May 29, 2026
Hi Neighbors,
As noted in the last newsletter, the Council will discuss Harmon Park at the June 9, 2026, Council meeting. We encourage all interested residents to attend.
The Council has now gathered the available historical minutes and records related to Harmon Park. Below is a summary of the relevant background.
Historical Background
- On October 2, 1972, Council Minutes indicate that two lots owned by Reuel Harmon, along with Mr. Tyler and Mr. Foote, were offered to the Village free of charge. The Council responded favorably, and Mayor Albert Lindeke and Councilmember Warren Tyler were to follow up with the owners.
- The 12-12-1972 Council Minutes indicate, “We received the Deed from the Reuel Harmons conveying the two lots on Angell Road to the Village. Charles Mullery made a motion which was seconded and carried that the clerk write a letter of thank-you to the Harmons for this property.
- The 3-24-1975 Council Minutes indicate, “The registered certificate on the land given to the city from Reuel Harmon specified that the land is to be ‘restricted to use for park and recreational purposed only, and by acceptance of this deed, the grantee herein covenants and agrees for itself and its successors and assigns to use said land only for aforesaid purposes’.”
- At that same meeting, Mayor Fred Homan suggested that the Village secure trees from the state to plant in the park at some future time.
- The 6-2-1975 Council Minutes indicate the community will hold a dedication picnic in the park on June 30th 1975. “It was decided that a sign of ‘Harmon Park’ be placed at the dedication picnic.”
- No additional Council Minutes relating to Harmon Park were found between 6-2-1975 and 5-5-2015.
- The 5-5-2015 Council Minutes reflect extensive discussion about neighborhood concerns involving access to Harmon Park, signage and no parking restrictions.
o “Councilmember Hovey recalled that some neighbors expressed concern about recent thefts from vehicles. Lights from cars shining into their homes and parking near the park after hours.”
o “Councilmember DeCourcy explained that she was asked to speak on behalf of her neighbors who live close to Harmon Park and they advised they do not wish to have no parking signs placed in the area and they preferred that the City remove the Harmon Park sign. She indicated that the residents expressed the thought that the lack of any kind of signage would limit access to non-residents.”
o The Committee reviewing the matter recommended that no parking and park-hours signage would be useful for police enforcement of parking and use of the park after dark. “Chief Shaver agreed that no parking signage would be useful, but indicated he would support whatever the Council determines is reasonable.”
o “Councilmember DeCourcy stated it is her opinion that the removal of the Harmon Park sign would be a huge deterrent. She pointed out that she witnessed fireworks in the park after the trails were installed.”
o “Councilmember DeCourcy explained that in her discussions with Mr. Harmon when the land was dedicated to the City, she recalled it was his intent that the land become a wildlife preserve and not a park.”
o That is contrary to the specific words in the Deed transferring the property and “Atty Kuntz stated that the land was dedicated to the City in Nov 1972 and that the dedication stated the property was restricted for park and recreational purposes only; there was no language stating it will be a wildlife preserve.”
o “Councilmember Hovey moved to direct the City Forester to prepare a final resolution outlining the policies and guidelines recommended by the Parks and Public Lands Committee for Council review at their June 2 meeting, seconded by Councilmember Bulach and carried. (4-0)”
o “Councilmember DeCourcy moved to direct the City Forester to remove the old sign identifying Harmon Park, seconded by Councilmember Hovey and carried. (4-0)
- The June 2, 2015, Minutes reflect no additional discussion regarding Harmon Park.
- The December 2, 2016, Council meeting indicates a discussion regarding the possibility of placing a memorial to honor Councilmember De Courcy in Harmon Park as it was nearer to her former residence. Forester Nayes reported that white pines were planted in Harmon Park in hopes when they mature, they should help block the lights from the dealerships across Highway 110. He also noted significant progress in removing burdock in Harmon Park. The City Attorney suggested it may be appropriate for the Council to establish a work plan for the parks and determine how they should be used and what they should look like aesthetically.
- No other Minutes referring to Harmon Park until 2025, when an individual contacted the City to ask whether the City might be willing to sell one of the lots so that he and his family could build a home.
Prior Newsletter
As many of you know, we shared the following information with residents in our Fall 2025 Newsletter:
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Addressing Harmon Park and City-Owned Land
The City Council was approached by a person inquiring about the purchase of one of the lots comprising Harmon Park, 2450 and 2500 Angell Road. Here is a summary:
· In 1972, Reuel and Margaret Harmon donated these lots for park and recreation use only. In the 53 years since only a dense wood has developed.
· Minnesota Statute 500.20, Subdivision 2a. states that such deed restrictions expire after 30 years. As of 2002, this condition ceased to be legally binding.
· The city engineer confirmed both lots are buildable, with acreages of 3.26 and 2.69 respectively. Dakota County currently values each lot at $357,300, though actual sales could exceed these appraisals.
· Our Preliminary 2026 taxable levy is $671,308. Selling these properties could offset one or more years of SFL property taxes for all residents, or there are other options for how proceeds could be used.
· Concerns from adjacent homeowners about potential property value decreases are noted. However, some realtors believe new homes could enhance nearby property values.
· Development of these lots would also increase property tax revenue, further benefiting all residents.
· Harmon Park’s accessibility has always been a challenge. Trails have grown over, and access is only through a private driveway. Many residents don’t realize its location, and past signage was removed due to concerns about non-resident use.
· I encourage you to visit the site for yourself: Drive to the cul-de-sac at the end of Angell Road, where to your left, you’ll see the lots to either side of the private driveway. Your feedback and perspectives will be invaluable as we make decisions together about our community’s future
· The reality is that Harmon Park, dense with overgrown foliage and largely inaccessible, is not currently used by most residents. Musser Park, 22 acres, already offers extensive recreational space in town, and most of us enjoy substantial green space on our own properties. We’ll need to carefully consider whether maintaining another park serves the greater good or whether new development could bring benefits like increased property values and permanent tax relief.
Key questions remain: Do we need another wooded park, especially one difficult to access and little used? Or is it time to reinvest in a truly recreational park, possibly with new amenities? Or should we consider alternative uses that benefit the entire community? Ultimately, any decision will focus on long-term value and honoring our shared vision for SFL’s future.
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Following that newsletter, many residents attended the December 2025 Council meeting to express their views on Harmon Park. We informed residents that the Council will not be addressing this matter until later in 2026 after completing research using our new digital retrieval system for all references to Harmon Park as the Council had requested. In the quarterly newsletter, we just wanted to give everyone ample notice and a fair opportunity to share their thoughts, and many of you have already done so.
So far, only three residents have expressed support for selling the property, while at least twenty-five others have said they prefer to preserve Harmon Park.
Clarifying the Record
There has been some confusion about the park’s designation. Harmon Park is not restricted as “Green Space,” as Musser Park is, nor is it a “wildlife preserve.” The Harmon Park deed explicitly states that the property is “…restricted to use for park and recreational purposes only.”
By contrast, Musser Park is a Minnesota Land Trust property with a “…perpetual conservation easement over the Protected Property.” This easement allows public access and trail maintenance but limits construction or other uses on the 22 acres. Any proposed changes there must first receive approval from the Land Trust.
If we are to honor the Harmons’ wishes and keep those seven acres, they should continue to serve genuine park and recreational purposes. Some residents have mentioned that Sunfish Lake could benefit from a small playground for children and grandchildren while others prefer that Harmon Park remain a natural area with walking trails. There may be other options worth considering as well.
The Council will discuss Harmon Park at the June 9, 2026, Council Meeting. We wanted all residents to have the same information as the Council will have before that discussion takes place.
Hope all are enjoying our warm weather!
Mayor Dan
