The Wayzata City Council has been engaged in discussions about the use of space behind the Post Office Pocket Park, a topic that has recently sparked debate.
During a workshop held on Dec. 1, council members reviewed the ongoing conflict involving this area, which is used by residents of Garrison Landing for outdoor grilling.
Initial reports suggested there was confusion about whether the park was public or private, but it has since been clarified that the Post Office Pocket Park is indeed public. The central issue lies with the area directly behind the pocket park, which is claimed by the Garrison Landing property owners’ association as private park space reserved for its residents.
The Post Office Pocket Park, located at 240 Minnetonka Avenue across from the post office, is situated in the northeast corner of the Garrison Landing Planned Unit Development. The land in question is immediately east of the pocket park and across the street from the Wayzata Post Office.
On Oct. 21, the Wayzata Parks and Trails Board passed a resolution recommending that the city council resolve the dispute by the end of the year. The board had originally brought the issue to the city council’s attention in the spring of 2019.
To address the dispute, the city is exploring the possibility of a financial settlement that could allow the space behind the park to remain private. According to Wayzata’s city attorney, if an agreement is reached, it would involve a new city council resolution and an addendum to the development agreement. This would include provisions for both dedicated land for private recreational use and a cash fee.
If a compromise cannot be achieved, the city may consider legal action against the property owners, as indicated by the city attorney. The situation remains under review as city officials work to find a resolution that satisfies all parties involved.
