The Wayzata City Council approved two major change orders for the Klapprich Park improvement project on August 19, 2025—one required by state fire code and another responding to neighborhood concerns over tree removal, hillside slides, and park access.
The first change order addressed the warming house renovation. During building permit review, staff determined that a fire suppression system is required for any public building over 2,000 square feet, a standard adopted in 2005. With the renovated warming house expanding to 2,226 square feet, sprinklers became mandatory.
The fire protection work includes a new 4-inch water service line from Park Street and a dry-pipe sprinkler system inside the building. Odesa II will handle the utility connection, while Ebert Companies will complete the interior fire system. The total cost is $132,698.08, funded from the project’s contingency budget.
“This is not optional,” said Council Member Jeff Parkhill, while voicing frustration with consultants who had missed the code requirement. Council members directed staff to explore whether the city could recover costs through the architects’ errors-and-omissions insurance.
The second change order focused on the north hillside of the park, where neighbors expressed concern after trees were cleared to make way for a large slide and stairway. Residents cited loss of screening, increased noise, and traffic pressures.
To address these issues, the council approved Option Two, which adds significant new landscaping, including spaded trees up to 20 feet tall, arborvitae, deciduous trees, and saplings, supported by a small retaining wall. The landscaping change order totals $34,730, with spaded trees estimated at $10,080.
Public testimony reflected a divided but engaged community.
- Tory Schalkle suggested a middle ground to reduce conflict.
- Fred Geyen urged more compromise between neighbors and the city.
- Bob Fisher, whose home faces the hillside, described the shock of losing mature tree cover and headlights now shining into his property.
- Jenny Sargent, a mother of four, supported the playground improvements and urged balance: “This park will be used for years to come for kids that have not been born yet.”
- Gareth Goodall framed the project in civic terms: “There’s a famous proverb that it takes a village to raise a child. I would ask that we keep that in mind when we make this decision.”
After lengthy deliberation, the council voted unanimously to approve the fire suppression change order, and 3–1 to approve the landscaping compromise with two modifications: removing the small roof structure planned at the top of the slide to reduce visibility from Park Street, and retaining the stairway connection for neighborhood access.
Mayor Andrew Mullin emphasized the importance of civil dialogue, noting that while public input often divides, “embracing competing perspectives makes our community stronger.”
The two approvals will consume nearly all of the project’s $170,549 contingency, leaving about $37,850 for any future unforeseen costs.
