Prairie Park Phase 1 Improvements

City of Otsego - Next Steps for Prairie Park Phase 1 Improvements - 3/10/2025

At the March 9th City Council meeting the City of Otsego has approved design and engineering agreements to begin work on Phase 1 of the Prairie Park Master Plan, marking an important step toward implementing improvements at one of the community’s most widely used parks.

Prairie Park (located at: 13355 90th Street NE, Otsego, MN 55330) serves as a central recreational destination for Otsego residents and hosts youth sports, community events, and outdoor activities. It is also the location of the city’s largest annual event, the Prairie Festival. The Prairie Park Master Plan was adopted by the City Council in August 2024 following an extensive community engagement process that included surveys, open houses, and feedback from the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Prairie Park advisory committee. 

With the approval of design and engineering services, the City will now begin the planning and design process for the first phase of improvements. The project team will include landscape architects, engineers, and City staff working together to refine the design, confirm construction costs, and prepare the project for bidding and construction. 

Phase 1 Improvements

Phase 1 improvements focus on the central portion of Prairie Park and address several key priorities identified through the master planning process.

The revised Phase 1 scope includes:

  • A new destination playground featuring hybrid traditional and nature-based play elements, including accessible equipment and a zipline
  • An open-air pavilion with restrooms and concessions (replacing the originally proposed enclosed park building)
  • Ballfield complex improvements, which were originally planned for Phase 2 but have been incorporated into Phase 1
  • Parking lot resurfacing and expansion
  • Relocation and enhancement of the Veterans Memorial
  • Trail resurfacing and new sidewalks
  • Concrete plazas and gathering areas
  • New irrigation systems for the pavilion area and ballfields
  • New trees, landscaping, and prairie restoration areas
  • Additional site improvements including pedestrian lighting, stormwater management, and ADA accessibility upgrades.

These improvements address both recreational enhancements and deferred maintenance needs within Prairie Park.

Project Timeline

The project will move forward through several design, planning, and construction phases over the next two years.

2026 – Design and Planning Phase

  • March 2026: Begin schematic design and confirm project budget
  • April 2026: Initial Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to review design direction
  • May 2026: Community open house and online survey to gather public input on the proposed Phase 1 design
  • June 2026: Parks and Recreation Commission review and City Council update on project progress

During the remainder of 2026, the project team will continue design development, coordinate with engineering consultants, refine construction documents, and prepare cost estimates for the project. Additional Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council reviews will occur as the design advances. 

  • January 2027: City Council review of final design and public open house update
  • February–March 2027: Project bidding period
  • March–April 2027: City Council consideration of bid award and contractor selection
  • Spring 2027: Begin construction of Phase 1 improvements

Construction is anticipated to take place throughout the spring and summer of 2027, with the goal of completing the project by Fall 2027.

Project Funding

Phase 1 improvements are estimated to cost approximately $7.8 million, including construction, design, and contingency costs. 

Potential funding sources include:

  • Minnesota DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant (pending award, up to $500,000)
  • Park Development Fund
  • Parks Capital Equipment Fund
  • Debt financing or internal funding mechanisms

Community Engagement

The City will continue to provide opportunities for community input as the design process moves forward. Residents will be able to learn about the project and provide feedback through:

  • Public open houses
  • Online surveys
  • Updates on the City website
  • Social media
  • Otsego View newsletter

Community engagement will help guide final design decisions and ensure the improvements reflect the needs of Otsego residents.

View the Prairie Park Presentation

For more updates, please continue to check the mediums listed for communication or email Parks and Recreation Director Jacobs, njacobs@otsegomn.gov