The primary focus of the meeting was the ongoing management issues at Southwood Park. It was noted that the task force, initially established to preserve and enhance the park, has not been meeting regularly due to a leadership void. Members expressed concerns over the park’s maintenance, specifically citing issues such as the condition of the observation deck and bridge, which may require significant funding for repairs. A suggestion was made to create a “wish list” of necessary improvements, emphasizing the need for the commission to take a more active role if the task force remains inactive. The idea of organizing community efforts or involving city resources was proposed to prevent the park from falling into neglect.

The commission discussed the historical role of the task force, which was formed by citizens driven by a master naturalist agenda to restore the park’s natural state. Over time, responsibilities have shifted towards the commission, which now possesses greater resources and city support. However, with the task force’s reduced activity, the commission acknowledged the necessity of re-establishing a partnership to effectively manage the park. Members agreed to reach out to the task force to understand their current status and explore how the commission could support their efforts.

Aside from Southwood Park, the meeting also addressed the commission’s broader strategies for managing and improving park facilities. There was a proposal to relocate commission meetings to various parks to enhance community engagement. While the city manager supported this initiative, concerns about accessibility were raised, prompting discussions on compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Members considered the logistics of conducting meetings in parks, emphasizing the need for clear recording and note-taking, and suggested that formal meetings occur in park buildings to facilitate this process.

The idea of appointing a student commissioner to the Parks Commission was another topic of interest. This role would provide high school students with insight into local government processes and offer a youthful perspective on park-related issues. There was strong support for this initiative, along with a proposal to gather feedback from daycare providers, students, and teachers to better understand park usage and needs. The commission considered creating a feedback form or survey aimed at these groups.

Budget discussions also took center stage, with a focus on project prioritization and funding strategies. Members expressed a desire to prioritize smaller projects in the upcoming months. A meeting with the city council was planned to discuss the HGA proposals, although feedback from the council was expected to be delayed. The commission acknowledged the importance of a comprehensive understanding of funding, with a specific focus on McKnight Park as a critical area for investment. Members stressed the need for a pragmatic approach to project funding and the urgency of making timely decisions.

Additionally, the commission addressed ongoing park maintenance issues, including storm damage cleanup efforts and drainage problems at Northwood and Tower Park. A request for public feedback highlighted the importance of community engagement, with a proposal to formalize a process for residents to share their concerns or suggestions directly with the commission. The idea of implementing a monthly review of public feedback was well-received.

Finally, the meeting concluded with discussions on improving communication with the public regarding events. Suggestions included incorporating event information into utility bills or creating a QR code for easy access to event details. An innovative proposal for a hiking or park passport concept was introduced. The idea of organizing group hikes or outdoor meetups was also discussed as a way to foster community connections.