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2026-10-13 WS City Council Agenda Richfield City Council Agenda October 13, 2026 -- 5:30 PM Richfield Municipal Center Bartholomew Conference Room 6700 Portland Avenue South 1. Call to Order 2. Item Discussion a. Parks Master Plan b. Wood Lake Nature Center Building Update 3. 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. Includes Materials - Materials relating to these agenda items can be found in the Council Chambers Agenda Packet book located by the entrance. The complete Council Agenda Packet is available electronically on the City of Richfield website. Page 1 of 41 City Council Meeting 10/13/2026 Agenda Section: Item Discussion Agenda Item: 2.a. Report Prepared By: Karl Huemiller, Recreation Director Department Director: Karl Huemiller, Recreation Director Item for Consideration: Parks Master Plan EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In spring 2026, the City of Richfield began developing a new Parks Master Plan to guide the future of the park system over the next 20 years. The plan will establish long-term priorities for park development and investment. It also includes an analysis of current programming and operations with recommendations for improvements. The Parks Master Plan will be integrated into the City's comprehensive plan. The City is currently wrapping up the first phase of the planning process, Listen + Learn. This phase focused on understanding existing conditions and hearing directly from the community about how they use Richfield’s parks, what is working well, and where there are opportunities for improvement. To this end, the City created an engagement website last spring to solicit resident feedback for the Parks Master Plan. The website featured a pinpoint map where comments could be geolocated, visioning questions, activities to understand preferences, a priorities activity, and an open comment space. Yard signs with QR codes linking to the website were placed in the parks, Emails encouraging people to contribute were sent out, and information was included in the Hometown Guide. In addition to the website, ETC Institute conducted a statistically valid survey, staff held tabling events at every park, and hosted 4 focus groups. Through these efforts, hundreds of comments have been received on the current state of the parks and what residents want to see in the future. This work session will provide an update on the Parks Master Plan, including the planning process and project deliverables, and key themes emerging from community feedback. Mo Convery and Brad Aldrich of Confluence, the City’s project consultant, will lead the session. RECOMMENDED ACTION For discussion only - no action needed. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Parks plans were last completed during the comprehensive plan planning processes in 2008 and 2018. This Parks Master Plan is being completed prior to the comprehensive plan planning process but will be included in the upcoming comprehensive plan. EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS Page 2 of 41 The Parks Master Plan will guide park development across the City over the next 10 years. Through the engagement process, we heard from community members representing a wide range of neighborhoods, languages, ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds, including groups that have historically been underrepresented in City planning efforts. Incorporating this feedback as we shape the roadmap for Richfield’s parks over the next 10 and 20 years is essential to ensuring an equitable park system and programming catalog that reflects the needs of all residents. POLICIES (RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, STATUTES, ETC.) None CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES The Parks Master Plan must be completed before the Comprehensive Plan review period in June 2028. FINANCIAL IMPACT The Parks Master Plan funding was included in the 2026 Capital Improvement Budget. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS None ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S) None ATTACHMENTS 1. Parks Master Plan Presentation Page 3 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN RICHFIELD, MN 10/13/2026 PHASE 1 PROJECT UPDATE Page 4 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING TONIGHT’S OBJECTIVES 01 Introduce the Parks Master Plan and planning process 02 Share key findings from the first phase of community engagement 03 Hear your perspectives and validate emerging themes Page 5 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING BRAD ALDRICH CONFLUENCE PRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGE RECREATION SERVICES + PUBLIC WORKS COMMUNITY + NEIGHBORSSTAFF + KEY STAKEHOLDERS MO CONVERY CONFLUENCE PROJECT MANAGER JANE REASONER CONFLUENCE SENIOR PLANNER + GIS SPECIALIST PROS CONSULTING Jayne Miller Equitable Strategies and Park O&M Travis Tranbarger Senior Project Manager CONFLUENCE PROJECT TEAM program assessment, asset management, national trends, O+M review COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION Page 6 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING A long-range planning document that establishes a clear, community- driven 25-YEAR VISION for Richfield’s parks and open spaces. It provides a framework to: • ESTABLISH PRIORITIES based on community needs and available resources. • GUIDE INVESTMENT in parks, facilities, and amenities. • INFORM DECISIONS for future improvements, operations, and maintenance. WHAT IS A PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN? Page 7 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING WHY IS THIS PLAN IMPORTANT? RICHFIELD’S PARKS ARE ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY ASSETS Parks support health, recreation, social connections, strong economies, neighborhood identity, and quality of life. COMMUNITY NEEDS ARE EVOLVING New development, changing demographics, evolving recreation trends, and environmental conditions are reshaping how residents use and experience parks. EXISTING PARKS REQUIRE ONGOING INVESTMENT Thoughtful reinvestment is needed to maintain aging infrastructure, improve accessibility, and respond to emerging needs. RESOURCES ARE LIMITED — PRIORITIES MATTER A shared vision helps the City make informed, equitable, and financially responsible decisions. Page 8 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING WHAT IS THE PLANNING PROCESS?PHASE 1PHASE 2PHASE 3EXISTING CONDITIONS + COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT VISIONING + PRIORITIZATION VALIDATION + MASTER PLAN + DOCUMENTATION Assess existing parks, facilities, programs, and operations. Listen to the community to understand needs, opportunities, and priorities. Establish a shared vision and guiding principles. Develop recommendations, identify improvements, and prioritize investments. Share recommendations with the community, refine priorities based on feedback, and prepare the final Master Plan. WHERE WE ARE... Spring 2026- Summer 2026 Fall 2026 Winter 2026- Spring 2027 Page 9 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING DEMOGRAPHICS • STEADY POPULATION GROWTH: Richfield is projected to experience continued population and household growth through 2040, increasing demand for parks and recreational services. • CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS: Richfield is becoming increasingly racially diverse, highlighting the importance of inclusive parks, programming, and community engagement. • A BROAD RANGE OF AGES: The population is expected to remain relatively balanced across age groups, reinforcing the need for multigenerational recreation opportunities. • INCREASING HOUSEHOLD INCOME: Median household income is projected to rise, potentially influencing recreational preferences and demand for amenities. • EQUITY AND ACCESSIBILITY: 23% of households include a person with a disability, and 43.8% of housing units are renter-occupied, emphasizing the importance of accessible and affordable recreation. • BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION: Language, income, transportation, and accessibility may influence how residents experience and use the park system. Page 10 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING MADISON PARK SHERIDAN PARK JEFFERSON PARK ADAMS HILL PARK DONALDSON PARK WOOD LAKE NATURE CENTER FREMONT PARK LINCOLN FIELDPARK ROOSEVELT PARK AUGBURG PARK LITTLE BOBSPARK HEREDIA PARK CHRISTIAN PARK WASHINGTON PARK VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK TAFT PARK RICHFIELD LAKE PARK APPLE BLOSSOMPARK PIRATES PLAZA GARFIELD PARK NICOLLETPARK FAIRWOOD PARK MONROE PARK DESTINATION PARK COMMUNITY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD PARK PLUS NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SPECIAL USE/ATHLETIC COMPLEX MINI PARK REGIONAL TRAIL OFF-STREET LOCAL TRAIL ON-STREET LOCAL TRAIL W 77th Street E 66th Street Cedar AvenueLyndale Avenue SPenn Avenue SW 76th Street W 66th Street I-35WI-35WI-35W I-494 SYSTEM FINDINGS With 23 parks and 461 acres of developed parkland, approximately 10% of Richfield’s land is dedicated to parks. (Twin Cities 7-county Metro Region is 9.2%, Minneapolis is 16%, Bloomington is 6.4%, Edina is 15.4%). • Mini Parks: 1 park | 0.6 acres • Neighborhood Parks: 5 parks | 4.69 acres • Neighborhood Plus Parks: 7 parks | 47.9 acres • Community Parks: 3 parks | 55.6 acres • Destination Parks*: 3 parks | 282 acres • Athletic Complexes** / Special Use Parks: 4 parks | 70.6 acres *60% of the City’s parkland is concentrated in three destination parks. ** Athletic Complexes also serve as neighborhood parks CURRENT SYSTEM WARD 1 WARD 2 WARD 3 Page 11 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING MADISON PARK SHERIDAN PARK JEFFERSON PARK ADAMS HILL PARK DONALDSON PARK WOOD LAKE NATURE CENTER FREMONT PARK LINCOLN FIELDPARK ROOSEVELT PARK AUGBURG PARK LITTLE BOBSPARK HEREDIA PARK CHRISTIAN PARK WASHINGTON PARK VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK TAFT PARK RICHFIELD LAKE PARK APPLE BLOSSOMPARK PIRATES PLAZA GARFIELD PARK NICOLLETPARK FAIRWOOD PARK MONROE PARK DESTINATION PARK COMMUNITY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD PARK PLUS NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SPECIAL USE/ATHLETIC COMPLEX MINI PARK REGIONAL TRAIL OFF-STREET LOCAL TRAIL ON-STREET LOCAL TRAIL 5- MIN WALK 10- MIN WALK 15- MIN WALK W 77th Street E 66th Street Cedar AvenueLyndale Avenue SPenn Avenue SW 76th Street W 66th Street I-35WI-35WI-35W I-494 SYSTEM FINDINGS Three areas have notable gaps in walkable park access, defined as residential areas located more than a 10-minute walk from an existing park. Of particular interest is the southeast gap. Parks adjacent to this area are primarily special-use or athletic facilities. Higher concentration of neighborhood and neighborhood plus parks in the north and northeast of the City. Destination Parks are concentrated in the north and northcentral ares of the city. CURRENT PARK SERVICE AREAS GAP 1 GAP 2 GAP 3 STEM ELEMENTARY + RICHFIELD DUAL LANGUAGE Page 12 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING SYSTEM FINDINGS High Level of Basic Services: Amenities are well distributed throughout the park system • Most parks offer the typical suite of recreational amenities, including walking paths, ball diamond, flexible-use field, courts, gathering spaces, and playgrounds. Natural Resource Connections: The majority of parks offer opportunities to experience nature (ponds, stormwater features, mature tree canopies, or naturalized landscapes). Notable gap in the south of the City. Regional Trail Connectivity: Richfield benefits from strong connections to the regional trail network, supporting walking, biking, and recreation. These trails provide connections within Richfield and to adjacent communities. Destination Facilities: Larger parks provide amenities uncommon for a city of Richfield’s size, including a nature center, indoor ice arena, and outdoor pool. These are valuable community resources that require significant ongoing investment. MADISONPARK SHERIDAN PARK JEFFERSON PARK ADAMS HILLPARK DONALDSONPARK WOOD LAKE NATURE CENTER FREMONT PARK LINCOLN FIELDPARK ROOSEVELT PARK AUGBURG PARK LITTLE BOBSPARK HEREDIA PARK CHRISTIANPARK WASHINGTON PARK VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK TAFT PARK RICHFIELD LAKE PARK APPLE BLOSSOMPARK PIRATES PLAZA GARFIELDPARK NICOLLETPARK FAIRWOOD PARK MONROE PARK DESTINATION PARK COMMUNITY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD PARK PLUS NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SPECIAL USE/ATHLETIC COMPLEX MINI PARK REGIONAL TRAIL OFF-STREET LOCAL TRAIL ON-STREET LOCAL TRAIL W 77th Street E 66th Street Cedar AvenueLyndale Avenue SPenn Avenue SW 76th Street W 66th Street I-35WI-35WI-35W I-494 MADISONPARK SHERIDAN PARK JEFFERSON PARK ADAMS HILLPARK DONALDSONPARK WOOD LAKE NATURE CENTER FREMONT PARK LINCOLN FIELDPARK ROOSEVELT PARK AUGBURG PARK LITTLE BOBSPARK HEREDIA PARK CHRISTIANPARK WASHINGTON PARK VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK TAFT PARK RICHFIELD LAKE PARK APPLE BLOSSOMPARK PIRATES PLAZA GARFIELDPARK NICOLLETPARK FAIRWOOD PARK MONROE PARK DESTINATION PARK COMMUNITY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD PARK PLUS NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SPECIAL USE/ATHLETIC COMPLEX MINI PARK REGIONAL TRAIL OFF-STREET LOCAL TRAIL ON-STREET LOCAL TRAIL OPEN WATER FORESTED AREA/ MATURE TREE CANOPY W 77th Street E 66th Street Cedar AvenueLyndale Avenue SPenn Avenue SW 76th Street W 66th Street I-35WI-35WI-35W I-494 PARKS WITH PLAYGROUNDS PARKS WITH NATURAL FEATURES Page 13 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING This preliminary Level of Service Analysis compares Richfield's existing parkland and recreational facilities with national benchmarks to provide a baseline understanding of the park system. Currently evaluating local and regional comparisons and cross- reference findings with community engagement feedback, identified needs, and resident priorities to inform future recommendations and investments. MEETS OR EXCEEDS NATIONAL STANDARD BELOW NATIONAL STANDARD Page 14 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING PARK EQUITY SCORE The Park Equity Analysis is a data-driven tool developed to identify areas of Richfield where residents may face greater barriers to accessing parks and recreational opportunities. After extensive dialogue the City determined 8 variables to develop the score • Estimated population change (2026– 2031) • Median household income • Population under age 18 • Population age 65+ • BIPOC population • Households with a person with a disability • Households without vehicle access • Buildings with 3+ residential unit Equity is not simply about where parks are located, but whether residents have meaningful access to the recreational opportunities they need. HIGH PRIORITY LOW PRIORITY Page 15 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING PHASE 1: ENGAGEMENT LISTEN + LEARN The purpose of Phase 1 engagement is to understand how the community currently uses and experiences Richfield’s parks, what is working well, and where opportunities for improvement exist. These findings, combined with the existing conditions analysis, will establish a foundation for developing the vision, recommendations, and priorities for the Park System Master Plan.PHASE 1 ENGAGEMENT TOOLSSOCIAL PINPOINT DIGITAL WEBSITE • COMMENT MAPPING TOOL • PRIORITIES SELECTION • CONTINUUM STATEMENTS FOCUS GROUP CONVERSATIONS • ACCESSIBILITY WORKING GROUP • SPORT ASSOCIATIONS • FAMILIES • SENIORS MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE • COMMUNITY EVENT TABLING • COMMUNITY CENTER LOBBY MATERIALS PARK TABLING • ALL PARKS HAD A UNIQUE TABLING EVENT (FAIRWOOD, APPLEBLOSSOM, AND MONROE COMBINED) STATISTICALLY VALID SURVEY • 363 SURVEYS FROM A REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF RICHFIELD RESIDENTS Page 16 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING STATISTICALLY VALID SURVEY 363 Completed Surveys (a precision of at least +/- 5.1% at the 95% level of confidence) MAJOR THEMES Strong Park Use and Satisfaction: 95% of surveyed households visited a Richfield park in the past year, with 88% rating park quality as good or excellent. Focus on Existing Parks: 92% support improving existing parks, with strong support for natural area improvements (91%) and walking and biking trails (88%). Neighborhood Parks and Nature Are Priorities: Neighborhood parks, natural areas, and paved trail connections rank among residents' most important amenities. Opportunities for Indoor Recreation: Indoor fitness and wellness spaces, walking tracks, and community gathering spaces emerged as important needs. Recreation Programming: Adult fitness, swimming lessons, special events, and environmental education are among the highest investment priorities. Awareness and Participation Barriers: 35% of nonparticipants (very low) reported not knowing what recreation programs are offered, suggesting opportunities to improve communication and outreach. Page 17 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING SOCIAL PINPOINT MAY 2026- OCTOBER 2026 1731 Visitors 938 Contibutions (337 Contributors) MAPPING EXERCISE MAJOR THEMES Strong Appreciation for Existing Parks: Residents value their neighborhood parks, playgrounds, natural areas, and community gathering spaces, with a desire to preserve what is already working well. Natural Areas and Environmental Stewardship: Strong interest in protecting mature trees, wildlife habitats, and natural areas while expanding native landscaping, pollinator gardens, and ecological restoration. Trail Connectivity and Accessibility: Residents value existing walking and biking trails but identify opportunities for improved maintenance, safer crossings, better connections, and year-round accessibility. Maintenance and Reinvestment: Recurring requests for improvements to trails, sports courts, playgrounds, and park facilities, along with better ongoing maintenance. Comfort and Basic Amenities: Desire for more shade, drinking fountains, permanent restrooms, benches, and gathering spaces to improve everyday park experiences. Diverse Recreation Opportunities: Interest in expanded play opportunities, dog parks, sports facilities, winter recreation, and programming for different ages and abilities across the system. Balancing Recreation and Open Space: Residents value flexible green spaces for informal recreation and emphasize balancing new amenities with the preservation of natural areas and existing park uses. Page 18 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING PRIORITIES SUMMARYSOCIAL PINPOINT MAY 2026- OCTOBER 2026 1731 Visitors 938 Contibutions (337 Contributors) 154 Completed Priorities Page 19 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING SOCIAL PINPOINT MAY 2026- OCTOBER 2026 1731 Visitors 938 Contibutions Overall (337 Contributors) 150 Completed Continuum Statements CONTINUUM STATEMENTS Focus on Existing Parks: Strong preference for improving existing parks rather than adding new amenities or facilities. Distributed Investments: Residents favor smaller improvements across multiple parks over concentrating resources in one or two major projects. Nature Throughout the System: Strong preference for incorporating natural features into every park rather than concentrating nature in a few larger natural areas. Flexible, Informal Recreation: Residents lean toward open spaces for informal play, gathering, and exploration rather than organized sports facilities. Variety and Unique Experiences: Strong preference for playgrounds and park amenities that offer different experiences from park to park. Concentrated Sports Facilities: Preference for grouping athletic fields, courts, and ball diamonds in fewer parks rather than distributing them throughout the system. Evolving Winter Recreation: Interest in focusing winter programming and amenities in a few locations. Page 20 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING FOCUS GROUP CONVERSATIONS • ACCCESSIBILITY WORKING GROUP (5 PARTICIPANTS) • SPORT ASSOCIATIONS (6 PARTICIPANTS) • FAMILIES (4 PARTICIPANTS) • SENIORS (8 PARTICIPANTS) ATTENDEES PARTICIPATED IN A GAME VERSION OF A SWOT ACTIVITY (STRENGTHS, WEAKNESS, OPPORTUNITIES, THREATS) ACCESSIBILITY WORKING GROUP • need for basics : clear and smooth pathways, parking, accessible buildings, and spaces within buildings • integrated programming • strength of the system is the accessible playground at Augsburg SPORT ASSOCIATIONS (6 PARTICIPANTS) • outdoor recreation facilities are gems in the region! • neighborhood parks are an incredible resource • huge need for indoor space (all season). Need for more fields overall. potential for more courts • the changing interests in sports is constant • desire and need to support both organized sports and community open use of facilities FAMILIES (4 PARTICIPANTS) • small neighborhood parks are gems! • need for more regular trash and maintenance = improve feelings or pride and safety • opportunities for youth volunteer engagement and programming • Need for more eyes on the park • love green open spaces SENIORS (8 PARTICIPANTS) • there are unique resources that are really loved within the community that should be protected (community gardens, farmers market, pool, augsburg) • neighborhood parks are gems! • need to improve basic accessibility (pathways, parking, shade) • protect natural resources Page 21 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING QUESTION 1 | FROM THE INFORMATION SHARED TONIGHT, WHAT RESONATES WITH YOU? Page 22 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING QUESTION 2 | DO THESE FINDINGS REFLECT WHAT YOU’RE HEARING FROM THE COMMUNITY? WHAT’S MISSING? Page 23 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING QUESTION 3 | ARE THERE ANY TENSIONS OR COMPETING PRIORITIES IN WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM THE COMMUNITY THAT YOU THINK DESERVE FURTHER EXPLORATION? Page 24 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING QUESTION 4 | BASED ON WHAT WE’VE LEARNED, WHAT IDEAS OR PRIORITIES STAND OUT AS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT TO CARRY FORWARD INTO THE PARK SYSTEM VISION STATEMENT? Page 25 of 41 RICHFIELD PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROS CONSULTING NEXT STEPS 1. Close Out Phase 1 - Finalize community engagement and existing conditions assessments. - Finalize the equity analysis tool and other assessments. 2. Phase 2: Visioning & Recommendations - Develop a draft vision, mission, and guiding principles. - Identify systemwide recommendations and investment priorities. - Develop conceptual park plans for selected parks. 3. Community and City Council Check-In - Share the draft vision, guiding principles, and preliminary recommendations. - Gather Community and Council feedback to inform refinement of the plan. 4. Phase 3: Master Plan Development - Refine recommendations and establish implementation priorities. - Develop the draft Park System Master Plan. - Prepare the final plan for review and adoption. Page 26 of 41 City Council Meeting 10/13/2026 Agenda Section: Item Discussion Agenda Item: 2.b. Report Prepared By: Karl Huemiller, Recreation Director Department Director: Karl Huemiller, Recreation Director Item for Consideration: Wood Lake Nature Center Building Update EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Wood Lake Nature Center building project began design in January 2024. Construction is now nearing completion with an expected move in date for staff of mid- October 2026, and the building opening to the public in mid to late November 2026. The project costs are currently covered by the funding sources available. During the work session, staff will provide an update on the construction progress and budget for the Wood Lake Nature Center building construction project. RECOMMENDED ACTION No Action HISTORICAL CONTEXT None EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS None POLICIES (RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, REGULATIONS, STATUTES, ETC.) None CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES None FINANCIAL IMPACT None LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS None ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S) None ATTACHMENTS 1. WLNC Update Presentation - R1 Page 27 of 41 Page 28 of 41 Wood Lake Nature Center Building project timeline and budget update City Council | October 13, 2026 www.richfieldmn.gov Page 29 of 41 Project Timeline: Funding Predesign and securing project funding, 2021 –2024 1 Predesign 2021 City and HGA team defined community needs, preliminary design and cost model used to raise funds 2 State and Federal Funding 2023 $12M State and $3M Federal funding secured 3 Referendum Authorization 2023 Legislature authorized a local sales tax referendum 4 Local Sales Tax Referendum November 2024 Voters approved the local sales tax, providing $11M Page 30 of 41 Project Timeline: Design Architect selection through GMP, 2023 –2025 1 Architect Selected December 2023 2 Program Validation January – May 2024 3 Schematic Design May – August 2024 4 Design Development September – November 2024 5 Construction Documents September 2024 – March 2025 6 GMP Signed February 2025 Page 31 of 41 Project Timeline: Construction September 2025 to a November 17, 2026 opening 1 Construction Start September 2025 Demolition of the existing building 2 Out of the Ground November 2025 Foundations complete; structure rising 3 Last Timber Beam Raised March 2026 Mass timber structure complete 4 Building Enclosed May 2026 Roof and exterior envelope complete 5 Substantial Completion October 2026 6 Staff Move-In October 19, 2026 7 Grand Opening Tuesday, November 17, 2026 Building opens Page 32 of 41 Funding Sources Sources totaling $27.32 million Source Amount State funding $12,000,000 Local sales tax $11,000,000 Federal funding $3,000,000 Friends of Wood Lake $300,000* Allocated CIB and donations $520,512 Capital Fund Interest $477,000 Xcel Energy / CenterPoint rebate $17,828 Federal rebates ? Returned construction contingency ? Total $27,315,340 * Friends of Wood Lake account balance: $665,455 Page 33 of 41 Construction: GMP and Change Orders Mortenson (CM at Risk); fifteen owner change orders executed CO Month Item Amount Feb 2025 Original GMP $21,378,425 1 May 2025 Bid alternates $75,776 2 Aug 2025 Additional water line replacement $12,393 3 Sep 2025 NEPA delay, builder's risk, WAC/SAC, asbestos $662,454 4 Sep 2025 ASI 3, security cameras, glulam; signage credit $134,120 5 Nov 2025 ASI 1 and 2 telecom changes $67,179 6 Jan 2026 ASI 4, jellyfish groundwater; contingency credit $83,306 7 Feb 2026 ASI 5, fin tube radiation change $12,363 8 Mar 2026 ASI 6, plumbing revisions, ADA dishwasher $27,028 9 Apr 2026 Staff office knee wall heights $1,443 10 May 2026 ASI 7 (incl. key cards), ASI 8 $82,285 11 Jun 2026 Child toilet, Fire Dept. key box $19,337 12 Jul 2026 ASI 9, playground footings, gate; paver credit $43,344 13 Jul 2026 ASI 10, added trim $25,795 14 Aug 2026 ASI 11, playground curb, casework, striping $13,212 15 Sep 2026 Food truck power, multipurpose casework $14,908 Total change orders (+6.0%)$1,274,943 Current GMP $22,653,368 Page 34 of 41 Architectural and Engineering Fees Only two amendments added to HGA's base fee Item Amount Base agreement $1,703,956 HGA base fee (Dec. 2023)$1,685,956 Reimbursable expenses (est.)$18,000 Additional Services $181,500 Am. 1 Signage, exhibit lighting, FF&E, AV design; commissioning $181,500 City-requested add-ons and extenuating circumstances $80,200 Am. 2 Geothermal redesign and alternates $35,800 Am. 3 State predesign report $30,000 Am. 4 Exhibit coordination $14,400 Additions to the base fee $92,384 Am. 5 Extended construction administration $80,884 Am. 6 Additional construction administration $11,500 Total HGA fees $2,058,040 Additions to the base fee: $92,384 (5.5% of base fee) Page 35 of 41 Non-Construction Costs Owner costs outside the construction contract: $392,115 $19,400 $89,474 $108,176 $175,064 Demolition and hazardous materials abatement Local Option Sales Tax State and federal grant requirements Site investigation, testing, contracting, review and sewer work Page 36 of 41 FF&E, IT/AV, Signage and Playground Owner-purchased items: $798,003 $429,659 FF&E Furniture, common-area furnishings and window treatments $81,416 IT and AV costs Meeting and classroom AV, digital signage, Vestaboard $80,075 Building signage Contracted separately from construction $206,853 Playground Nature-themed play structures Page 37 of 41 Exhibits: Phase 1 Designed by Science Museum of Minnesota; installed by opening day $386,463 Exhibit design (SMM) Complete and paid $312,500 Fabrication: Blue Rhino Studio Underwater sculpture and ground form, cattails, two large murals $235,327 Fabrication: SMM Watershed table, binocular station, Everyone's a Naturalist, Wood Lake History Exhibit, eBird kiosk, animal graphics, three murals Phase 1 fabrication total: $547,827 Installation begins October 19 and is complete before the November 17 opening. Page 38 of 41 Exhibits: Phase 2 Funded by the Friends of Wood Lake Component Vendor Amount Floor map and viewing stations SMM $52,097 Outdoor bronze muskrat sculpture Blue Rhino Studio $57,700 Classroom murals Blue Rhino Studio $49,420 Phase 2 total $159,217 Scope changes •Canceled: Night and Day Play Space ($39,542); Biome Balance ($33,229) •On hold: Paludarium cattails ($42,500) •Installation: October 19 – November 17, with Phase 1 Page 39 of 41 Budget Overview Available funds compared with current project budget $27,315,340 Available funds $27,111,095 Current project budget $204,245 Remaining Budget category Amount Construction (GMP incl. pending changes)$22,769,431 Architectural and engineering fees $2,058,040 Non-construction costs $392,115 FF&E, IT/AV, signage and playground $798,003 Exhibit design $386,463 Exhibit fabrication, Phase 1 $547,827 Exhibit fabrication, Phase 2 $159,217 Current project budget $27,111,095 * Remaining does not include returned contingency or solar and geothermal rebates Page 40 of 41 Questions www.richfieldmn.gov Grand Opening Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 4 p.m. Wood Lake Nature Center | 6710 Lake Shore Drive Page 41 of 41