City Council Meeting Date: January 20, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Andrew Tussing, Streets and Parks Manager
David Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
Consider Approving the Plans and Specifications for the Central Park Playground Improvement Site Improvements and Authorize Bids.
Body
Action Requested:
Staff recommends a motion to Approve the Plans and Specifications for the Central Park Playground Improvement Site Improvements and Authorize Bids.
Summary Report:
The City has been working with Bruce Jacobson Landscape Architect LLC and Bolten & Menk, Inc. to make park improvements to Central Park. The project has been discussed and approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board; staff has held multiple neighborhood meetings, met with Age Friendly Northfield, and has worked with Heritage Preservation Commission for a certificate of appropriateness.
Bruce Jacobson will present the final project plan. Once approved by Council, staff will move forward on constructing a bid package to send out and request bids to complete this project.
The specific plans for approval (Attachment 1) and the overall presentation (Attachment 2) are attached.
The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) approved the Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at the HPC meeting on January 8, 2026. The approval was unanimous with two members absent. Any changes to the proposed scope of work are required to be reviewed by the HPC staff liaison for consistency with the approved scope of work; minor changes can be approved by staff while significant changes may require approval from the HPC. HPC Resolution 2026-001 and proposed scope of work is included as an attachment.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
Consistent with applicable plans of the following plans: Comprehensive Plan; Pedestrian, Bike and Trail System Plan; Parks, Open Space and Trail System Plans; Northfield Parks & Recreation CIP Study, and Historic Designation with Certificate of Appropriateness review and approval by the Heritage Preservation Commission.
Some examples of consistency includes master plan compliance, connectivity to trails and open spaces, accessible play facilities, public engagement to inform park improvements, financial stewardship and responsibility of proper maintenance of facilities with dedicated source of funding that has been planned and implemented, re-use of salvageable amenities versus replacement.
Alternative Options:
None recommended.
Financial Impacts:
The Central Park upgrades $185,000 out of the Park Fund, which was approved as part of the 2026 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) adoption.
Tentative Timelines:
• No further action by City Council after plan adoption.
• After approval, detailed construction documents and bidding will proceed forward.
• Project to start spring 2026.