49:00A point of discussion was the future of the park’s bath houses, where the consensus leaned towards demolishing Bath House 2 and constructing a new facility to alleviate congestion and enhance user experience. Opinions varied on Bath House 3, with some suggesting remodeling while others raised concerns about its feasibility. The board explored options for distributing four bath houses throughout the park to reduce congestion, particularly at the overused Bath House 4. The board acknowledged current facilities met code requirements, and there were no significant complaints about wait times, but emphasized the importance of design to improve crowd management and service distribution.

36:36The discussion extended to potential improvements in the park’s check-in and parking areas. Ideas for technology-driven check-ins were considered, allowing visitors to complete the process via mobile devices, potentially reducing the need for physical office stops. This would enhance efficiency but required careful consideration of accessibility and sunlight exposure for those entering the park. Further ideas included an outdoor plaza with gardens and additional parking, though these were not deemed immediate priorities.

24:20The board also addressed the wreck hall, contemplating whether to remodel or replace it. Although the hall is not in a state of disrepair, it may not meet current needs. The consideration of its history, built possibly after 1977, informed discussions on balancing immediate remodeling investments against future replacement costs. The location for a new bath house was proposed in a wooded area east of the road leading to the harbor view, aligning with the existing master plan. Concerns were raised about the impact on existing trees and the bath house’s visibility from Bath House 4, which could affect usability. The idea of a grant application for the bath house was emphasized, with agreement that specific placement can be decided later.

57:28Board members recognized the need for improved signage within the park to better inform visitors of its features. Current signage was deemed insufficient, with ideas for a more prominent gateway sign discussed. While funding for signage could be included in future applications, the decision was made to prioritize the bath house in the current grant cycle.

06:54Turning to golf course management, there was a conversation about upgrading equipment to address customer dissatisfaction due to outdated and unreliable carts, which frequently ran out during peak times. The park board acknowledged the operational challenges posed by the current equipment, emphasizing the need for assets that maintain value over time. There was a proposal to sell personal equipment from a previous business to the golf club if feasible, as part of efforts to improve the situation. Additionally, the park board agreed on setting up a computer system for entering player handicaps, allowing for a nationally recognized system and coordinating registration with the Minnesota Golf Association.

17:39In terms of events, the board unanimously approved a special event application for the Pickup Truck Opera scheduled for August 16 at Sweetwater Bluff. This will be coordinated with the Northshore Music Association for promotion. The meeting also included updates on the Harbor Park power upgrade, with Nordic Electric approved for a 600 amp upgrade, opting for this due to the high additional costs of an 800 amp upgrade. Parts for the upgrade were ordered, with installation planned between festivals.