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Heritage Preservation Commission Minutes Page 2 of 5 September 11, 2025 Ms. Meulners-Comstock reviewed the Vision Statement and Goals. Vision Statement "The water tower historic site is a welcoming community space that celebrates the iconic water tower, local heritage, and everyday gathering. Designed for all ages, it supports connection, play, events, and ecological systems while reflecting the spirit of the community." Goals ■ The history of Elk River is celebrated through storytelling, art, and interpretive design. ■ The site is a symbolic place for the community of Elk River. ■ The site is welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for all ages and abilities to experience and enjoy. ■ The site is a key stop along a future Elk River historic walk that connects various historic sites throughout the city. Community feedback revealed that people want to see a water feature, swinging benches, live programs and events, interpretive signage and panels, public art and sculpture, a wide variety of plants, and pathways. Councilmember Calva stated he thought the stairs gave a sense of importance. The Commission discussed issues of accessibility such as making sure the paths were usable for walkers or strollers and that ramps were available. Ms. Muelners-Comstock reviewed the plan for including a variety of plants in warm colors to play with the idea of fire and smoke. One of the plans showed a restored prairie planting while the other was more curated. Olivia Halsne, Mend Collaborative, described the two plans in detail. Ms. Muelners-Comstock stated the public seemed more receptive to the Journeys concept, citing the fact that people could find their own space within it. However, people liked the boardwalk and sloped lawn in the Community concept. Ms. Meulners-Comstock stated that there was a lot of mixing and matching of the two concepts. Mr. Carlton stated that feedback mentioned the existing water feature at Woodland Trails park and discussed a pumping feature at the water tower site instead of continuously running water. Resident feedback mentioned concerns about the budget for the project. Once residents heard the goal of the project was to tell the history of Elk River, rather than be a new park, they were more receptive to the idea. During the latest farmers market event, former Elk River Mayor Jim Tralle asked if there could be a plaque talking about the six mayors of Elk River. Ms. Meulners-Comstock also mentioned she had received feedback about including veteran memorials in the historic site. Commissioner Campbell stated that, if a historic walk was going to be developed, different historic sites could address different aspects such as a government building including the history of mayors or a veterans memorial located on the corner of Main St and Highway 10. She added that the signage at the