Since assuming responsibility for the Leisure Bear Mobile Home Park and the surrounding 19 acre lakefront property in 2022, the City has been committed to gaining a full and accurate understanding of the site’s needs through a comprehensive master planning process. In that time, the City has partnered with professional consultants to conduct site assessments and infrastructure evaluations at Leisure Bear, as well as met with residents, walked the neighborhood, and gathered input through surveys, community meetings and in-person outreach.

These extensive processes have allowed for the City to document the need for any significant improvements that may exist within the parcel and the Leisure Bear Mobile Home Park due to aging infrastructure, utility system deficiencies or general deferred maintenance and deteriorating conditions. Through these measures, the City has been able to determine that the condition of the property has reached a point where meaningful action is required—either through substantial reinvestment, thoughtful redevelopment or relocation planning in coordination with residents.

At the July 9, 2025, City Council meeting, staff received Council authorization to issue a Request for Information to begin exploring whether any interest exists for future development opportunities for the 19-acre lakefront site. The purpose of this RFI is to gather ideas and gauge developer interest in partnering with the City on projects that may include renovating or rehabilitating the existing mobile home park, or exploring options that could involve relocating the mobile home park, depending on what may present as the most viable solution.

We understand the importance of stability and clarity for Leisure Bear residents. This step is not a redevelopment decision—no project has been selected or approved at this stage. Instead, it is the beginning of a process to explore available options and possibilities, informed by the condition of the property and the needs of our community.

As the RFI process moves forward, the City remains committed to:
• Open communication and updates to residents.
• Consideration of your feedback throughout each step of this process.
• Preserving housing security during any future planning.

For questions, please reach out to Assistant City Manager Sean Sullivan at SSullivan@CityBigBearLake.com.