The “Music in the Park” event, scheduled for Saturday, September 28, was a primary topic of discussion. Detailed planning covered every aspect of the event, from entertainment to logistics. Michael Handler is confirmed to return for musical entertainment, while the baseball club will manage beer and seltzer sales. Local vendors will provide food options, including treats from a cookie store, and Glitter Ponies will offer pony rides. Additional activities include a tiger bounce house, a wacky three-in-one bounce house, and an archery setup by Carver County Parks.

However, concerns arose regarding ongoing construction in the park and its potential impact on the event. While restroom facilities and the pavilion will be operational, the landscaping around the pavilion requires attention. The area will be seeded and hayed, and spigots for irrigation are available. Face painting, initially considered, might be excluded due to time constraints.

The meeting also addressed the upcoming Christmas tree lighting event on December 8. Plans involve reaching out to the Watertown mayor and a local choir after Labor Day, with the Lions Club providing cookies, hot cocoa, and possibly apple cider. The fire department’s participation in bringing Santa and Mrs. Claus remains to be confirmed. Crafting activities for children will be facilitated by the local Ecumenical Action Council, pending budget approval.

A house decorating contest was proposed, encouraging residents to decorate their homes for the holidays. Prizes include a $250 gift card for the grand prize and a $100 gift card for the runner-up. The contest will be advertised in the October newsletter, with a teaser in the September issue to generate interest.

The commission also reviewed the community coloring contest, finalizing designs for different age groups. A wreath and a reindeer head were chosen, with a suggestion to create a “for fun” category for adults aged 18 and older. Gift cards from local businesses were considered as prizes, although the absence of coffee shops to provide such prizes was noted.

Time was dedicated to capital improvement discussions, highlighting financial constraints due to expenses related to the splash pad and pavilions. One participant expressed concern about projected costs for additional facilities, estimating expenses could reach a million dollars for bathrooms, a grandstand, dugouts, and an ice rink. The commission recognized the need to adjust project costs and timing, emphasizing the importance of the baseball club’s long-standing presence.

Improvements to the soccer field were also discussed, with suggestions to upgrade it to meet regulations and potentially generate revenue by renting out time slots. Trail conditions near the splash pad and baseball diamonds were reviewed, noting some areas required significant work.

A local resident proposed creating a park by the river, offering to donate land for the purpose. Feasibility discussions included considerations about annexing the land to city limits and floodplain management. A technical conversation about raising land above flood levels through fill and necessary mitigation efforts ensued.

The discussion included a trail redesign project, focusing on enhancing accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The updated design plans, approved by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), involve changing designated asphalt areas to compacted egg lime to reduce costs while maintaining accessibility.

The commission also considered constructing a sidewalk next to the pavilion to prevent grass from being tracked into the splash pad area. Asphalt was deemed a practical choice despite aesthetic concerns. The need for permanent structures for an ice rink was also discussed, emphasizing safety and compliance.

Further deliberations involved plans for multi-purpose courts to accommodate activities like pickleball and basketball. The condition of the baseball fields will be assessed by an expert, providing a cost estimate essential for planning the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget. Ensuring accessibility for handicapped individuals at the baseball field was highlighted as a priority.

Flexibility in financial planning was deemed critical, allowing for necessary adjustments without creating a financial burden on the community.