Sponsor: Parks & Recreation
Title
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Lease Agreement with Sisu Foundation for Storage at Long Lake Regional Park
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Recommendation
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1. Approve the lease agreement with Sisu Foundation DBA Endurance United, 713 Minnehaha Ave East, Suite 216, St. Paul MN 55106, in Long Lake Regional Park Aquatics Building, 1500 OLD HIGHWAY 8, NEW BRIGHTON MN 55112-1835, for the period of upon execution through December 31, 2029, in the amount of $2,640 per annum.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the lease agreement.
3. Authorize the County Manager to execute amendments that do not have a financial impact.
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Background and Rationale
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The Long Lake Regional Park (LLRP) aquatics building has been a part of the county’s effort to connect residents with canoe, kayak and other paddle sports since 2016. Ramsey County first entered into a lease agreement with Rice Creek Boat Club for use of central commons room in the LLRP aquatics building. That original partnership activated an underused space and brought paddling programs and public events to LLRP. In 2023, the Rice Creek Boat Club’s operations transitioned to Endurance United, an organization that shares a similar mission but brings new leadership, expanded capacity, and a broader community reach. Endurance United has taken on the programming and equipment from the Rice Creek Boat Club, continuing the legacy of community-led water recreation at LLRP. This new lease builds on that foundation while refining expectations and responsibilities to support a stronger, more sustainable partnership rooted in public benefit.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
This lease agreement advances Ramsey County’s commitment to racial equity by supporting a partner organization that is creatively working to reduce barriers to outdoor recreation. Endurance United continues the work started by Rice Creek Boat Club but with expanded capacity and a focused intent to reach communities who have been historically excluded from parks and water-based programming.
Through free public paddling events and accessible programming, this partnership helps create a more welcoming experience at Long Lake for residents of all backgrounds-especially underrepresented youth and families who haven’t always felt represented or safe in outdoor spaces. By providing access to equipment and instruction, Endurance United is helping get more people out on water.
This lease isn’t just about storage or facility use-it’s about investing in community and making sure public spaces are truly for everyone.
Community Participation Level and Impact
As Endurance United is a community-based nonprofit organization, no additional community participation was deemed necessary.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The $2,640 annual rental rate for this lease is incorporated into the Park Maintenance operations budget.
Last Previous Action
On June 21, 2016, the Board approved a Lease Agreement with Rice Creek Boat Club for the Park Aquatics Building at Long Lake Regional Park (Resolution B2016-164).
Attachments
1. Lease Agreement