Planning for Kensington Park Playground in Mendota Heights on New Path, Same Schedule

A revamped approach for changes at Kensington Park was the main discussion when a complete Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission met April 12.

Previously, the commission planned for a survey of residents to provide initial guidance for the new playground slated for Kensington Park. However, Mayor Sandra Krebsbach does not support an informal survey as a proper assessment of the park's needs.*

Instead, the commission will solicit several ideas from playground equipment vendors to show the public at the Kensington Park Open House, still scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 26. Hosted by the commission, the open house will be the first chance for residents to see some of the playground ideas that may become a reality. 

The current area needs a majority of new equipment, while some of the freestanding pieces and swings may be able to be refurbished. The gravel covering the area is not accessible to people with limited mobility, so a new accessible surface will also be necessary.

The accelerated timeline now requires vendors to step up with ideas in the next 13 days, followed by informal feedback by the public and then the commission’s recommendation of a specific design. Construction would be completed as planned by early fall.

“The challenge before us is to try and fill a play area with something meaningful, something that has bang for the buck, and that will last for years,” Sedlacek said. “Our original goal of a September installation is still possible, but we need strong ideas now.”

May 10th Trail Discussion

Mendota Heights trails are also being considered for improvements, and the Parks and Recreation Commission has planned an in-depth discussion for the May 10th commission meeting.

In addition to presenting detailed materials, Sedlacek will be summarizing the feedback he has recently received from residents about the trails. Trail maintenance, some new ideas for connection trails, and related issues will be discussed.

Commission chairperson Ray Morris emphasized that this is the first step toward continually improving trails.

“The trails are showing their age, but to completely redo them is not possible,” he said, adding that the meeting will just “scratch the surface” of a long-term plan for the pathways.

Summer Recreation Opportunities

• The Parks Celebration is scheduled for June 4 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Mendakota Park. The celebration will include live music, a petting zoo, fire truck rides and some of the craft activities that have proven popular at the Summer Playgrounds program.

• Registration for Mendota Heights youth trips, Summer Playgrounds program, softball and more is ongoing. City officials recommend registering for programs as soon as possible. Online registration is available.

*Editor's Note: This article has been edited to clarify that the mayor does not support an informal survey for the Kensington Park project specifically.