The Maplewood Momentum Plan
Maplewood Momentum represents a strategic reinvestment in public facilities to keep Maplewood strong, support quality of life, and ensure essential services meet today’s demands.
East Metro Public Safety Training Facility
Expanding the East Metro Public Safety Training Facility would allow Minnesota to bring police, fire, EMS, social work, and mental-health training together in one location — an integrated approach few states currently have. To meet the growing need for coordinated police and fire/EMS training, the City proposes renovating and expanding the aging EMPSTF to:
Support modern, scenario-based simulation training
Provide updated classroom, training, and wellness spaces
Reduce scheduling constraints and increase training capacity
Create dedicated space for joint training, collaboration, and de-escalation practice
This investment would strengthen first responder training across Minnesota’s metro area by creating a purpose-built campus that improves coordination, training quality, and long-term support. The result would be stronger recruitment and retention, a more stable and representative workforce, fewer career-ending injuries and burnout, and safer communities.
Maplewood YMCA Community Center
The proposed plan to invest in the community center pairs critical repairs with thoughtful space and design updates that would strengthen the center and help it serve more residents now and in the future.
Proposed investments include:
Upgrading aging mechanical systems and safety features to meet current building and code requirements.
Making immediate repairs to stairs, roof drainage, and foundation issues to prevent further water damage and structural deterioration.
Fixing underlying pool-area issues by improving HVAC airflow and humidity control, allowing corrosion repairs, restoration of damaged areas, and refreshed interior finishes.
Renovating banquet, meeting, and fitness spaces to better match how residents use the facility today.
Beyond the repairs, there is an opportunity to rethink how space is designed and used, with more flexible layouts that would better support more programs and activities.
A modernized community center would better support health, wellness, and everyday recreation for residents of all ages — while providing safe, positive spaces for youth and expanding access to childcare outside school hours. An updated facility would also strengthen community partnerships, broaden programming, and improve accessibility for residents of all mobility levels.
Afton Heights Park
The Afton Heights Park supports organized sports and community use, including teams like the St. Paul Jazz Pigs Rugby Club, and continues to grow as a destination for athletic activity that draws participants and spectators from beyond city boundaries. To meet the growing demand for flexible, multi-purpose recreational space, the City is proposing:
Building a new community building to further support gatherings, family rentals, and game-day amenities
Expanding available parking to better support visitors and events
Improving trail connections to other Ramsey County parks and existing regional amenities, including the Battle Creek Park, WaterWorks pool, and splash pad
Afton Heights Park already serves as a hub for athletics and family-friendly gatherings, but investments would expand access to open space, trails, and active recreation in South Maplewood, strengthening how the park system serves both residents and visitors.
Photos shown are of the Wakefield Park Community Building, an example of what Maplewood could build at Afton Heights Park.
