City Council Meeting Date: August 19, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Andrew Tussing, Streets & Parks Manager
Title
Consider Motion approving the Riverside Park Playground Improvement Plan.
Body
Action Requested:
Consider Motion approving the Riverside Park Playground Improvement Plan.
Summary Report:
The City has been working with Bruce Jacobson (Landscape Architect) and Bolten & Menk, Inc. to replace the playground off Seventh Street in Riverside Park. The playground replacement has been discussed multiple times at the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board; staff also held neighborhood meetings with users, and nature-based playground was the decision for replacement. The nature-based design better complements the existing green space within that area of Riverside Park. Staff has been working with Age Friendly Northfield to get input on making sure this park is not only ADA accessible, but accessible for all ages.
Bruce Jacobson will present the final play feature and final 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 at tonight’s meeting (attachment 1) and the overall presentation (attachment 2) are attached. The construction document plan for approval tonight is consistent with the Riverside Lions Master Plan (attachment 3).
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
Riverside Lions Park replacement $405,000 out of the Park Fund, which was approved as part of the CIP adoption.
Tentative Timelines:
• No further action by City Council after plan adoption.
• After approval, detailed construction documents and bidding will proceed forward in 2025-2026.
• Project to start Spring 2026