See all posts in the Mayor & Cities Corner series
(Chanhassen Corner is a regular feature where Chanhassen officials and various staff and contributors will share updates, insights, and messages with their communities. Chanhassen Communications Manager, Patrick Gavin is providing the current edition.)
As winter gives way to spring, Chanhassen continues to see steady progress across community projects, city services and local events. Here’s a look at what’s happening around town.
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Despite the cold, FebFest once again delivered a full day of fishing, prizes and community fun at Lake Ann. Congratulations to Mike Mevissen, who won this year’s contest with a 2.9 lb northern pike. If you missed the event, you can browse photos and highlights from the day.
Ever wondered how an event like FebFest comes together? A recent episode of The Rec Report takes residents behind the planning and preparation that make this longtime tradition possible.
The City of Chanhassen’s annual Easter Egg Candy Hunt & Coloring Contest returns Saturday, April 4, at City Center Park. Hunt waves begin at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., and the event is open to children ages 12 and under for $6 per child. Participants search for eggs in four age categories, with special prize eggs and a visit from the Easter Bunny adding to the fun. New this year, a dedicated hunt area will be available for toddlers ages 2 and under.
Registration for the 2026 Community Garden season is now underway. Garden plots are available on a first-registered, first-served basis, with priority given to returning gardeners. Applications are open through March 13.
Upcoming Public Open Houses: Residents in these areas are encouraged to attend upcoming project open houses held at City Hall to learn more and share feedback about these projects:
- March 10: Great Plains Boulevard / Lake Drive East Rehabilitation Project
- April 8: Market Boulevard Improvement Project
- April 14: 2026 Street Improvement Project
These meetings provide an opportunity to ask questions, review plans and help shape projects before construction begins.
CITY NEWS AND SERVICES
The spring 2026 edition of the Chanhassen Connection magazine is now online, featuring upcoming events, park programs, public safety reminders, major project updates and a look ahead at city initiatives planned for the year.
Navigating senior services just got easier. In partnership with the Chanhassen Commission on Aging, the city launched a new Senior Life Resource Guide designed to help seniors, caregivers and families connect with local and regional resources.
In the Spring Connection, Community Development Director Eric Maass addresses one of the most common questions residents ask: “Why is that land being developed and how can I be involved?” The article explains how development decisions occur and how residents can participate in the planning process.
The city of Chanhassen received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The award recognizes transparency, accuracy and responsible financial stewardship on behalf of residents.
The Chanhassen Fire Department was recently recognized as a Gold Helmet Department, becoming the first department in Minnesota to achieve the designation. The honor reflects strong participation in the national firefighter cancer registry, helping researchers better understand and reduce cancer risks within the fire service.
CITY COUNCIL UPDATES
The City Council approved the site plan for the future Chanhassen Community Center, advancing the project into final design and construction preparation. The review confirmed the building layout, pedestrian connections, landscaping, stormwater management and infrastructure all meet city standards while integrating the facility into the surrounding Avienda development.
Traffic and parking studies also showed the existing transportation network can support the project without roadway modifications. Council also approved simplifying the facility’s name from the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center to simply the Chanhassen Community Center, reflecting resident feedback and reinforcing its role as the city’s primary community-owned gathering space.
Council reviewed construction staging options for the upcoming Market Boulevard Improvement Project, a major 2026 roadway reconstruction effort. Discussions focused on balancing construction efficiency with maintaining business access and minimizing disruption during the busy summer season. Next steps include final bid documents, a public open house and contract approval ahead of a planned early May construction start.
The City Council unanimously adopted a new Heritage Tree Ordinance establishing protections and incentives aimed at preserving large, healthy trees during development. The ordinance defines heritage trees, updates replacement requirements and encourages long-term environmental stewardship while maintaining flexibility for property owners.
The City Council proclaimed Jan. 27, 2026, as Rick Rice Day in recognition of longtime IT Manager Rick Rice’s retirement following a remarkable 41-year career serving the Chanhassen community.
As always, thank you for staying connected and engaged. We look forward to seeing you around Chanhassen this spring.
