The Waterfront - Approve Water-Play and Eastern Park Development Process

 As part of the city's community park system planning, a water-centric park known as The Waterfront has been envisioned for more than a decade in Ramsey's downtown. In 2023, the mass grading for the park was completed as part of the preparation of pad-ready development of the entire northwest quadrant of The COR.  In 2024 the surrounding streets were constructed together with parking for the build-out of the park. Also last Fall, basic landscaping was completed, with a trail that circumnavigates the 7-acre deep-water pond, and connects the park to the adjoining residential areas and greater community.

 Throughout and during the last 10 years of planning for the park, city leaders have simultaneously heard a common refrain from many residents that they desire more family destinations, more restaurants, a splash pad and a community center. These resident propositions were considered as the Park & Recreation Commission developed concept plans for the park that would address those aspirations. Over the last two years, the Commission performed a detailed analysis of how a park building could best serve the community— this process resulted in a concept for an approximate 36,000 square foot two-story building, consisting of mass timber construction; and including dining, balcony, patio and beer garden, room rental and fitness areas, large indoor play area, and banquet space.  The proposed structure with indoor and outdoor program areas would essentially be a modern community center, with outdoor water-play elements replacing a traditional public swimming pool and gym. The Park & Recreation Commission also delved into concept planning for the proposed water-play at the east side of The Waterfront that would be closely aligned with the community building—with that planning work and case studies included as the second attachment as background information. 

 Earlier this year, City Council developed its 2025 Strategic Plan that included a high-level work plan for The Waterfront.  That plan prescribes a fast-track process for the development of a quality, fully-functional water-play area of the park for July of 2026—and thus is the subject of this case.

City Council's 2025 Strategic Plan calls for a plan and process to be implemented in June of this year in order to meet the goal of having the water-play park improvements completed and open to the public in July of next year, (an aggressive, but achievable schedule). Included with this case is a plan and scope of work that will deliver this new park amenity for Ramsey residents in this timeframe.  As the 8-page proposal lays forth the sequences and complexity of all the work to be performed, that in-depth narrative and specifics are not copied into this case’s text, please see Damon Farber's proposal as the first attachment.

For the meeting, staff will present background information, and additional detail on the scope and schedule of work to be performed over the next 13 months.
 

The funding for the year-long work totaling an estimated $268,900, would be from the Park Trust Fund which has a present balance in excess of $7M.

The park construction budget would be determined as part of the bidding to be done in the Winter of 2025-26 and would be funded also by the Park Trust Fund, after separate and subsequent actions by the Park & Recreation Commission and City Council.

Note: while the recommendation is to authorize a not-to-exceed amount of $268,900 for the necessary planning, design development and ultimate construction administration for the park project, the work and associated fees may be stopped at any time, at the discretion of the city.

Staff recommends acceptance of Damon Farber's proposal for professional services, and the Park & Recreation Commission is expected to enthusiastically acknowledge this investment at their June 12th, 2025 regular meeting.

Motion to authorize engaging Damon Farber at a not-to-exceed amount of $268,900, for landscape architectural services for the development of the water-play and park development at The Waterfront.