Board of Commissioners Meetings

The agenda for the October 15, 2026, Regular Board Meeting is available here.

The Board Meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Three Rivers Park District Administrative Center, 3000 Xenium Lane N., Plymouth, MN.

Superintendent’s Recommendation:

NO ACTION REQUIRED.

Background Information:

Any individual wishing to address the Board on subjects which are not part of the meeting agenda may do so at this time. Such items will typically be referred to staff for review, action and/or recommendation for future board action. The public will also be provided an opportunity to address the Board on items which are on the agenda at the appropriate time.

If you would like to submit written comments in advance of the Board Meeting that will be shared with the Board, you may post them below in the comment box under the agenda item you wish to address or under People Wishing to Address the Board if it's a topic not on the Board Meeting agenda. Comments received by 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday before the Board Meeting will be shared with Commissioners at the meeting.

Superintendent's Recommendation:

NO ACTION REQUIRED; THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.

Prepared By: Sierra Spicer-Zimmerman, Development & Events Manager

Background:

Commissioners and/or staff are encouraged to report any special matters, awards, recognitions or other acknowledgements at this time.

Acknowledgement of Donations

The Board wishes to acknowledge the following donations to the Park District of $500 or more made in the the past month.

• 2nd Swing Golf and Golf Stix, Inc. - $20,000 directed to First Tee Programs.
• Tracey Stephenson, Long Lake - $7,000 to dedicate a tribute bench on the Dakota Rail Regional Trail in memory of Edwin Lawrence Stephenson III.
• United States Academic Decathlon (USAD) - $7,000 to dedicate a tribute bench in Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in memory of Dr. Les Martisko.

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

Superintendent's Recommendation:

NO ACTION REQUIRED; THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.

Background:

• 2026 Proposed Board Meeting and Study Session Calendar attached.
• Calendar of 2026 Meetings and Events attached.

Update(s):

• 2027 Proposed Board Meeting and Study Session Calendar attached.
• Fall Fest Recap

Attachments:

2026 Proposed Board Meeting and Study Session Calendar.pdf

Calendar of Meetings and Events.pdf

2027 Proposed Board Meeting and Study Session Calendar.pdf

Superintendent's Recommendation:

SWEARING-IN OF PUBLIC SAFETY POLICE OFFICERS BEN CHOWEN, BEN LANGLAND-JOHNSON, AND JOHN MADDEN ADMINISTERED BY JOHN GIBBS, BOARD CHAIR.

Background:

Ben Chowen

Please join us in welcoming Ben Chowen to the Three Rivers Park District Department of Public Safety! Ben has returned home to Minnesota after 12 years of service in law enforcement with the National Park Service, most recently serving at the Grand Canyon. In addition to his law enforcement experience, Ben is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with extensive Search and Rescue experience. Ben and his wife, Amanda, have one child and are expecting their second. They are excited to be back in Minnesota, enjoying the fall season and spending time outdoors hiking, biking, and making maple syrup. We are excited to have Ben join our team and look forward to having him serve our community!

Ben Langland-Johnson

Ben Langland-Johnson brings a background in law enforcement, security, and emergency medical services. He spent six years with the Pelican Rapids Police Department before beginning his 11-year career at Children's Minnesota. Ben holds an Associate's Degree in Law Enforcement and a Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity, and also has previous experience as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Outside of work, Ben has been married to his wife, Claire, for 10 years, and together they have a 16-month-old son. Ben enjoys traveling with his family, spending time outdoors, and exploring new places whenever possible. In his free time, you can find him on the golf course, playing Xbox with friends, or sightseeing and making new memories with his family.

John Madden

We are excited to welcome part-time Officer John Madden to the department. John comes to us with 2 ½ years of law enforcement experience as a Deputy with the Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Office. There, he served as the coordinator for the reserve deputy program. John earned his Associate's Degree in Law Enforcement from Rasmussen University in 2022. Prior to his law enforcement career, he worked in Allina Health Corporate Security, where he served as a Field Training Officer, Behavioral Emergency Response Instructor, and Sergeant.

In his free time, John enjoys riding his motorcycle through the scenic river bluffs of southeastern Minnesota, golfing, and laser engraving wooden signage and other knick-knacks. John grew up in Champlin and has many fond memories enjoying Elm Creek Park Reserve and Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. We welcome John to the department!

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:

Oath of Office - Police Officer Ben Chowen.pdf

Oath of Office - Police Officer Ben Langland-Johnson.pdf

Oath of Office - Police Officer John Madden.pdf

All matters listed under Routine Business are considered to be standard items by the Board of Commissioners and will be enacted by one motion. For background information about any of the items listed below, visit this link.

Item 5A. Modernization and Legacy Grant Funds Reassignment

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO TERMINATE THE LEGACY GRANT SG-24P4-09-10 FOR BAKER CAMPGROUND IMPROVEMENTS AND DIRECT STAFF TO WORK WITH THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO REASSIGN THE LEGACY GRANT FUNDS ($223,345.44) AND UNSPENT MODERNIZATION GRANT FUNDS FROM THE SAME PROJECT (SG-24P5-09-01: $96,946.52) TO THE BRYANT LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECT.

Item 5B. Receive the Third Quarter 2026 Public Safety Incident Report

Superintendent's Recommendation:

NO ACTION REQUIRED.

Item 5C. Amend the 2026 Asset Management Plan to Include New Supplemental Cost Share Funding for Starry Stonewort Treatments in Medicine Lake

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO AMEND THE 2026 ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN TO INCLUDE SUPPLEMENTAL COST SHARE FUNDING IN THE AMOUNTS OF $20,000 FROM MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, $15,000 FROM HENNEPIN COUNTY, $30,000 FROM CITY OF PLYMOUTH, AND $5,000 FROM CITY OF MEDICINE LAKE TO SUPPORT STARRY STONEWORT TREATMENTS IN MEDICINE LAKE.

Item 5D. Regional Trail System Winter Use Permits

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE WINTER USE PERMITS FOR 2026-27 FOR THE CITIES OF BROOKLYN CENTER, BROOKLYN PARK, MAPLE GROVE AND MINNETONKA, AND 2026-29 FOR THE CITIES OF DEEPHAVEN, SHOREWOOD, AND EDEN PRAIRIE.

Item 5E. Board Minutes of September 17, 2026

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 17, 2026, REGULAR BOARD MEETING.

Item 5F. Approval of Claims for the Period Ended September 30, 2026

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2026, IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,700,166.25.

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE OF THE FOLLOWING EASEMENTS FOR THE BRYANT LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL PROJECT:

1. PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,900 FOR 2,899 SQUARE FEET OF PERMANENT EASEMENT AND 7,334 SQUARE FEET OF TEMPORARY EASEMENT AT 5900 ROWLAND ROAD IN MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA.
2. PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,300 FOR 2,783 SQUARE FEET OF TEMPORARY EASEMENT AT 5425 ROWLAND ROAD IN MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA.
3. PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,000 FOR 2,740 SQUARE FEET OF TEMPORARY EASEMENT AT 5319 BAKER ROAD IN MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA.
4. PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,000 FOR 5,521 SQUARE FEET OF TEMPORARY EASEMENT AT 5135 BAKER ROAD IN MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA.
5. PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,400 FOR 1,377 SQUARE FEET OF PERMANENT EASEMENT AND 4,463 SQUARE FEET OF TEMPORARY EASEMENT AT 5109 BAKER ROAD IN MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA.
6. PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,200 FOR 270 SQUARE FEET OF TEMPORARY EASEMENT AT 4925 BAKER ROAD IN MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA.
7. PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,500 FOR 585 SQUARE FEET OF TEMPORARY EASEMENT AT 4905 BAKER ROAD IN MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA.
8. PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,100 FOR 948 SQUARE FEET OF TEMPORARY EASEMENT AT 4748 BAKER ROAD IN MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA.
9. PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,000 FOR 1,334 SQUARE FEET OF TEMPORARY EASEMENT AT 4603 DEERWOOD DRIVE IN MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA.
10. PURCHASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,000 FOR 1,978 SQUARE FEET OF TEMPORARY EASEMENT AT 4600 DEERWOOD DRIVE IN MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA.

Prepared By: Josh Bowe, Director of Design

Background:

The Board authorized staff to acquire easements required to complete the Bryant Lake Regional Trail in Minnetonka at its regular meeting on February 19, 2026, with the understanding that finalized permanent and temporary easements would be brought before the Board for approval at future meetings.

Since that meeting, staff has been able to reach agreements with ten private property owners where easements are required. A summary of information regarding each purchase is provided.

The easement costs vary depending on the size of permanent easements, temporary easements, and affected site improvements. Affected site improvements may include tree loss, landscaping removal, or fence removal and will increase compensation for an easement.

Parcel 4 – 5900 Rowland Road

• Trail construction requires 2,899 square feet of permanent easement and 7,334 square feet of temporary easement.
• $16,900 accepted by property owner

Parcel 41 – 5425 Rowland Road

• Trail construction requires 2,783 square feet of temporary easement.
• $15,300 accepted by property owner

Parcel 45 – 5319 Baker Road

• Trail construction requires 2,740 square feet of temporary easement.
• $29,000 accepted by property owner

Parcel 52 – 5135 Baker Road

• Trail construction requires 5,521 square feet of temporary easement.
• $13,000 accepted by property owner

Parcel 54 – 5109 Baker Road

• Trail construction requires 1,377 square feet of permanent easement and 4,463 square feet of temporary easement.
• $39,400 accepted by property owner

Parcel 62 – 4925 Baker Road

• Trail construction requires 270 square feet of temporary easement.
• $3,200 accepted by property owner

Parcel 66 – 4905 Baker Road

• Trail construction requires 585 square feet of temporary easement.
• $3,500 accepted by property owner

Parcel 70 – 4748 Baker Road

• Trail construction requires 948 square feet of temporary easement.
  • $5,100 accepted by property owner

Parcel 79 – 4603 Deerwood Drive

• Trail construction requires 1,334 square feet of temporary easement.

• $16,000 accepted by property owner

Parcel 80 – 4600 Deerwood Drive

• Trail construction requires 1,978 square feet of temporary easement.

• $6,000 accepted by property owner

Staff will continue to negotiate with the other private property owners where easements are required.

If additional easement agreements are secured prior to the Board meeting, staff will walk-in a revised Board action to include those easements.

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:

P4_2026.03.10 THRIV 186616 Easement Exhibits.pdf

P41_2026.05.14 THRIV 186616 Easement Exhibits.pdf

P45_2026.03.10 THRIV 186616 Easement Exhibits.pdf

P52_2026.06.17 THRIV 186616 Easement Exhibits.pdf

P54_2026.06.17 THRIV 186616 Easement Exhibits.pdf

P62_2026.06.17 THRIV 186616 Easement Exhibits.pdf

P66_2026.06.17 THRIV 186616 Easement Exhibits.pdf

P70_2026.03.10 THRIV 186616 Easement Exhibits.pdf

P79_2026.03.10 THRIV 186616 Easement Exhibits.pdf

P80_2026.03.10 THRIV 186616 Easement Exhibits.pdf

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ADOPT THE 2027 OPERATING BUDGET FOR BAKER NATIONAL GOLF COURSE, WITH REVENUES AND EXPENSES OF $3,350,000 INCLUDING A BUDGETED CONTINGENCY OF $101,989.

Prepared By: Jeff May, Director of Enterprise Operations; Brad Chock, Director of Maintenance; Kent Kloster, Golf Operations Supervisor; Kyle Stirn, Golf Maintenance Supervisor and SHaan Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer.

Background:

The specifics of the 2027 Baker National Golf Course proposed operating budget are discussed in the attached 2027 recommended budget packet. An overview of the proposed budget includes revenues of $3,350,000 and operating expenses of $3,350,000 including a contingency of $101,989.

Attachments:

2027 Baker National Budget DRAFT JM SH.pdf

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ADOPT THE 2027 OPERATING BUDGET FOR EAGLE LAKE GOLF CENTER, WITH REVENUES AND EXPENSES OF $1,325,000 INCLUDING A BUDGETED CONTINGENCY OF $54,237.

Prepared By: Jeff May, Director of Enterprise Operations; Brad Chock, Director of Maintenance; Troy Nygaard, Golf Operations Supervisor; Mark Boonstra, Golf Maintenance Supervisor and Shaan Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer.

Background:

Eagle Lake Golf Center is the home of The First Tee for Three Rivers Park District. The specifics of the proposed operating budget are discussed in the attached 2027 recommended budget packet. An overview of the proposed budget includes revenues of $1,325,000 and operating expenses of $1,325,000 including a contingency of $54,237.

Attachments:

2027 Eagle Lake Budget draft TN JM SH.pdf

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ADOPT THE 2027 OPERATING BUDGET FOR HYLAND GREENS GOLF COURSE WITH REVENUES AND EXPENSES OF $784,520.

Prepared By: Jeff May, Director of Enterprise Operations; Brad Chock, Director of Maintenance; Mark Hill, Golf Operations Supervisor; Mark Boonstra, Golf Maintenance Supervisor and Shaan Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer.

Background:

Three Rivers Park District now owns Hyland Greens Golf Course (the facility was given to the Park District in April of 2024). The specifics of the proposed operating budget are discussed in the attached 2027 recommended budget packet. An overview of the proposed budget includes revenues and expenses of $784,520.

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:

2027 Hyland Greens Budget draft MH JM SH.pdf