Sartell Planning Commission Looks at Parking Lot Expansion Plan Near Bernicks Arena

SARTELL -- Parking issues near Bernicks Arena in Sartell may soon come to an end.

During tonight's (Monday) Planning Commission meeting the board will look to approve a Conditional Use Permit for Pinecone Regional Park, which would allow for an additional 283 parking spots on the lot.

The additional parking spaces would go in the open field directly in front of the arena.

Planning and Community Development Director Anita Rasmussen says there is a desire for more permanent parking in the park and the CUP is needed for grading purposes, since the area floods, to raise the lawn a few feet to meet requirements.

The park currently has 114 parking spaces for visitors and not only is home to the hockey facility but also hosts many events such as Relay for Life and concerts.

Rasmussen says while the site plan calls for the additional 283 parking spots, it's unclear how many spots will be built.

If approved, a public hearing would be scheduled for the next city council meeting on January 25th and would need final approval by the city council.

Additional parking at Pinecone Regional Park has been a topic of discussion for the city since April.