Our Needs
Over time, the City must invest in maintaining and modernizing public facilities and amenities that are heavily used and aging.
East Metro Public Safety Training Facility
The East Metro Public Safety Training Facility (EMPSTF) is a shared complex where more than 25 public safety agencies serving 600,000+ metro residents train for real-world emergencies. In the decade since Maplewood and neighboring cities worked together to build the EMPSTF, public safety work has evolved.
While the facility continues to play an important role in our community and region, first-responder training needs have become much more complex. Specifically, it lacks:
Adequate spaces and resources for cross-functional training and collaboration between police, fire, and EMS
Dedicated areas to support first responder wellness and mental health
Modern technology and realistic scenario-based training capabilities
Sufficient parking and site access for first responders and specialized vehicles
Addressing these limitations would strengthen emergency preparedness, public safety, and coordination in Maplewood and across the region.
Maplewood YMCA Community Center
Aging infrastructure, visible deterioration, and outdated systems are limiting the programs, services, and amenities the Maplewood Community Center can offer. Over time, these issues will become more expensive and difficult to fix. Key challenges include:
Visible wear and underlying infrastructure issues from years of heavy use, especially in high-traffic and high-moisture areas inside and outside of the building.
Roof damage, cracking floors, drainage problems in the gym, and corrosion in pool areas.
Aging HVAC and filtration systems need updating despite regular maintenance and proper care.
Awkward building layouts and room structures are not flexible enough to provide the spaces and programs that residents have said they desire.
Afton Heights Park
Resident demand for flexible, multi-use recreation space in Maplewood is growing as our city continues to expand. Afton Heights Park already serves as a hub for athletics and family-friendly gatherings — a place where residents come to play, connect, and unwind. The Wakefield building has become a heavily used amenity, and demand for something similar in south Maplewood is increasing.
As an important part of Maplewood’s interconnected park system, Afton Heights Park will require investment and enhancements to continue serving our community for years to come. These needs include:
Better trails and connections to local amenities and the broader network of regional parks and recreation destinations
A community building to support rentals, restrooms, and gameday amenities
Flexible space that can be used to support community functions, gatherings, and programing year round
Additional parking for visitors and eventgoers
Enhanced accessibility to amenities for all park users
