2025-02-11 WS City Council Agenda W ORK SESSION
RICHFIELD MUNICIPAL CENTER, BARTHOLOMEW ROOM
FEBRUARY 11, 2025
5:45 PM
Call to order
1.Update on exhibits for the new Wood Lake Nature Center
2.Discussion of Donaldson Park Building schematic design
Adjournment
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Requests must be made at least 96
hours in advance to the City Clerk at 612-861-9739.
AGENDA SECTION:Work Session Items
AGENDA ITEM #1.
WORK SESSION
2/11/2025
REPORT PREPARED BY: Paul Smithson
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR REVIEW: Karl Huemiller - Rec Director
2/2/2025
OTHER DEPARTMENT REVIEW: Karl Huemiller, Recreation Director
CITY MANAGER REVIEW: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager
2/5/2025
ITEM FOR WORK SESSION:
Update on exhibits for the new Wood Lake Nature Center
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The new Wood Lake Nature Center building has been designed to include a 1,200 square-foot exhibit
space for interpretive displays and animal exhibits. The exhibit space is located by the front entrance adjacent
to the lounge areas and will be unlocked during business hours. The new exhibit space will be approximately
twice the size of the current exhibit space.
In 2023 the Science Museum of Minnesota (SMM) in partnership with Blue Rhino Studios were contract to
develop the concepts and designs for the new exhibit space. The initial RFP identified that the exhibits should
encourage engagement and learning through observation and doing, with interactive physical elements that
engage multiple senses. The Exhibits should encourage repeat visits and appeal to a broad range of ages and
cultures.
Since August Richfield staff have been working with the SMM team to develop an initial concept that defines
the learning outcomes, educational topics, look and feel of the space, and initial exhibit concepts.
DIRECTION NEEDED:
Provide feedback on conceptual designs for the Wood Lake Nature Center exhibits.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
A.HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Wood Lake's current exhibits were constructed by City staff with a limited budget. The exhibits have lasted a
long time, but some no longer function as intended. Few of the current exhibits meet modern accessibility and
design standards.
B.EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS
All exhibits will meet ADA standards for access. We anticipate bilingual signage as appropriate. Staff have
engaged with focus groups representing different visitor populations to make the space welcoming to all
visitors.
C.POLICIES (resolutions, ordinances, regulations, statutes, exc):
N/A
D.CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES:
None
E.FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The exhibit cost is part of the soft costs included in the building project budget. The budget is currently
$700,000, split equally between design and fabrication.
F.LEGAL CONSIDERATION:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE(S):
PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING:
AGENDA SECTION:Work Session Items
AGENDA ITEM #2.
STAFF REPORT NO.
WORK SESSION
2/11/2025
REPORT PREPARED BY: Jill Murphy, Recreation Program Manager
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR REVIEW: Karl Huemiller, Recreation Services Director
OTHER DEPARTMENT REVIEW:
CITY MANAGER REVIEW: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager
2/5/2025
ITEM FOR WORK SESSION:
Discussion of Donaldson Park Building schematic design
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Donaldson Park building was last renovated in 1973 and is need of reinvestment. In 2023 staff solicited
feedback from the community through a survey and an in-person open house.
In 2024, HGA Architects was contracted to develop a schematic design. This included a site plan, plan
diagrams, renderings, engineering systems narratives, and cost estimates based off engagement responses,
a park and facility tour, and meetings with city staff.
DIRECTION NEEDED:
Council feedback on schematic design.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
A.HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The lower Donaldson building (warming house) was first constructed in 1964 as a very basic cinder-block
warming house, with extensive remodeling completed in 1973. The following year, the Babe Ruth Association
built the upper storage/concessions building, also a very basic cinder-block structure. The storage/concession
building received a new roof and fascia in 1996.
The upper storage and concessions building was demolished in 2023 after it was compromised
due to a leaking roof. The Lower Donaldson Park building does not meet ADA code
requirements or the needs of the park.
B.EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS
Equity: The current Donaldson Park Building is not a viable programming space. The building and park are a
hub of activity for the west side of the city with MICC and the middle school adjacent to the park. A new
Donaldson Park building would provide programming space for residents on the west side of the
city where there is a lack of larger gathering spaces.
Strategic Plan: This project best aligns with the strategic plan priority of Sustainable Infrastructure.
C.POLICIES (resolutions, ordinances, regulations, statutes, exc):
N/A
D.CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES:
None
E.FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding for the Donaldson Park Building was approved as part of the 2025 CIB in the amount of $1,475,000
with funding coming from Grants, donations and Liquor store revenue. With the project moving to 2026 due to
timing associated with grant applications, additional funds may be available from the 2026 CIB.
F.LEGAL CONSIDERATION:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE(S):
PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING: