HomeMy WebLinkAbout05(T) - Resolution to Approve a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Program Grant Application for Thomas Ryan Park Playground Report
ITEM: 5T
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 10, 2026
PREPARED BY: Steve Hart, Park & Recreation Manager
PRESENTED BY: Nick Monserud, Public Works Director/City Engineer
AGENDA ITEM: Resolution to Approve a Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources Outdoor Recreation Program Grant Application for
Thomas Ryan Park Playground
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a resolution approving a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation
Program grant application for the Thomas Ryan Park playground project.
BACKGROUND:
Following the construction of the Miracle Field at Thomas Ryan Park, the City is again partnering
with Prior Lake Athletics for Youth (P.L.A.Y.) to update the playground in Thomas Ryan Park to
be more accessible and inclusive to users of all abilities.
Earlier in 2026, City staff conducted a public survey to compile feedback on various playground
concepts, and have developed a final design from Flagship Recreation, a dealer for Landscape
Structures Inc. playground equipment.
The City has identified a funding opportunity for outdoor recreation projects through the Minnesota
DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Program. Local park projects are eligible for reimbursement of 50
percent of total project costs, up to a maximum grant award of $500,000 (for a total project cost
of $1,000,000 or greater).
This is an annual program, and applications are due to the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources by March 31, 2026. Funding through this program is for FY 2027 and all work must be
completed no later than June 30, 2028.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The attached resolution with language provided by the Minnesota DNR supports the submittal of
a grant application in an amount up to $250,000 and indicates the city’s support for the funding of
local costs for the remaining project amount, and compliance with all grant requirements. The
remaining project costs are proposed to be funded with a combination of Capital Park funds (Fund
430), as well as through a donation from P.L.A.Y. The 2026 CIP includes $425,000 for this
project.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Motion and second as part of the consent agenda to adopt a resolution approving a
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Program grant
application for the Thomas Ryan Park playground project.
2. Motion and second to remove this item from the consent agenda for further discussion.
City of Prior Lake | 4646 Dakota Street SE | Prior Lake MN 55372
Item 5T
Page | 2
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
RESOLUTION 26-
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
OUTDOOR RECREATION PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION SUBMITTAL
Motion By: Second By:
WHEREAS, the City of Prior Lake act as legal sponsor for the project contained in the Outdoor
Recreation Grant application to be submitted on the 31st day of March 2026 and that the
Public Works Director is hereby authorized to apply to the Department of Natural
Resources for funding of this project on behalf of the City of Prior Lake; and
WHEREAS, that the applicant maintains an adequate Conflict of Interest Policy and, throughout the
term of the contract, will monitor and report any actual or potential conflicts of interest to
the State, upon discovery; and
WHEREAS, that the City of Prior Lake has the legal authority to apply for financial assistance, and it
has the financial capability to meet match requirements (if any) and ensure adequate
construction, operation, maintenance and replacement of the proposed project for its
design life; and
WHEREAS, that the City of Prior Lake has not incurred any development costs and has not entered
into a written purchase agreement to acquire the property described in the Cost
Breakdown section on this application; and
WHEREAS, that the City of Prior Lake has or will acquire fee title or permanent easement over all the
land described in the boundary map or recreational site plan included in the application;
and
WHEREAS, upon approval of its application by the State, the City of Prior Lake may enter into an
agreement with the State for the above-referenced project, and that the City of Prior Lake
certifies that it will comply with all applicable laws and regulations as stated in the grant
agreement including dedicating the park property for uses consistent with the funding
grant program into perpetuity.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR LAKE,
MINNESOTA is hereby authorized to execute such agreements as necessary to implement the project
on behalf of the applicant.
Passed and adopted by the Prior Lake City Council this 10th day of March 2026.
VOTE Briggs Braid Churchill Lake Hellier
Aye
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Nay
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Abstain
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Absent
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
_____________________________
Jason Wedel, City Manager