The City Council recently adopted a new process for the City Services Department to consider community projects meant to enhance and improve our parks, recreational programs and facilities.
“We have not had a formal process or consistent practice on how we evaluate what goes into our parks,” said City Services Director Nick Arola. “This will help us gain control over what goes into our parks and programming. Through this process, we will vet the requests and have a record of it.”
Arola encourages user groups and those with ideas to spruce up our parks to review the process and utilize it if applicable. “Spruce up” could include beautifying, adding an amenity or any other improvement suggestion.
“Projects must meet this mission: To enhance the quality of life of our citizens through its parks, facilities, and recreational opportunities to promote a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle for all,” noted Arola.
Some criteria used to determine recommendation to the City Council, include (but are not limited to):
- Estimated cost of project
- Available city funding (if any). Placement in Capital Improvement Plan, if meets criteria.
- Economic impact to community
- Feasibility of completing the project
- Staff resources needed to implement and maintain the project
- Does the project duplicate an existing amenity or conflict with an existing use?
- Does the project promote diversity, equity and inclusion, including ADA requirements?
- How does the project enhance local quality of life?
- Impact to natural resources
The City Services Director and Project Review Team review all requests and decide whether to recommend a project to the City Council for action. The council makes the final decision.
An overview of how to submit a project application and the actual application can be found at https://hibbingmn.gov/481/Parks-Rec-Forms.
For questions or more information, email nickarola@hibbingmn.gov or call the City Services office at 218-263-5951.
