On Tuesday, Feb. 17, the Hastings City Council convened for a work session that offered a sweeping look at the state of the city’s parks, trails, facilities and recreation programs — and a glimpse of ambitious plans that could shape the community for decades.
Attending the session were Parks & Recreation Director Chris Jenkins, City Administrator Dan Wietecha, Mayor Mary Fasbender, Mayor for the Day Vivian Swanson and council members Mya Beck, Dave Pemble, Tim Lawrence, DawnMarie Vihrachoff and Angie Haus. The discussion ranged from aging playgrounds and emerald ash borer to the potential creation of a regional athletic complex and an inclusive destination park.
Jenkins framed the evening as a “Parks and Rec 101” overview — a status report on current operations and future needs — but it quickly became clear that the department’s work extends far beyond mowing grass and maintaining ball fields.
Aquatic Center: Growth and aging infrastructure
The city’s aquatic center, built in 1998, remains one of the department’s busiest facilities. Jenkins noted that the seasonal manager position was recently expanded from six months to eight months annually — a move he described as “a huge lift” that allows for earlier preparation and smoother operations.
Seasonal staff retention at the pool continues to impress. Jenkins reported that 80–85% of seasonal staff return each year, a figure that stands out statewide. “When we talk about that at conferences, people are flabbergasted,” he said.
Demand for programming has surged. Swim lesson registrations have climbed from roughly 300–350 participants when current management began to nearly 1,000 each summer. The department is exploring ways to expand access, including a new “sensory splash” offering that would provide limited-capacity swim times for individuals who benefit from quieter, less stimulating environments.
At the same time, the 27-year-old facility is showing its age. Last year, the city repaired concrete gutters and underground piping. This year, attention turns to failing construction joints in the pool basin — the expansion seams between concrete slabs that are designed to keep water from escaping.
Repairs must be completed before the pool is filled this season. Jenkins emphasized that the infrastructure remains sound, but ongoing investment will be necessary to preserve the facility.
New permanent shade structures, approved in the budget, will replace aging temporary umbrellas, improving both safety and aesthetics.

Arena upgrades and long-term questions

At the Hastings Civic Arena, a series of major upgrades have recently wrapped up, including a new west rink roof, solar panel installation, a modern ammonia refrigeration system and updated electrical switchgear.
The improvements are already yielding operational efficiencies. Jenkins said staff observed that during fall startup — even with two sheets of ice running — the arena operated on one compressor where previously three older units would have been required.
Council members discussed monitoring electrical consumption over a full year to better assess solar savings.
The building’s exterior mural, completed in 2025 under the guidance of the Arts and Culture Commission, has transformed the arena’s industrial façade. New lighting further enhances the visual impact. Jenkins said he is now exploring signage options to better brand the facility and make it more recognizable to visitors entering town.
Longer term, the arena faces significant capital needs, including eventual roof replacement over locker rooms and parking lot improvements. Wietecha cautioned that large expenditures — potentially in the hundreds of thousands of dollars — may require conversations with user groups about rental rates to help offset costs.
Programming success and community engagement
Jenkins praised Recreation Supervisor Paige Marschall Bigler for her leadership in programming. Now in her 10th year with the city, she has streamlined her focus on recreation events and activities.
Attendance at community events continues to grow, with 2025 figures nearing 10,000 participants — a number Jenkins believes is conservatively counted.
Council members complimented early outreach to bands and vendors for summer programming, noting appreciation from local performers for the city’s proactive communication.
Park maintenance, forestry and Emerald Ash Borer
Hastings maintains 37 parks, 22 playgrounds, 16 ball fields and approximately 30 miles of trails — far more parkland than many cities of similar size.
While the department is fully staffed, Jenkins described the constant balancing act of responding to weather, equipment breakdowns and public requests.
A major ongoing challenge is emerald ash borer. Approximately 1,400 ash trees once lined city boulevards alone, with many more on private property. Trees not treated are effectively lost, Jenkins said.
Forestry staff must manage removals, treatments, public education and compliance for replanting. Residents facing hardship may qualify for assistance programs. The city may assess costs to properties that fail to replace required boulevard trees.
The department has also embraced native plantings and pollinator habitat in select parks, including CP Adams Park and the Southwest Ponding Basin.
Trails and regional connections
Dakota County’s Mississippi River Greenway and Vermillion River Greenway have been significant assets, shifting maintenance responsibility for major trail segments to the county.
Locally, however, the city still maintains roughly 23 miles of trails. Recent investments have focused on resurfacing the worst segments, but Jenkins emphasized the need for continued funding.
Council members discussed the long-standing vision of connecting Hastings trails to the Cannon Valley Trail system through Goodhue County and Red Wing. While Dakota County has indicated it will build to the county line, neighboring jurisdictions have not prioritized the connection.
Aging playgrounds and inclusive vision
Nine city playgrounds are now between 20 and 26 years old; three are 27 years old. Industry standards recommend replacement every 20 years.
Jenkins estimated that replacing playground equipment at a typical neighborhood park costs approximately $80,000, with installation adding 20–30%. With $150,000 budgeted in 2026 for park improvements, the department may prioritize one site — possibly Roadside Park — for major replacement.
Staff certified as playground safety inspectors have conducted audits, identifying worn slides, peeling coatings and aging components that require close monitoring.
Beyond routine replacement, the council discussed pursuing a Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Grant to create an inclusive park — potentially at Tuttle Park. The grant could provide up to $500,000 in matching funds.
Council members referenced successful inclusive playgrounds in neighboring communities and emphasized the goal of integrating children of all abilities in shared play spaces. A conceptual layout and cost estimates are being developed, with a resolution to apply for funding expected in early March.
Veterans Park and a bold athletic complex proposal
One of the most ambitious discussions centered on the long-term future of Veterans Athletic Park, much of which sits on state-owned land under lease.
Jenkins said the city has initiated conversations with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs regarding renewal or potential acquisition of the 48-acre site.
He outlined a vision for an expanded athletic complex featuring softball and baseball “pinwheel” field layouts, multi-use athletic greens, support facilities, parking and tournament infrastructure.
Similar complexes in other communities have demonstrated strong economic impact, drawing weekend tournaments that benefit hotels, restaurants and retail businesses. Jenkins estimated comparable developments elsewhere have cost several million dollars.
Mayor Fasbender and council members asked about seasonal transitions and potential winter uses. While outdoor ice rinks remain weather-dependent, multi-use concepts — including skating trails — were discussed.
Jenkins acknowledged the proposal remains aspirational but emphasized its economic development potential.
Throughout the session, Jenkins reiterated a central theme: infrastructure has a life cycle, and investment must be strategic and sustained.
From pool joints and playground slides to trail resurfacing and forestry management, the city faces ongoing maintenance demands. At the same time, council members expressed enthusiasm for forward-looking projects that enhance quality of life and position Hastings as a regional destination.
Mayor for the Day Vivian Swanson, who had toured city departments earlier, listened as discussions ranged from zip lines and shade structures to million-dollar grants.
By evening’s end, the message was clear: Hastings’ parks and recreation system is both a cherished community asset and a complex enterprise requiring careful planning, creative funding and community support.