The Fridley City Council unanimously approved a request for a Community Development Block Grant to support planned improvements at Summit Square Park during its Jan. 26 meeting.
Parks and Recreation Director Mike Maher said the project is part of the city’s Park System Improvement Plan and Capital Investment Program. Community engagement held in summer 2025 helped guide the selection of playground equipment and refine plans that include athletic courts, landscaping and other park amenities.
The city is requesting $298,000 through the federal grant program, which may award partial funding. Construction is planned for July through November 2026.
Anoka County Commissioner Mandy Meisner, who attended the meeting, said she was pleased to see the city taking advantage of the Community Development Block Grant program.
Meisner said that because Fridley, Columbia Heights and Hilltop were classified under permanent low-income eligibility categories two to three years ago, the grant application process has become easier for those cities.
She also warned that the program faces ongoing uncertainty due to federal cost shifts and the defunding of some services and grants, encouraging the council to pursue funding while it remains available.