Advisory Parks Commission Meeting Summary – January 26, 2026

The Eagan Advisory Parks Commission met on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Moonshine Park. The meeting included a detailed water resources presentation, updates on 2026 playground replacements, the appointment of a new commissioner, and staff reports. All agenda items were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Moved and seconded; approved unanimously.
• Approval of Minutes (November 17, 2025): Moved and seconded; approved unanimously.

Presentations

• Water Resources Presentation – Jenna Olson, Water Resources Manager: Jenna Olson presented an overview of the city’s water resources program, highlighting that Eagan has over 1,300 water bodies across 34 square miles and is about 70% developed. She noted that Eagan has monitored water quality since 1990 and has seen steady improvements: Fish Lake was removed from the impaired waters list in 2014, followed by Fitzlake and LeMay in 2023. Olson explained the city’s management strategies: constructed treatment systems (e.g., rain gardens, detention basins), in-lake treatments (alum applications), invasive species control (aquatic weed harvesting, goldfish removal, targeted herbicide), and fisheries management (stocking walleye, bass, and interlake transfers). She also discussed future goals: improving ADA access at existing piers, installing new fishing piers at Cliff Lake and Baroque’s Pond, and expanding community engagement through free tackle box stands and translated signage. Olson answered questions about coordination with the MPCA and DNR, the impact of extreme precipitation events, and the relative health of lakes like Cliff Lake. Commissioners commended the water resources staff for their expertise.

Discussion Items

• Playground Replacements 2026 Update – Jared Flewellen, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation: Staff reported that two playgrounds will be replaced in 2026: Paradox Path Park (the oldest in the system) and Walnut Hill Park. An open comment period is running through February 15, 2026, and has already generated about 80 comments online. Paradox Path will be moved from the north side to a flatter area on the western side to meet ADA standards, requiring a 60x60 foot space. The playground will be designed for ages 2–5, as older children have nearby options at Upper Woodhaven Park and Destination All Play. Walnut Hill will remain a 5–12 age group playground. The budget per playground is approximately $75,000–$80,000, with fiber mulch surfacing used to meet ADA requirements. Paradox Path will be installed in summer 2026, Walnut Hill in fall 2026, and a grant from Dakota County will fund an accessible swing at Paradox Path. Commissioners discussed the trade-offs between play value and safety standards, and the need to diversify age groupings across parks.
• Commissioner Resignation and Appointment: Commissioner Kevin Hamlin resigned effective December 1, 2025. The commission moved to appoint alternate Commissioner Nasek Naspik to a regular commissioner position. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously. The commission thanked Hamlin for his service since 2022.

Round Table

• Commissioners shared updates: deer were seen at the archery range; high praise for water resources staff; an MLK Day peace pole painting event at the Eagan Art House; and a question about the sauna at Lebanon Hills Park (a Dakota County facility).

Staff Reports

• Jared Flewellen reported that Commissioner Linda Klein received the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association Commissioner Award on January 9, 2026. The winter season has been going well, with rinks closed only during extreme cold (wind chill below -15°F). Summer employment postings for approximately 280–300 positions will open soon. A bid for the North Park tennis collaboration with Independent School District 196 came in under estimate and will be presented to the City Council. The Eagan Art House experienced mechanical issues during extreme cold, forcing a closure on Saturday and cancellation of five programs, but temporary heat was installed and operations resumed. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the facility’s growing community use.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimously approved the agenda and November 2025 minutes.
• Unanimously appointed Commissioner Nasek Naspik as a regular commissioner.
• Playground replacement open comment period continues through February 15, 2026; final selection will be presented at the next commission meeting.
• Staff will provide a full update on 2026 capital improvement projects at the February meeting.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 p.m.