Parks and Recreation staff told the Apple Valley City Council on March 27 that the city will begin multiple parks projects this year funded in part by the parks referendum approved by voters in November 2023.

Park staff said Splash Valley Waterpark (the former Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center) is on schedule to open in early June and that the city plans a ribbon‑cutting event on or about June 12. Construction of a new inclusive playground and other improvements at Kelly Park (part of the Kelly Park/Kraus Anderson agreement) will begin in June with an expected completion in 2026. Work on a youth baseball and softball complex at Hays Park is scheduled to begin in April, with seed‑and‑grow timelines likely pushing final usability into 2026. Staff also reported resurfacing about 2.5 miles of trails at Cobblestone/Lake Park starting in May, an open house April 14 for neighbors about the trail work, eight new lighted pickleball courts at Johnnycake West due by August, and a concrete skate park at Johnnycake West.

Parks staff said citywide park signage will be updated by July, with some signature signs at major parks planned separately. A season‑pass trial is planned at the waterpark for 2025. Staff acknowledged there will be construction disruptions this summer and encouraged patience while noting the long‑term community benefits.

No formal council action was required for the presentation; councilmembers and the park director discussed scheduling and outreach to neighbors. The city plans to post schedules and host public outreach (open house April 14) to share details about closures and timelines.