A significant portion of the meeting focused on the planning and safety measures required for an upcoming concert event. The event, anticipated to draw between 800 to 1,000 attendees per day, necessitated a review by the city council due to potential crowd size concerns. The police chief underscored the need for organized public safety measures. The concert organizers were praised for their efforts to engage with the local community by offering tickets to residents and ensuring the event concludes by 11:45 PM.

To assess the success of this concert, the board proposed transitioning from a standard contract to a one-year special event application. This trial would help determine the feasibility of longer-term arrangements, including potential modifications such as the implementation of a gate. An interesting proposal was the potential use of Lump Park as an incentive for ticket sales, with the board considering waiving campground fees to bolster the event’s success. Despite concerns about restroom facilities for the anticipated crowd, the event’s insurance coverage was confirmed, with further details on liability issues expected.

Another topic was the board’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility at Lions Park. Community feedback had highlighted ADA compliance issues, prompting the board to plan the installation of two new parking stalls with an asphalt pathway between them to enhance access. The proposed path, intended to connect the parking lot to the restroom, is part of a broader initiative to ensure facilities meet ADA standards. The board deliberated over the path’s width, balancing between a standard five-foot path and a proposed eight-foot width, which would accommodate emergency services and wheelchair users more effectively.

Concerns were raised about the financial feasibility and potential implications of allowing vehicles in park areas with an eight-foot width. The board agreed to obtain quotes and site plan layouts to explore both options, with a motion passed to direct staff to gather the necessary details for further discussion in future meetings.

In addition to planning and accessibility, the board discussed the solar project at Rotary Park Pavilion. This project, involving an agreement between Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) and Wolf Track Energy, aims to install solar panels on the pavilion’s roof. Although there was some confusion regarding the board’s authority to approve the agreement, members expressed support for the project, noting the long-term benefits of renewable energy. The board agreed to the project’s scope, allowing installation on the pavilion, while seeking further clarity on the contractual obligations.

A related initiative discussed was the Great River Greening Project, which targets the removal of invasive buckthorn from Rotary Park. The board approved a $255,000 grant for the project, requiring a $12,750 cash match from the park board.

The board also addressed the logistics of relocating the Great Pumpkin Festival back to Memorial Park. Safety and accessibility concerns at JC Park, particularly regarding inadequate parking during high-attendance events, motivated this decision. The board emphasized the importance of ensuring safe and accessible venues for community events, with a motion to approve the festival’s relocation passing after brief consideration.

The board reviewed the 2026 capital and operating budgets, highlighting necessary equipment purchases and safety improvements, such as fall protection at playgrounds.