City Council Meeting Date: February 10, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: David E. Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
Consider Approving Minnesota Employment and Economic Development Grant Agreement for Phase II of the Northfield Skateboard Park Project.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council Approves Minnesota Employment and Economic Development Grant Agreement for Phase II of the Northfield Skateboard Park Project.
Summary Report:
In 2024, the MN State legislature included funding for planning and construction of skate parks through the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The City of Northfield was included in the legislation for the construction of the Skateboard Park Phase II in Memorial Park.
In September of 2025, staff submitted the Phase II application to DEED and local supporting resolution for the skateboard park project. DEED has prepared the formal grant agreement for the City to receive the funds for Phase II. Once the agreement is fully executed, the City can enter into contracts for the design of the next phase of the Skateboard Park and begin the community engagement process.
It is anticipated that the design will go through late spring/early summer, with bidding planned for late summer, and construction fall 2026 or spring 2027. Per the grant agreement, the project needs to be complete by 12/31/2028.
Staff have been coordinating with local skateboard shop business owner in town, along with a recommended designer (Wizard Skateparks) for the next phase.
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
$500,000 Grant from MN DEED
Local Costs projected to be under 10% or $50,000 that would be paid through the Capital Park Fund.
Tentative Timelines:
Design 2026
Construction Tentative Fall 2026 or Spring 2027