The commission spent considerable time discussing the development of a new park in the Southwest Chaska area, which is currently in the evaluation phase. The team is working with a consultant to consolidate community inputs into a preferred plan while considering budget constraints. Preliminary cost estimates are being reviewed, and a meeting with Confluence, the consulting firm, is scheduled to further analyze these numbers. The focus is on confirming the park budget and exploring potential grant opportunities related to nature and stormwater management. Community engagement remains a priority, with events like the “Taste of Chaska” allowing residents to voice their opinions, which the commission values highly. The park’s potential features include a Miracle League field and a destination-oriented playground, though concerns about managing community expectations were raised due to potential budget limitations.

Fundraising strategies, such as a brick donation program, were discussed to generate additional revenue and foster public engagement. The Chaska Rotary Club is leading fundraising efforts for the Miracle League field, with hopes of expanding the project’s scope. The commission acknowledged opportunities for phased development, prioritizing essential features while planning for future enhancements. Discussions also touched on the park’s natural landscape, with enthusiasm for reintroducing trees and creating green spaces. There was playful banter about the desire for grassy fields and trees, with one member humorously referencing their last name, Branch, in connection to tree advocacy.

Pedestrian safety emerged as a topic, particularly at the Bavaria Hunter Mark intersection. Concerns were raised about the visibility of pedestrians and motorists’ behavior. One individual expressed frustration with inconsistent driver responses at crosswalks, emphasizing the need for improved nighttime visibility and suggesting a named brick fund as a potential solution. The commission discussed enhancing safety at this crossing with the installation of flashing lights. Participants noted that many drivers misunderstand HAWK crossings, leading to humorous exchanges about overly cautious behavior and pedestrian safety delays.

Attention also focused on the Chaska Curling and Event Center, approaching its 10-year anniversary. Plans are underway to celebrate this milestone throughout the upcoming year, coinciding with the Winter Olympics, which typically boosts interest in curling. The marketing manager has designed a special anniversary logo incorporating silver to symbolize the decade. The commission plans to reinvest in the event center, including replacing carpeting and chairs, to accommodate various events. Discussions about the lease agreement with Crooked Pint, the facility’s restaurant, are ongoing, with an interest in renewing the lease to coincide with the anniversary. The commission is considering improvements to the players lounge.

The commission also addressed updates on ongoing projects, such as the City Square project, where renovations to the gazebo are nearing completion. The new epoxy concrete layer is scheduled for application, followed by a curing period. Upon completion, fencing around the gazebo will be removed, allowing public access. Additional enhancements include re-seeding dirt areas and installing new flag poles. The project involves a mix of in-house and contractor work, with significant efforts to ensure ADA compliance while maintaining the gazebo’s historical integrity.

The community center’s temporary closure before Labor Day was discussed, emphasizing its purpose for deep cleaning and maintenance projects. Notable updates include replacing the indoor playground, which had exceeded its life expectancy and presented safety issues. The new playground features enhanced height and engaging areas for children, with repurposed flooring materials achieving cost savings. Upgrades to lighting were also performed, creating a brighter environment. Concerns over a pool leak were addressed, detailing the complexities of repairing a pipe that had caused significant water loss. The repairs required multiple attempts to ensure accuracy, highlighting the challenges faced during the process.