Lake Elmo staff outline vision and timeline for proposed 76-acre sports complex

Parks staff updated the Lake Elmo Parks Commission on plans for a proposed 76-acre sports complex south of Fish Lake Park, telling commissioners that early stakeholder outreach showed strong interest from baseball, softball and soccer associations.

"If you were to build something like this, it would be at least 20 to $25,000,000," said the presenter (staff), describing a concept that could include four to five baseball/softball fields, four soccer fields, lighting, parking, concessions and the possible use of artificial turf.

Staff said the city will start a community engagement and financial analysis process in January, seek a preliminary report by June and a final report by August, and that a referendum would not be automatic but could be considered for the November 7, 2028, election if council pursues that route. The presenter noted that grading, stormwater ponds and parking infrastructure drive much of the cost and that turf replacement and maintenance must be factored into long‑term budgets.

Commissioners asked about staging, whether some elements could be phased, and how existing facilities such as Lions Park and Legion fields would integrate with a new mega complex. The presenter said phasing and alternative, lower‑cost pathways will be part of the financial analysis and community-engagement materials.

The commission was told the city intends to include the project in a national community survey and to advertise consultant recruitment in January; staff recommended frequent commission updates and possible workshops to allow commissioner input on master-plan priorities and phasing.

Next steps: staff will begin consultant selection and financial analysis in January and return to the commission with preliminary findings in mid-2026, ahead of any council decision about a referendum.