Item 5D. Approve Cooperative Agreement with Scott County for Play Areas at Cleary Lake and Cedar Lake Farm Regional Parks
Superintendent's Recommendation:
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH SCOTT COUNTY FOR THE CLEARY LAKE AND CEDAR LAKE FARM REGIONAL PARK PLAY AREAS.
Prepared By: Matt Swenson, Project Manager; Patty Freeman, General Manager of Scott County Parks
Background:
Scott County and Three Rivers Park District collaborate to deliver park and trail services to the region by leveraging shared resources and expertise to enhance the scope, accessibility, and quality of the region’s park system that they collectively operate.
Consistent with this partnership, at its May 19, 2026 meeting, the Scott County Board approved a resolution authorizing entry into the attached Cooperative Agreement with Three Rivers Park District for the design and construction of new play areas at Cleary Lake and Cedar Lake Farm Regional Parks (refer to accompanying map).
The Agreement is between Scott County and Three Rivers Park District and covers cost participation, project delivery and procurement responsibilities, check in opportunities for the respective Boards, a cross-agency executive team for project and budget and coordination between the parties at key milestones during the process.
Consistent with the respective long-range plan for each regional park, and with the goal of introducing a new, free amenity that serves families and youth, the existing play area at Cleary Lake will be replaced with an upgraded facility featuring modern play equipment designed to engage a broader audience, while Cedar Lake Farm will receive its first substantial play area.
The total project budget is $1,000,000 ($500,000 for each play area). Scott County’s 2026-2030 Parks Improvement Program (PIP) includes funding for this project in 2027 (with design in 2026), using a combination of Scott County’s 2025 and 2026 allocation of Parks and Trails Legacy funding and Scott County Park Dedication dollars.
Funding:
- Scott County………………………………………………………………………………………….$1,000,000
- Three Rivers 2026 Operating for Project Delivery and Administration……..in Kind
Project Delivery:
Three Rivers Park District will manage these projects, utilizing the Park District procurement process for bidding and construction. The projects will include a Work Group consisting of Park District staff and members of the Scott-Three Rivers partnership team representing Planning, Park Maintenance and Park Facilities.
Project Schedule:
Design will get underway immediately following approval of the cooperative agreement, with construction anticipated in Spring/Summer 2027.
Impacts to the public:
Depending on final design of the play areas, trail sections immediately adjacent to the project sites may require closure to allow the contractors to safely maneuver around the space. Impacts to the public’s access to the recreation areas are not anticipated, beyond normal noise associated with construction equipment. Staff will have a better sense of impacts once design is complete and a construction contract is ready to be awarded.
Relationship to the System Plan:
The Request for Action supports the following goal(s) of the System Plan:
Goal 1: You Belong Here
Goal 2: Parks Matter
Goal 3: Lead by Example
Attachments:
