DNR grant dollars, the city was required to perform a Phase 1 Archeological Survey, which was required given the cultural significance of the park and surrounding area. The results of the Phase 1 Archeological Survey are included within the appendices of the attached feasibility report and concurrence was received from the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office that the proposed project will not affect any significant archaeological sites.
Staff recommends the Council accept this project feasibility report, order staff to prepare final plans and specifications, and instruct the City Manager to advertise for bids in accordance with the requirements of law.
Staff have been working with a consultant, ISG, to prepare the feasibility report and evaluate the No Rise, confirming the proposed improvements will have no impact within the floodplain. Additionally, staff have been working with members of the Mahkato Mdewakanton Association to develop the design of a custom playground system and pour in place surface promoting access for all users. The purchase of the play system and surfacing is planned to be by the city directly. As part of the preparation of the final feasibility report, procurement lead time for the playground system was confirmed by Flagship Recreation to be 12–16 weeks. The proposed schedule is for the city to purchase the equipment following City Council approval and award of the bids received, which will put delivery of the system over the winter months. The recommendation would be for the system to be stored and installed during favorable construction conditions in the spring and summer of 2027.
Cost and funding for the proposed improvements are presented in the attached feasibility report and shown below.
| LAND OF MEMORIES PARK | |
| ITEM | COST |
| Mobilization, SWPPP and Removals | $22,506.00 |
| ADA, Site Restoration and Landscape | $57,545.00 |
| Playground Site and Walkway | $130,527.50 |
| SUBTOTAL SITE IMPROVEMENTS | $210,578.50 |
| CITY DIRECT PURCHASE (Play System/Surfacing) | $318,321.35 |
| TOTAL CONSTRUCTION | $528,899.85 |
| Construction Contingency | $52,890.00 |
| Administration | $58,178.98 |
| Engineering | $58,178.98 |
| TOTAL PROJECT COST | $698,147.80 |
| FUNDING SOURCE | AMOUNT | PERCENT |
| DNR Grant | $200,000.00 | 28.6% |
| Parks CIP | $498,147.80 | 71.4% |
| TOTAL FUNDS | $698,147.80 | 100.0% |
The city was the successful recipient of grant funding under the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Recreation Grant Program in the amount of $200,000. The grant funds can be expended through the end of 2027, at which time they will no longer be able to be extended. As a condition of the DNR grant dollars, the city was required to perform a Phase 1 Archeological Survey, which was required given the cultural significance of the park and surrounding area. The results of the Phase 1 Archeological Survey are included within the appendices of the attached feasibility report and concurrence was received from the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office that the proposed project will not affect any significant archaeological sites.
Staff recommends the Council accept this project feasibility report, order staff to prepare final plans and specifications, and instruct the City Manager to advertise for bids in accordance with the requirements of law.