Key Dates

In response to the recent shooting incidents in the River Bend Park neighborhood, City staff, and community partners met to develop an engagement plan to listen and engage with the community in how to make the park safe. The plan will be presented for feedback to the Community Equity Commission and Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission in a joint meeting on June 1, 2023.

A special joint commission meeting with the Community Equity Commission (CEC) and the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission (PRNRC) was held on June 1 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers to review and provide feedback on the draft engagement plan. The CEC and PRNRC did recommend approval of the plan. 

At the June 5, 2023 City Council meeting the Engagement Plan was presented and approved by the City Council, and staff was directed to begin implementing the plan. 

The City will host two community forums on Thursday, June 15, from 1 - 3 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. for park users, neighbors, and area businesses to share their concerns and ideas on making our park welcoming and safe for everyone. All are welcome to attend. 

DATE CHANGE: The City was asked to postpone this forum to ensure that more community members could participate. This forum has been rescheduled for July 11 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Winfield Townhomes. All are welcome!

The City will be hosting a  community forum on Tuesday, July 11 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Winfield Townhomes for park users, neighbors, and area businesses to come to share their concerns and ideas on making our parks welcoming and safe for everyone. All are welcome to attend. 

City staff will interview a limited number of experts on topics such as public safety,equity and culture, and working with youth. 

The Savage Community Equity Commission will receive a draft Community Engagement Report. 

The Savage Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources will receive a draft Community Engagement Report. 

Input gathered from all forums and targeted interviews has been summarized into a Community Engagement Report. This report was shared with the CEC and PRNRC in July and presented to City Council on Aug 7. Once the City Council approves the Community Engagement Report, staff will bring back recommendations on improvements to River Bend Park based on community feedback. 

August 7, 2023 Council Packet

Based on the input received, staff will develop recommendations for solutions for the City Council to consider, with the intent to present these in Sept. 

Public Works/Parks and Recreation Director Greg Boatman will present recommendations for improvements at River Bend Park to the Savage City Council at the October 16, 2023 meeting. 

River Bend Park Recommendations Council Memo
River Bend Park Recommendations PPT 
Watch the Presentation on Savage TV