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Parks and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood noted upcoming and ongoing volunteer <br />efforts, including a tree planting event at Alpine Park funded by a Metropolitan Council grant, as <br />well as park cleanup days organized with volunteers. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen noted no changes to Strategy Five, as it remains an ongoing effort tied <br />to street and pedestrian improvements. For Strategy Six, he highlighted updates on the Waterfront <br />Park, with construction underway and a target opening date of July 1, 2026. He added that after a <br />previous proposal for community outreach on phase two was not supported, staff is seeking <br />Council direction on how to approach planning and timing for the next phase. <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman expressed opposition to including an indoor recreation or community center in <br />Waterfront Park phase two, citing concerns about cost and return on investment. He suggested an <br />alternative vision focused on outdoor amenities, such as food truck spaces, seating areas, and a <br />small performance or gathering space, emphasizing uses that could activate the area and generate <br />revenue more quickly. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht suggested waiting several years to evaluate the success of the waterfront <br />park before considering additional amenities, such as a community center, indicating it may be a <br />future discussion rather than an immediate priority. He stated he would prefer to evaluate the <br />success of the current waterfront investment before pursuing additional projects, noting future <br />development could be considered later if the park proves successful or if other suitable <br />opportunities arise for the site. <br /> <br />Councilmember Stewart agreed with a cautious approach, stating the City should not actively <br />market the property at this time but remain open to proposals, such as a restaurant, that align with <br />Council preferences, rather than pursuing an indoor recreation facility. <br /> <br />Councilmember Buscher expressed support for a community gathering space, noting that return <br />on investment should include community value, not just financial impact. She stated she is not in <br />favor of a simple indoor play area but would support a more comprehensive community center <br />concept, potentially funded through grants, and emphasized the importance of providing spaces <br />for residents to gather. <br /> <br />Acting Mayor Riley expressed concern about the affordability of a community center, noting that <br />while it may be desirable, funding it would be challenging and unlikely to generate a financial <br />return. He indicated it could be considered in the future, but it is not a priority at this time. He <br />thought this should be removed from the strategic plan. <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman suggested exploring a zero-entry beach concept at the waterfront, noting that it <br />could add another recreational option for residents. He referenced examples from other <br />communities where similar amenities generate some revenue while enhancing resident experience, <br />emphasizing a balance between community value and financial sustainability. <br /> <br />Acting Mayor Riley asked whether the Council intends to keep any of these waterfront phase two <br />ideas included in the strategic plan. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / April 14, 2026 <br />Page 5 of 10 <br />