Fred Richards Park Master Plan Implementation

When walking the trail at Fred Richards Park you may notice a pile of trunks on site. These trunks were salvaged during our tree removals earlier this year to be re-used in the park. Salvaged trunks will have a permanent place in the parks future as seating elements and play structures within the park.

Preparations continue at Fred Richards Park including completion of well/ utility project. Work has also started to prepare for utility and underground removals and routing. Larger equipment will be mobilizing on the site this week. The next few weeks will include placing erosion control and additional tree protection. Stump removals, grading, and the digging of foundations will be the first phase of work this summer.

On May 5th City Council approved the Construction Contract for Fred Richards Park. H+U are construction managers on the project and will be overseeing the project duration. Construction is anticipated to take 18 months. Once contracts were awarded in May the project team submitted final applications for permitting and approvals. Approvals were finalized in June and July and the construction team is working on mobilizing equipment to start work this month.

August will be be a lot of earthwork and grading. In order to set grades for the site some materials that were placed during the creation of the golf course will be removed. Wetlands and natural areas will be shaped to allow for proper restoration and ecological habitats. Grades will also be set for new recreational features including, courts, playground, trails, and open spaces.

Construction fencing and site controls are being put in place for safety and security during construction. Please continue to check the site for construction progress and updates. We will update with construction progress and upcoming construction activities especially if additional sound, dust, or closures will occur. We will keep the existing trail open as much as possible but areas of the park will be closed as construction activities happen.

City Council approved the preconstruction package for Tree removals at Fred Richards Park on April 7th. Trees are being removed that were designated based on hazard conditions or conflict with new park features.

What is happening?

To prepare for construction later this summer and through 2027 we need to remove trees that were designated hazards or conflicting with new grading and features. We are preserving as many healthy valuable trees as possible for habitat of existing species. Grading is needed in order to remove foreign materials from golf course construction and improve water and habitat quality. Invasive species will be removed as well in order to establish native ecosystems.

New trees will be added and enhance in 2027 after final grades are set and features are in place. New plantings will be climate resilient trees that complement the natural resource enhancements and create habitat for wildlife. The trees that will be planted will not provide the same type of arboreal habitat for 20 years or so, but are part of a critical landscape succession planting. There will be other types of habitat improvement in the near term – replacing turfgrass with native grasses and wildflowers will improve habitat for pollinators, as well as a variety of birds including goldfinches, song sparrows, and chipping sparrows, in a matter of 2-3 years. It will also improve habitat for aquatic and amphibious species that use the ponds by creating gentle pond banks and an abundance of native cover and transitional habitat niches.

Large equipment will be needed in order to safely remove some of the larger trees. Grinding equipment will also be present to chip materials so those can be used for mulch or energy. Some trees have been identified to be repurposed and continue as play features or seating elements in the new park.

Why now?

Tree removals were timed to minimize habitat disturbances for species currently residing in the park. This timing took into consideration the emergence of reptiles and amphibians as well as nesting and rearing patterns of birds and bats. The trees will be removed first and then stumps and grub materials will be removed later in the season to minimize soil disruption during this phase. Once these trees are removed we can look to the next phase of land-shaping and creation of the amazing eco park and its features.

Contractors are currently working in the park preparing the site for the 2026 construction project. Materials are being brought into the site to prepare the area for future improvements identified in the plans. These include courts, hills, and open field areas. Full construction will start later this year and will consist of earthwork, sitework, and construction throughout the park as laid out during park design. Full construction is anticipated to be 18 months. Staff and contractors will work to minimize disturbances and keep trails open when possible.

You may see arborists on-site at Fred Richards Park starting this week. These tree professionals have been hired to remove 23 trees to allow for pre-construction earthwork to happen this fall before snow comes. Tree replacements have been included in designs and will be installed as part of the Fred Richards Park construction project in 2026 and 2027. New native and climate resilient trees have been selected and incorporated into design layouts.

City Council Approved a Pre-Construction tree and earthwork package on November 18th. This portion of work will happen in the next 3 weeks starting November 24th.

The City of Edina and the Fred Richards Project team are excited to announce that Council has approved H+U Construction as Construction Manager at Risk for Fred Richards Park. H+U will help our team with designs and constructability, this maximizes our budget and ensures efficiency during the construction process. They will also manage all aspects of construction including jobsite safety, disruption planning, quality assurance, budget management, construction coordination and scheduling. We are excited to work with them as we finish up planning and start on earthwork and construction later this year.

OPN architects were hired to remodel and design facilities at Fred Richards Park. The remodel of the existing clubhouse facility will accommodate park programming space for Edina Recreation and natural resource programming to support the new park amenities. A new building will be constructed off the central green with public restrooms and a food and beverage service.

OPN has worked on municipal project throughout the Midwest. They have extensive experience with Parks and Recreation facilities. Their understanding of public spaces and holistic design approach aligns with Fred Richard Park Project goals as well as the City's values and focus on community well being.

The City has also contracted with JGL food and beverage consultants to conduct a feasibility and food and beverage plan for the site. This will help to create a foundation for a sustainable partnership with a local food and beverage provider. The City and consultant are currently examining site opportunities and gauging local interest in the project.

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the Fred Richards Park Designs. As part of their 2024 workplan initiative Edina Parks and Recreation Commission will be conducting a review and comment of the Fred Richards Park Designs on August 12. Commissioners will review designs, feedback from community, and receive a presentation from the projects design team. Formal comments will be included with design update given to City Council.