Strachauer Park Master Plan

The new playground is open and ready for kids.

We were still waiting on a part for the zip line as of Nov. 9. The zip line will open as soon as we get that part and can finish the safety inspection.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our surveys to choose the colors, design and equipment.

Playground is being constructed! To promote grass growing keep off newly seeded areas. Please stay off equipment for your safety and the integrity of the structures. Crews continue to work on the structure and surfacing materials will be installed once they are complete. We will let you know when it is open and ready for play. Stay tuned.

Crews are working hard to install playground. They have removed the old equipment and graded the site. New equipment selected through community surveys is being installed in the location that fits with approved master plan.

Contractors will start the process of demolition and excavation for the new play structure at Strachauer Park on first thing in September after Labor Day. Old equipment and materials will be removed and a new play container will be installed in coordination with approved Master Plan. The demolition, concrete, and grading will take approximately 3 weeks to complete. Playground equipment will then be installed at the end of September and the project completed by mid October.

We ask your patience with contractors and construction while we make these changes. Construction area will be fenced but will incorporate access route, existing playground space, and new playground space. Please give contractors a safe distance.

Staff have submitted a request for purchase for the Strachauer Park playground equipment. Thank you to everyone who submitted feedback in our surveys. The winning submission was Option 2 from Minnesota Playground Inc (MWP). The winning color selection was also Option #2 spring green, brown, and tan. We will provide final design renderings when the playground is ordered.

This playground will be replacing the existing structure which will be removed and the area re-graded. A new container and the new playground will occupy a footprint south of the existing location. This footprint is based off the approved master plan location and allow for connections to future amenities and phases.

Thanks to everyone that helped us to make final design and color selection for the Strachauer Park Playground. Staff will use community preferred color and concepts to make final recommendation to council. We will post final design after approval and update you on installation timeline when playground is ordered and being made. Thank you for your help and feedback through this process.

Phase I is funding for the replacement of the playground $200,000 for equipment. Staff has worked with a consultant to locate the new structure to fit with the approved Strachauer Park Master Plan for future incorporation of desired features and programming. The existing playground will be removed and that area regraded until Phase II is initiated. Phase II includes a new shelter and gather space.

Please help the City design an amazing playground for Strachauer Park. We are working with consultants to evaluate site needs and placement of a new playground at Strachauer Park in line with the approved Master Plan. We will be removing existing play structure and building a new structure in 2024. The first survey will help us gauge the neighborhoods interest in components and features. We will use responses to solicit designs from vendors. We will then ask the neighborhood for preferences on these designs and colors. Survey one will be available until December 31st 2023.

Additional surveying will be conducted the week of October 23rd so consultants will be on site and utility markings will be made.

Surveying, engineering, and design services for Phase 1 will be presented to City Council on 9/19 for approval. These services will help to create documents for demolition and construction of new playground equipment. The approved master plan relocates the playground within the design. Consultants will work with staff to ensure new location meets needs, standards, and master plan's vision. Once analysis is complete, the city will engage the community to collect feedback on desired features for playground.

City Council approved Strachauer Park Master Plan at the July 18th City Council Meeting. This action allowed staff to initiate Phase 1 of the project. This funded phase includes a playground replacement and ADA access to a new play structure as laid out in the approved Master Plan. Staff will work with a consultant to gather a topographical survey and evaluate site conditions. The Consultant will also work with staff through the established playground replacement engagement process. This process is composed of three engagement points with neighborhood and community to help design amenities, playground theme, colors, and equipment concepts. The first round of surveys is expected to be posted on BTE this fall after information gathering from our consultant. Engagement and design will continue through fall and early winter. Staff anticipates playground removal and installation in the Spring of 2024 weather and supply dependent.