The council also discussed a grant application for the Pollinator Park expansion, a project targeting increased accessibility and educational opportunities for local families. A proposed $246,000 grant from the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources aims to develop nature-based play areas and educational signage, focusing particularly on the monarch butterfly’s life cycle. No matching funds are required, making the grant particularly attractive. While acknowledging the additional maintenance burden, the council supported the potential enhancements for community benefit, moving forward with the grant application process.

Additionally, the council deliberated on a grant request for the summer concert series at German Park. A $6,000 application to the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council seeks to fund the series’ transition from Monday to Thursday nights, a change intended to boost attendance by accommodating family schedules. The council noted challenges in securing diverse musical acts, with some artists performing gratis.

The meeting also addressed the acceptance of $7,000 in donations from the Isaac Walton League, earmarked for the Riverside Environmental Learning Center and the S Valley Gun Club trap range. These contributions were acknowledged with gratitude, supporting environmental education and potential facility improvements.

Council members expressed appreciation for existing staff efforts in maintaining local parks and trails, highlighting the contributions of volunteers as well. Further, Director Shugal reported on recent recreational activities and facility usage, including successful tournaments and plans for National Invasive Species Week, aimed at educating the community about managing invasive species.