The committee engaged in an in-depth conversation about the park benches, focusing on selecting durable and low-maintenance options. The preferred choice was a six-foot Willow Park plastic bench, estimated to cost about $800 plus shipping. This model was favored for its robust truck decking material. However, concerns were raised about the benches’ placement, especially in flood-prone areas like Riverwood Hills and Oronoco Park, and the potential for vandalism, such as graffiti. The committee agreed to recommend this bench for further action, with a motion passing to endorse the choice.

Strategic placement of benches was also discussed, with members expressing interest in conducting site visits to determine optimal locations. The possibility of community engagement through outreach for bench placement input was considered to increase public involvement. Additionally, an “adopt-a-bench” program was suggested, allowing community sponsorships for benches. This led to discussions on maintaining uniformity in bench style and color to achieve a cohesive park aesthetic.

In a related discussion, the committee addressed communication efforts to stimulate resident interest and participation in parks and trails initiatives. The historical significance of Lions Park, now known as Carol Cen Park, was highlighted. Questions arose about the status of the Lions Club in Oronoco and its impact on the park’s name if the club were to become inactive. Members discussed the possibility of reverting to the original name, Oronoco Park, if this were to occur. The idea of integrating a QR code on the park sign to provide information about the Lions Club was proposed as an alternative method of recognition.

Future developments for the park were considered, with potential amenities like restrooms, a splash pad, pickleball courts, disc golf, and an amphitheater on the table. The committee acknowledged that these projects would require strategic planning and fundraising. The issue of rental fees for community organizations using park facilities was also touched upon, with some members expressing concern over stricter enforcement by the city. The committee explored the possibility of offsetting fees through volunteer hours contributed by organizations like the Lions Club.

Further discussions centered around trail development and maintenance within the parks. A proposal to partner with a local organization to financially support park improvements was considered, with suggestions for annual reviews of this partnership. Concerns about waiving usage fees for community events, like fireworks, were raised, emphasizing the need for clear expectations to prevent double-booking.

The committee reviewed estimated costs for three different path projects, with one path costing approximately $59,800 and another around $10,384. The urgency to proceed with obtaining bids for the paths was acknowledged, even if the total exceeded the allocated budget. Members discussed the importance of securing funding before potential price increases and considered applying for additional funding next year to complete multiple projects. The possibility of grant funding through the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) was explored, with an emphasis on aligning projects with community needs, such as ADA accessibility.

Additionally, the committee examined the timeline and financial considerations surrounding upcoming projects. They discussed the lengthy process for securing funding, which included presentations in June, selections in November, and final approval for legislative consideration in January. Successful projects would not receive funds until July 2027, prompting discussions about reassessing the five to ten-year plan to focus on longer-term goals.

The committee also discussed potential contributions from the Lions Club towards trail paving, emphasizing the importance of engaging in conversations about their financial capabilities. Concerns about issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for engineering services were debated, particularly regarding whether to seek bids for all three parks or focus on specific segments due to funding uncertainties.