A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to exploring grant options to fund new park projects, including pickleball courts. Lori Prim from Premium Grant Services LLC provided an overview of a grant from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Prim explained that the DNR grant would match 50% of the project cost, up to $176,000. She also mentioned the possibility of securing an additional $50,000 from Sourcewell, contingent on the board’s funding status. Prim emphasized the necessity of adhering to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance in any new projects, noting that retrofitting might be required for existing structures.

Prim described the complexities of the grant application process, highlighting the need for a collaborative team approach involving planners and project managers. She outlined the reimbursement process for the DNR grant, which requires the board to submit documentation of expenses through the Minnesota Swift system, with payments issued in four installments. This process demands careful record-keeping to comply with DNR requirements. The presentation underscored the need for strategic planning and collaboration to secure funding and implement the project successfully.

The board discussed the eligibility for a significant grant available to Minnesota municipalities, targeting projects that involve substantial enhancements such as sports fields and courts. The grant’s application timeline spans from mid-2025 through March 2026, with a recommendation to begin drafting the application ahead of July 1 to facilitate potential reimbursement from Sourcewell. A strategic move was proposed to submit the application by the end of February, allowing for feedback from grant reviewers to refine the submission before the final deadline. This approach is considered critical to enhance competitiveness for the grant.

The meeting also addressed the community’s role in the grant application process. Public involvement through meetings to gather community input is essential, with documentation required as part of the grant application. Agreements from both the city council and park board are necessary for the application and associated plans.

Attention turned to the potential site for pickleball courts, tentatively identified near the garden. Board members expressed excitement about pursuing a grant for this addition, emphasizing the need for long-term planning for park space. The conversation stressed a comprehensive approach to planning and the importance of ensuring ADA compliance for parking lots and pathways leading to the courts.

Ken Peterson, a local resident and pickleball enthusiast, shared his experiences, emphasizing the social benefits of pickleball. He noted its potential to unify residents, fostering interactions among friends and neighbors. Peterson highlighted the transformative impact of having a pickleball court, recounting how it expanded his social circle. He encouraged the board to remain committed to their efforts, expressing admiration for their enthusiasm. Peterson also mentioned the potential for community fundraising, offering connections that could assist in future efforts.

Discussion also revolved around the development of an indoor pickleball facility near the existing hockey rink and Northstar. The board considered the economic benefits of such a facility, noting that it could attract visitors from nearby communities, especially during winter. The importance of maintaining facilities was discussed, with tournaments serving as effective fundraisers. The conversation included insights into fundraising efforts in other communities and the potential for establishing a membership-driven pickleball club to cover maintenance costs.

The board addressed the need for a comprehensive master plan for park development. It was suggested that hiring a skilled park planner could be beneficial to ensure the park’s design meets long-term community needs. The engineering firm Wood Seth was mentioned as a potential resource, having previously assisted with grant writing and project planning. There was encouragement to think beyond basic plans and envision a more expansive facility.

Public engagement and communication were highlighted as crucial elements of the planning process. The board discussed the importance of a public input meeting to present ideas and gather feedback before committing funds to the project. An article in the local newspaper was proposed to inform the community about the ongoing master plan and the inclusion of pickleball. A workshop was scheduled for April 1st to gather ideas and refine the project’s direction before seeking public input.