The Parks and Recreation Department has capital improvement projects slated yearly, and we want your park improvement ideas.
Eagan Invests in Parks & Recreation Facilities
We are planning our future fun, connections, and spaces, so we all can thrive.
Eagan residents love their parks and recreation opportunities. Nearly nine in 10 residents rate our parks a priority, and we work to reflect that community value. Our community boasts an extensive parks system with 60 parks and wide-ranging facilities and amenities, including trails, a water park, a splash pad, an ice arena, outdoor rinks, a community center, pavilions, accessible spaces, neighborhood play areas, and more.
Keeping Parks Current and Inclusive
“Over the past 10 years, we've re-envisioned and built many of the city's parks and public spaces to meet the needs of our growing and diversifying community,” says Andrew Pimental, Eagan's director of Parks & Recreation.
Besides the amenities mentioned above, Parks & Recreation has focused on building pickleball courts to cater to local fans of America's fastest-growing sport, adding inclusion spaces like Nature Play at Patrick Eagan Park and Destination All-Play at Woodhaven Park, and updating historical sites like Holz Farm to serve as learning venues for future generations.
“The City of Eagan is committed to making sure parks and recreation are available for all ages, interests, and abilities and we're always planning for our future,” Pimental says. “In 2019, we began studying how our parks and recreation facilities will need to evolve to serve you, your neighbors, and our future.”
Planning to Improve Recreation Facilities
We know how much our community values our 60 parks, our community facilities, and our green spaces. In fact, nearly all residents rate our parks and recreation opportunities positively and as a top City priority. We work to reflect those values.
Each year we look at our Eagan park system plan to ensure that our parks serve everyone. Here are a few projects we're investing in this year to keep our parks, buildings, and community vibrant in 2023 and beyond.
Eagan Art
HouseYour place to create and connect
Goat Hill Park and Skating Rink
Winter play destination
Eagan Community Center
A hub for community
What's next for these facilities?
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Eagan Art
HousePlanning how to create space for our thousands of users
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Goat Hill Park and Skating Rink
Design and planning of shelter/pavilion project
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Eagan Community Center
Planning and adjusting programs and amenities to serve everyone
Timeline
Next Steps for Three Key Spaces
That 2019 study found that our current facilities are aging and need updates, so in the coming years the City is planning to invest in the following parks and recreation facilities:
Eagan Art House: Now Open
Updating Your Place to Create: Building a New Eagan Art House
For more than 25 years, the Eagan Art House has been our community's place to create and connect. In fact, thousands of artists have visited the old 1960s rambler-style building every year since 1997. It was no surprise to users or staff that we needed a new art facility.
The new design integrates with Patrick Eagan Park, showcasing its beauty, and includes land restoration to a native oak savannah. An enhanced air filtration has improved safety, and a commitment to sustainability guided construction and maintenance. The new Art House had a soft opening this past spring, and the grand opening will take place Saturday, Sept. 13 from 12–4 p.m.
Goat Hill Park: Now Open
Goat Hill Park is a winter play destination for skating, hockey, and more. A partnership with the Eagan Hockey Association allowed the City to install a refrigerated rink in the fall of 2022 to better support the community's winter activities. To expand this amenity, a new shelter and pavilion will make the space even more of a winter destination and a year-round amenity.
We are excited to have you enjoy the new winter destination at Goat Hill Park!
Eagan Community Center
In 2024, City staff have been preparing the ECC Reinvestment Project, which will bring exciting upgrades to the Eagan Community Center (ECC). Improvements include a new upper-level fitness center, a larger group fitness studio, a dedicated personal training room, more bathrooms, new meeting and event spaces, a relocated and upgraded senior room, a new elevator, a renovated indoor playground, and an updated lobby and staircase.
Save the Date
The project will begin in fall 2024 and continue through 2026, with phased construction to minimize disruptions. Thank you for your patience and continued support as we enhance the ECC.
2026 Park Projects
Quarry Park Building
The City of Eagan is planning our future fun, connections, and spaces, so we all can thrive. As a part of our future planning, we are continuing to update Quarry Park for current and future needs.
Background on Quarry Park
Quarry Park has seen multiple phases of park redevelopment over the last few years. Eight pickleball courts were installed at the site, making it the first pickleball court complex in Eagan. Then, bocce ball courts were added to the park. These two amenities have made Quarry Park a seasonal destination.
The current bathroom and shelter building provides a small outdoor gathering space, a single small meeting room, and bathrooms. The new potential design provides multiple benefits, including ADA accessible restrooms, extendable exterior shade, and better building orientation to provide improved access to all park users.
- Contractors/Consultants: Nor-Son
- Staff Lead:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Project Cost Estimate: $1,000,000
- Location: 3340 Coachman Rd
| Event | Est. Start | Est. Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Advertisement for Bid/Request for Proposals | Winter 2025 | Winter 2025 |
| Public Comment | November 17, 2025 | November 17, 2025 |
| Construction Period | September 2026 | Spring 2027 |
| Opening Date | Spring 2027 | Spring 2027 |
Playground Installations
Annually, the parks and recreation department selects playgrounds for replacement based on the age and quality of the existing play features. Typically, playgrounds are replaced around every 20-25 years.
Walnut Hill Park
The Walnut Hill Park playground has been sparking fun since 2003—and after 23 years of play, it’s time for an exciting upgrade!
Concepts
Click images for larger versions.
- Contractors/Consultants: Flagship Recreation
- Staff Lead:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Project Cost Estimate: $80,000
- Location: 999 Wilderness Road
| Event | Est. Start | Est. Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Advertisement for Bid/Request for Proposals | Dec. 2025 | Jan. 2026 |
| Public Comment | Jan. 2026 | Jan. 2026 |
| Construction Period | Fall 2026 | Fall 2026 |
| Opening Date | Fall 2026 | Fall 2026 |
Peridot Path Park
After 25 amazing years of play, the Peridot Path Playground has now been renovated. Due to ADA compliance, the playground location has been shifted to another portion of the park. The playground was redesigned with lower-level play features to accommodate smaller children.
- Staff Lead:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Location: 1790 Turquoise Trail
Northview Park – Tennis Court Rehabilitation
The 11 tennis courts and supporting amenities at Northview Park are scheduled for significant improvements in 2026. These public courts serve a wide range of users, including community members as well as local high school and middle school athletic programs.
The City of Eagan works in partnership with Independent School District 196 through a Joint Powers Agreement established in 1987, which supports the shared development, use, and maintenance of the tennis facilities at Northview Park.
After more than 35 years of continuous use, the courts are in need of repair and rehabilitation. The project will include extensive earthwork and paving to restore each tennis court pod to safe, durable, and high-quality playing conditions. Planned improvements also include enhanced ADA-accessible entrances and stormwater management upgrades to support long-term site sustainability.
Project Details
- Contractor: Northwest Asphalt
- Consultant/Engineer: Bolton & Menk
- Staff Lead: Chris Fleck, Parks Superintendent
- Estimated Project Cost: $2,000,000
- Location: 980 Northview Park Road, Eagan, MN 55123
| Event | Est. Start | Est. Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Bid Date | Jan. 2026 | |
| Construction Period | May 2026 | Fall 2026 |
Looking for other court options? These other courts will be open during this project:
- Sky Hill Park (3590 Blue Cross Rd)
- Bur Oaks Park (3421 Rolling Hills Drive)
- Oak Chase Park (400 Oak Chase Road (and Wilderness Run)
- Rahn Park (4425 Sandstone Drive)
- Highview Park (1435 Skyline Drive)
Project Updates & Notices
- School Parking
- Questions related to school or student parking should be directed to Independent School District 196 staff. The City is not managing school-related parking during this project.
- Construction Start & Court Closure
- Construction is anticipated to begin on May 4, 2026. All tennis courts will be closed for play for the duration of construction until the project is complete.
- Disc Golf Impacts
- Disc golf holes located near the project area will be impacted during construction. Temporary disruptions should be expected. Any necessary course adjustments or corrections will be evaluated and implemented following project completion.
Caponi Art Park - Natural Resources Management Plan
The City of Eagan is working in partnership with Dakota County and Friends of the Mississippi River to restore and enhance nearly 40 acres of oak forest and savanna habitat within Caponi Art Park. The goal of this project is to bring back the ecological function of the oak woodlands that were historically present before Euro-American settlement. The work to achieve this goal will begin this December, as we’ve hired restoration company Resource Environmental Solutions to remove invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle shrubs throughout the winter while the park is closed. The removal of these dense shrub layers will open up the understory of the forest to allow for the establishment of native plants. The open understory will also help in the recruitment of younger age classes of oaks, the seedlings of which need ample sunlight to grow and ensure their survival in the future forest community.
There will be opportunities to get involved, as we need your help to remove invasive species such as garlic mustard, and replace them with native wildflowers, grasses and sedges indicative of a healthy oak woodland. Watch for future announcements about volunteer events in 2026, or reach out to Chris Klatt, Natural Resources Specialist at Dakota County Parks via email at
Clearwater Park Demo Project
The City of Eagan plans to remove the existing warming house at Clearwater Park in fall 2026. Outdoor skating will continue as planned at Clearwater Park following removal of the building (depending on winter weather), with the park continuing to provide a general, non-refrigerated ice surface for recreational skating.
The warming house has reached the end of its useful life and would require significant investment to repair or replace. As part of the City’s Parks Master Plan and ongoing review of park assets, the City considered the condition of the building, current and historical use, community needs, and the level of investment that would be required to maintain the facility. Given the condition of the existing structure, removal would be necessary regardless of whether future improvements or reinvestment occur at Clearwater Park. Based on that review, removal of the warming house was identified as the appropriate next step.
This project is part of Eagan's Parks Master Plan’s "4R" approach: Replace, Remove, Repair, and Reimagine. This approach helps guide decisions about aging park facilities and amenities. The goal is to make thoughtful investments across Eagan’s park system based on facility condition, community use, changing needs, and long-term financial sustainability.
Should future reinvestment or improvements be identified for Clearwater Park, those projects would be considered through the City’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process.
2025 Park Projects
Parks Master Plan
Parks and recreation are an essential community service that provides health and environmental benefits, economic value, and social connections. A strong and active park system is key to enjoying a high quality of life. This system also plays a crucial role in protecting natural resources for future generations. The City of Eagan has built a comprehensive park system over the last 60 years, providing spaces for its residents to recreate, exercise, learn, gather together, and enjoy nature and solitude. As demographics, recreation trends, and environmental conditions in Eagan continue to evolve and change, a flexible and adaptable park system plan is necessary to meet changing needs. This update to the Parks & Recreation System Plan is part of the City of Eagan's 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update. It builds upon the Eagan Park Plans (1983 & 1995), the 20/20 Vision Plan for Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (2006), and the City's recently completed Eagan Forward (2016) vision plan.
Contractors/Consultants: HKGi
Staff Lead:
Project Cost Estimate: $150,000
Additional Projects
Cedar Pond Park Playground Installation
The Cedar Pond Playground replacement is complete and is now open.
Contractors/Consultants: Landscape Structures / Flagship Recreation
Staff Lead:
Project Cost Estimate: $115,000
Location: 2070 Garnet Lane
| Event | Est. Start | Est. Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Advertisement for Bid/Request for Proposals | November 2024 | December 2024 |
| Public Comment | March 3, 2025 | March 17, 2025 |
| Construction Period | Construction Season 2025 | Construction Season 2025 |
| Opening Date | Fall 2025 | Fall 2025 |
LeMay Lake Fishing Pier at Moonshine Park
The City of Eagan is enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities by adding a new fishing pier at Moonshine Park on LeMay Lake. This project supports community access to the lake while improving inclusivity and the overall park experience.
Read about the update in the current edition of Experience Eagan.
Concepts
Click images for larger versions.
Project Overview
The project includes the installation of a prefabricated, boardwalk-style fishing pier system, along with an ADA-accessible bituminous walkway to ensure safe and inclusive access for all visitors. Work also involves site grading and restoration to protect the shoreline and surrounding environment.
Timeline
Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2025, with the goal of opening the new pier for community use by Spring 2026.
Funding
A $60,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) has been secured to support the project’s funding.
Project Details
- Contractor/Consultant: Blackstone Contractors, LLC
- City Staff Leads: Jenna Olson, Water Resources Manager & Chris Fleck, Parks Superintendent
- Estimated Cost: $170,000
- Location: Moonshine Park, 1321 Jurdy Rd, Eagan, MN 55121
| Milestone | Est. Start | Est. Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Council DRN Approval | October 2024 | |
| Design/Architecture Review | December 2024 | June 2025 |
| RFQs Due | July 2025 | |
| Council Contract Approval | July 2025 | |
| Construction Period | September 2025 | January 2026 |
| Opening Date | Spring 2026 |
Northview Park Restroom Improvements
The City of Eagan is investing in improved park experiences by renovating restrooms at Northview Park.
Concepts
Click images for larger versions.
Project Scope
- East Restroom Building (near the softball/baseball fields): full replacement
- West Restroom Building (near the soccer/football fields): interior remodel
Demolition is scheduled to begin in August 2025 to have both restrooms ready for use by Spring 2026 activities.
Project Details
- Contractor/Consultant: Nor-Son Construction
- Staff Lead: Chris Fleck, Parks Superintendent
- Estimated Cost:
- East Restroom & Site: $800,000
- West Restroom & Site: $400,000
- Location: 980 Northview Park Road
Project Milestones
| Milestone | Est. Start | Est. Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Design/Architecture Review | July 2024 | December 2024 |
| Council/Commission Review | September 2024 | |
| Council CIP Approval | October 2024 | |
| Council Contract Approval | January 2025 | |
| Construction Period | August 2025 | January 2026 |
| Opening Date | Spring 2026 |
Sky Hill Athletic Courts
Concepts
Click images for larger versions.
- Details







































