Falcon Heights parks commission discusses Lions donation and prioritizes Community Park repairs

The Falcon Heights Parks & Recreation Commission on May 4 discussed how to raise and accept donations for park projects and identified several near-term priorities for Community Park.

At a meeting at City Hall, Commission Vice Chair Tom Faust asked the commission to brainstorm park improvements that could be presented to the Falcon Heights - Lauderdale Lions Club, which Faust said has verbally committed to make a future donation. Staff member Kelly Nelson summarized relevant state statutes governing donations and fundraising so commissioners would understand legal limits on how donations must be handled.

The commission established a short "menu" of priority items for Community Park, listing: adding lighting and repairing a gap under the tennis-court fence; resurfacing the basketball court; and replacing the perimeter exercise equipment. Commissioners said the playground area will be discussed as a longer-term planning item.

Commissioner Robert Haight suggested creating an itemized list of projects to present to both the Lions and city council for approval. Chair Eric Brenton said the Lions could assist in the interim while the commission explores forming or renewing a Friends of the Park 501(c)(3), and recommended focusing on larger-ticket items that donors can more easily support.

Vice Chair Tom Faust noted that forming a 501(c)(3) typically requires a board and regular meetings; he presented this as a consideration rather than a legal finding. Nelson said she will research next steps, consult with the city administrator, obtain quotes for prioritized work, and schedule a meeting with the president of the Lions Club to discuss the potential donation.

The meeting also included routine business: Jerry Buckridge moved to approve the April 6, 2026 Parks and Recreation Commission minutes; the commission approved the motion 5-0. Commissioners were reminded that they will not meet in person in June and will conduct individual park audits to report back at the July meeting. The session adjourned at 8:04 p.m. after a motion by Buckridge that passed 5-0.

Next steps: staff will gather legal guidance on donation rules, request cost estimates for prioritized projects, and meet with the Lions Club; commissioners will complete park audits and reconvene in July to review recommendations.