Acknowledge Project Development for Phase 3 Improvements for The Waterfront

The 16-acre park in the city's downtown known as The Waterfront, has been heartily welcomed by residents as a success and new addition to the city's park and trail system, and the waterplay portion in particular was frequented regularly by visitors to Ramsey this Summer. This last aspect is notable as the park's development had also been seen as an opportunity to create a destination attracting people to Ramsey's downtown to help support the retail environment, in addition to serving as a community park for residents. The first phase of the park's development following mass grading and the completion of the streets and on-street parking, was the creation of a 6/10 of mile trail circumnavigating the 7-acre deep-water pond, together with the first trees established around the north, west and south sides of the park.

The Waterfront's second phase consisted primarily of the $4M waterplay plaza, large restroom and surrounding landscape as well as irrigation all the way around the trail and pond.  Additionally in 2026, there was the construction of a large fishing pier and the first stocking of game fish, as well as substantial shoreline vegetation establishment—all of which were funded by the MN DNR. Following the July 1st opening of the restroom and waterplay/splash pad elements, there were several small improvements identified to enhance and complete the project—and it was apparent that the bistro-style seating area with decorative fencing above the waterfall should be extended to the south to provide more seating, and to 'enclose' the splash pad area and better separate children from the adjacent storm pond.

The additional park enhancements (identified in Phase Two) may be undertaken as soon as this late Fall, together with other new park and recreational elements in what may be thought of as Phase Three, and the subject of this case. In summary, these categories are:

Follow-up improvements from Phase Two
~ Overlook and bistro seating area extension and enclosure + food truck plaza expansion 
~ Misc improvements/enhancements 

'New' park improvements
~ Three massive swing benches with arbor, stone/gravel paths and substantial plantings 
~ Shrub masses along esplanade (long walk and knoll parallel to Parkway and pond) 
~ 60 large B & B trees planted throughout the park 
~ 'Mini-marina' with kayaks/boats 
~ Small pavilion along esplanade near mini-marina 

As indicated by this case's title, these proposed park improvements are under project development—which includes preliminary cost estimate refinements. 

Observations
For the meeting, staff will present and detail each of the proposed new 'Phase Three' park improvements for The Waterfront as listed in the following preliminary cost estimate.

Proposed Phase Three Park Improvements
(Follow-up improvements from Phase Two)
~ Overlook and bistro seating area extension and enclosure + food truck plaza expansion* ($90k)
~ Misc improvements/enhancements* ($12k)

('New' park improvements)
~ Three massive swing benches with arbor, stone/gravel paths and substantial plantings ($155k)
~ Shrub masses along esplanade (long walk and knoll parallel to Parkway and pond) ($15k)
~ 60 large B & B trees* planted throughout the park ($36k)
~ 'Mini-marina' with kayaks/boats* ($140k)
~ Small pavilion along esplanade near mini-marina ($40k)

 

All improvements referenced within this case would be funded by the Park Trust Fund (present balance of approx. $7M), except for $126,465 in grant funding for the 'mini-marina' which are federal funds. 

It may be further noted that the Roers 5-story apartment project under construction now at the southwest intersection to The Waterfront, will contribute $731,000 in Park Dedication fees to the Park Trust Fund, and will also be the home of hundreds of new patrons to the park.

Staff recommends proceeding with certain *follow-up park improvements from the project earlier this year, and the *mini-marina project that was approved in concept by the Commission in January—and the planting this Fall of approximately *60 B & B trees due to availability and an approximate 40% savings over what could be realized over a 2027 planting cost.

Motion to recommend to Council authorizing Park Trust Funds for 2026-27 park improvements at The Waterfront, based upon discussion.