Shorewood Parks Master Plan was first completed in 2002. An update was done in 2009. This version provided a vision for park development for future years. Many of the components of this master plan have been implemented across the seven-park system. The 2009 plan did not address Gideon Glen and South Shore Community Park (the site of the former skate park).
In 2024 the Park Commission agreed to extend the Master Plan to include concepts for South Shore Park along with further planning, development, and enhancement of parks, trails, natural areas, and recreational facilities throughout the city.
The City issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) in February 2025. Six proposals for services were reviewed. Three finalists were interviewed. Bolten & Menk (B&M) was chosen for their extensive experience in park planning and community engagement for a fee of $40,000 as budgeted by the Park Commission.
Per the B&M website, the firm brings a wealth of experience to the project, having developed parks and recreation facilities for over 300 communities. Their approach emphasizes community engagement, sustainable design, and creating inclusive spaces that reflect the unique culture and needs of each community. Bolton & Menk
However, it’s worth noting that B&M’s extensive involvement with Shorewood has drawn scrutiny. Between January 2020 and July 2024, the firm billed the city nearly $7 million for engineering services, accounting for a significant portion of the city’s budget. Critics have raised concerns about the firm’s influence on city projects and the financial implications of their ongoing contracts. (See link below)
As the updated Master Plan progresses, residents are encouraged to participate in public meetings and provide input to ensure the plan aligns with community needs and values. The Shorewood Park Commission, which serves as an advisory body to the City Council, holds meetings open to the public on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers
For more information and updates on the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, residents can visit the city’s official website.
More reading:
Let city leaders know what you think.
- Best option: attend and /or speak up at City Council meetings and get it on the public record.
- Contact City Council Members
Dustin Maddy (612) 293-6727 dmaddy@shorewoodmn.gov
Jennifer Labadie (952) 836-8719 jlabadie@shorewoodmn.gov
Michelle DiGruttolo (517) 422-9528 mdigruttolo@shorewoodmn.gov
Guy Sanschagrin (952) 217-1289 gsanschagrin@shorewoodmn.gov
Nat Gorham (617) 780-7771 ngorham@shorewoodmn.gov
How to follow the activity of the Shorewood city council and the commissions.
- SIGN UP here for city email notifications.
- Watch a city council meeting, live from home, via Zoom, using the link provided in your email notice.
- View the recorded meetings later at your convenience @ LMCC-TV web site (Council work sessions, if held, are found at the end of each council meeting).
- Currently Park and Planning Commission meetings are not recorded and must be attended in person.
