Summit Square Park
Overview
| Address | 5201 Capitol Street NE |
|---|---|
| Start Date | 2026-2027 |
| End Date | TBD |
| Current Status | Implementation Planning |
| Park Type | Neighborhood Park |
| Size | 1 acre |
| Special Uses | Underground Infiltration Basin |
Current Status
This neighborhood park services neighborhood #39 but also helps to service neighborhood #35. It is somewhat hidden in the neighborhood and is split onto two separate lots with an undersized full basketball court and playground on the north lot and a single tennis court and lawn on the south lot. The south lot also contains an underground infiltration basin structure that prohibits improvements above it.
Improvements
General recommendations includes replacement of existing amenities as needed for an improved recreational experience with a stronger visual connection to tie the separate parcels together.
Recommendations include:
- Park sign at corner of Hughes and Horizon
- Landscape enhancements & screening
- Low-grow lawns in select areas
- New trail connections between the two park parcels (remove some hedge plants)
- Replace playground equipment meeting broader range of challenge levels and age groups
- ADA compliant playground surfacing (engineered wood fiber)
- Concrete playground border
- Repave basketball court (potentially enlarge)
- Improve tennis court when necessary
- Site furnishings with common characteristic (benches, tables, receptacles, bike racks, drinking fountain, etc.)
- Wayfinding signs
- Security light
Recommendations
A total of $50 million in possible park system improvements were identified in the Park Plan. Based on resident input, Fridley City Council directed staff to work with a Park Plan Refinement Task Force advisory group to recommend $30 million in park projects that would be most impactful to the community.
Further, a resident Finance Task Force recommended funding the park system improvement plan by issuing General Obligation (GO) Tax Abatement Bonds for $20 million in bond proceeds, being repaid over no more than 15 years, with an additional $10 million to come from other City of Fridley funds.
Tax abatement is a tool that can be used by cities to abate all or a portion of property taxes levied by the City for a given purpose, such as public infrastructure improvements. All taxpayers, whether identified as an abated parcel or not, will continue to pay property taxes as they normally would. Minnesota Statute 469.1813 gives cities authority for tax abatement, and this has become an increasingly common means of funding park improvements, as they provide benefit to all residents. A requirement is holding a public hearing for the consideration of tax abatement, and that was held on May 23, 2022.The bonds will be repaid over 15 years with annual debt service payments being levied for and it is likely there will be an increase in property taxes beginning in 2023.
This plan will provide many opportunities for expanded recreation programming, enjoyment of nature and social gatherings. Enhancing and modernizing the city park system will position Fridley as a great place to live, work and play now and for many years to come.
