Mission Statement:
Park Construction is dedicated to improving the infrastructure of our communities by providing exceptional construction services. Guided by our core values of safety, quality, integrity, and teamwork, our goal is to exceed expectations and raise the bar of excellence.
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In This Issue:
- Project Spotlight: Alpine Drive Reconstruction in Ramsey
- Park at the 2025 Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Ribfest
- Message from the Corner Office
- Employees moving from Apprentice to Journeymen
- Exciting News: A New Home for Team Park
- Park Branded Apparel For Sale
- Day of the Dozers 2025
- Park Construction Leadership Updates
- Training Opportunities
- Wingtra Drone in Action at Park
- Safety Message
- Recent Wins
- Park on Social Media
- It Pays To Have Friends!
- EEO/Minority Outreach
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Project Spotlight: Alpine Drive Reconstruction in Ramsey
Park Construction is proud to be working on the Alpine Drive Reconstruction project for the City of Ramsey, Minnesota.
Our team is tackling a comprehensive scope of work, including removing and replacing 3,500 linear feet of curb and gutter, reclaiming over 20,000 square yards of roadway and nearly 7,000 square yards of trail, installing 375 feet of reinforced concrete pipe, and paving 6,125 tons of roadway and 1,000 tons of trail.
This project highlights our expertise in large-scale roadway and trail reconstruction, combining precision, safety, and efficiency to deliver high-quality results for our local communities.
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Park at the 2025 Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Ribfest
Park Construction was proud to be a Gold level sponsor of the recent 2025 Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Ribfest in Arden Hills, Minnesota. Our team brought their A-game to the grill – and it paid off. Our smoked chicken thighs earned 3rd place, and overall, Park Construction placed 10th in the competition!
Beyond the friendly competition and delicious BBQ, this event has a bigger purpose. All proceeds benefit the Minnesota Building Trades Yellow Ribbon programs, which provide essential support to veterans, military service members, and their families.
We’re proud to combine our love of good food with giving back to the community, and we want to thank everyone who joined us, cheered us on, and made this year’s Ribfest so special.
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Message from the Corner Office
Team Park,
On every project, we plan the work, watch out for one another, and make it home safe. That commitment to safety extends beyond hard hats and high-vis. Our mental health is part of the job, too.
September was Suicide Prevention Month, and in our industry, this is especially important. Construction has one of the highest suicide rates of any profession, which is why the week of September 8–12 was designated as Construction Suicide Prevention Week across the country. It’s a time to shine a light on the issue, break the stigma, and strengthen the support networks we already have in place.
At Park, our Mental Wellness Initiative was created with this in mind. Mental wellness is not an “extra”—it’s as critical to our success as safety boots and traffic control. Through toolbox talks, supervisor training, and resources you’ll see highlighted this month, we’re reminding everyone that it’s okay to not be okay, and it’s more than okay to reach out.
Your resources (confidential & free):
- Park’s Mental Wellness resources: Visit Park’s website → Employee Resources → Mental Wellness for guides, contacts, and program details.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support for you and your family.
- Peer & Supervisor Support: Supervisors and HR are ready to connect you with the right resources.
If you need help now:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24/7 support.
- If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
This month and every month, let’s commit to checking in on one another—whether it’s a simple “How are you doing?” or making sure a coworker knows where to turn for help. No deadline, budget, or milestone matters more than the well-being of our teammates.
Thank you for taking care of yourselves and each other, and for making mental wellness part of how we build.
Sincerely,
Jeff Carlson
CEO/President
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Employees moving from Apprentice to Journeymen
Park Construction Company would like to recognize the following employee on moving from Apprentice to Journeymen in your union. Park congratulates you on completing this milestone and looks forward to seeing you continue to develop your craft.
- Jake Sabaska - Laborer
- Brian Dominguez – Laborer
- Connor Thompson – Laborer
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Exciting News: A New Home for Team Park
We’re excited to share some great news—Park Construction will be moving forward with the construction of a new office building at our shop facility in Blaine, MN.
This project represents more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a reflection of our growth, our future, and the incredible work each of you has done to get us here. As Park continues to expand and take on new opportunities, it’s important that our spaces evolve right along with us. This new office will bring our teams together in a way that supports collaboration, efficiency, and the positive culture that makes Park so special.
Change can feel big, but this move is a positive step forward—an investment in our people, our future, and the strong foundation we’re building together. We’re excited for what this means not just for how we work, but also for the pride we all share in being part of a company that continues to grow and thrive.
We’ll be sharing updates as the project takes shape, and we look forward to celebrating the milestones with all of you along the way.
Thank you for being the driving force behind Park’s success. This new chapter is truly a reflection of our shared hard work and commitment.
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Park Branded Apparel For Sale
Contact Kelly Elness (HR) for product options, costs, and size availability.
Email: kelness@parkconstructionco.com
Office: 763-717-6200
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Day of the Dozers 2025
Here at Park Construction we are proud to be a DIGIN Midwest member and a sponsor of the recent Day of the Dozers™ 2025 event. This annual event provides an opportunity to educate Minnesota families about the construction industry, while at the same time raising money for a wonderful cause - Children’s Minnesota.
At the event, children were able to ride inside a wide variety of construction vehicles alongside a friendly certified machine operator, play in sandpits, participate in other fun activities, and enjoy great food from some delicious local food trucks.
Park had 2 featured pieces of equipment at the event - a Cat D5 Dozer and a CAT 336 Excavator. We'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff members who generously donated their time to make this event an amazing experience for all who attended.
| | Park Construction Leadership Updates | |
We are thrilled to announce that Holly Ward, MBA will be joining Park Construction as our new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective November 3, 2025.
Holly brings over 20 years of executive finance and leadership experience. She has successfully guided organizations through expansion, innovation, and operational change — all with a strong focus on building people and processes that last.
At Park, Holly will serve as a key member of our Strategic Leadership Team, partnering directly with our President & CEO and leaders across all divisions. Her role will focus on strengthening financial strategies, enhancing banking and bonding relationships, supporting our teams with job costing and project integration, and helping us manage growth in ways that create opportunities for all of us.
This is an exciting moment for Park Construction. Holly’s leadership and expertise will help us close 2025 strong, prepare for the opportunities ahead, and continue building a company that invests in its people while advancing our vision for the future.
Please join us in giving Holly a warm Park Construction welcome!
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We are excited to announce that Jake Droessler has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Park Construction, effective October 6, 2025. As COO, Jake will continue to be a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, responsible for translating strategic objectives into actionable plans, overseeing daily operations, mentoring divisional leaders, and ensuring consistent performance across all regions.
Jake joined Park in 2018 as Division Manager of our Commercial Group. In 2019, he took on the added responsibility of leading Marcy Construction, our subsidiary specializing in concrete services, while also serving as Vice President of the Commercial Group. Under his leadership, Marcy was strategically integrated into Park’s core services, and the Commercial Group expanded its reach and impact across private, industrial, transportation, railroad, and environmental markets.
Thanks to Jake’s vision and leadership, the commercial group has flourished, evolving into a diverse and dynamic operation able to service private, industrial, transportation, railroad, and environmental remediation projects, with a broad geographic reach across the central corridor of the United States. His ability to mentor others, build strong teams, align services, and create opportunities for growth has had a lasting impact on our company.
This promotion is not simply a recognition of past success, it reflects Park’s commitment to adapt, grow, and prepare for the future. Jake’s leadership, drive, and proven track record make him the right person to guide our operations as we continue to expand and build on our momentum.
Please join us in congratulating Jake on this well-deserved promotion and in supporting him as he steps into this important new role.
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We are proud to announce the promotion of Jeff Slusser to Vice President of Safety + Culture at Park Construction Company.
In this expanded role, Jeff will continue to set the strategic direction for safety while also leading initiatives that strengthen Park’s culture, including employee engagement, training and development, leadership and mentorship, mental health, recognition, and retention. His leadership will be instrumental in reinforcing Park’s commitment to investing in our employees.
Since joining Park in 2016, Jeff has served as our Director of Safety and Health, bringing passion, dedication, and a hands-on approach to building a safety culture that goes far beyond compliance. Jeff has worked alongside our employees to create a culture where safety is not just a priority, but a shared value—woven into everything we do.
This promotion reflects not only Jeff’s leadership, but also the collective efforts of our entire team in fostering a workplace that is:
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Safety Focused – keeping our people and communities protected
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Employee Centered – valuing every individual’s contribution and well-being
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Growth Oriented – prioritizing continuous learning and development at every level
Please join us in congratulating Jeff on this well-deserved promotion. Together, under his leadership, we will continue to strengthen our culture, grow our people, and ensure Park Construction remains a leader in safety and employee development.
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Training Opportunities
Union Training Schedules:
Taking classes through your Union is FREE! The Union will likely cover your hotel, fuel, and airfare expenses, too!
With ever changing technology, continuous equipment improvements, and being a life long learner, we highly encourage you to take advantage of the various opportunities offered through your union.
Improving yourself in the workplace opens many more doors – professionally, personally, and financially. If you are unsure of a class you should take, or a skill you should improve upon, please ask your Superintendent for their input.
“The road to success is always under construction.” – Lily Tomlin
OSHA 30:
All individuals overseeing or managing personnel at Park Construction must have completed OSHA training within the last five years. A text message will be sent to those who need to complete the OSHA 30 during the off-season.
Safety Leadership Academy:
The Safety Leadership Academy is a mandatory program for individuals overseeing or managing personnel at Park Construction. The course spans 2.5 days and has received positive reviews, highlighting its substantial value. Those who have not yet completed the training will be contacted with the dates and RSVP information. Even if you are not currently supervising anyone but wish to enhance your safety leadership skills, attendance may be possible depending on availability. For more information, contact Jeff Slusser at jslusser@parkconstructionco.com.
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Wingtra Drone in Action at Park Construction
Park Construction recently had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Brian Wasserman from Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Construction Management Department.
Dr. Wasserman joined us to see firsthand how we integrate drones into our construction workflows — from project mapping and quantity tracking to creating as-builts. We showcased our newest Wingtra drone, flying it around our yard to scan the entire property.
After the outdoor demonstration, we brought Dr. Wasserman into the shop to show how the drone data is automatically synced to our project files and transformed into evolving 3D models. This technology is helping us visualize projects over time, improve accuracy, and deliver better results for our clients.
We’re proud to share how innovation and technology are shaping the future of construction at Park.
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Safety Message: Living Our Safety Vision
I’ve been thinking about where we were and where we are with safety at Park Construction. That reflection brought me back to the Safety Vision laid out nearly 10 years ago. I’ve never fully explained the “why” behind it; why we have a safety vision, why it matters, and how, when we live it, it impacts everyone in this organization.
Our vision is simple: “Maintain a safe working environment at all times, where people feel safe and nobody gets hurt.”
On the surface, it’s about preventing incidents. But if we stop there, we miss its deeper meaning. The safety vision is not about checklists or claims, it’s about creating a culture of care, where people feel valued, respected, and supported, both professionally and personally.
Learning From Imperfection
The truth is, we will never achieve perfection. As much as I wish it weren’t true, we will have incidents. Not because people don’t care, but because we’re human, and humans are imperfect. What matters is how we respond. Every incident, big or small, is an opportunity to acknowledge what happened, learn from it, and improve. That process of growth is what strengthens our culture and reinforces our commitment to safety.
Why the Vision Matters
The safety vision isn’t just a slogan, it’s our compass. It guides us when we face tough choices and reminds us that no deadline, shortcut, or piece of equipment is ever more important than protecting people. It gives us a standard to measure ourselves against and pushes us beyond compliance toward true care and commitment.
A Goal We Strive Toward
Vision statements are never meant to be “reached.” They are ideals we continually strive for. Sometimes we get close, but the point isn’t to declare victory, it’s to keep moving forward. Living the safety vision will always push us to be better: in how we lead, how we work together, and how we build projects that serve our communities.
Moving Forward Together
To those already leading the way, living the vision daily and setting the example, thank you. Your actions can, and do inspire others, including those new to Park or those who may have lost sight of what the vision means. Because of your leadership, our vision doesn’t just live on a poster at the office, it lives in the choices we make and the culture we continue to build together.
Jeff Slusser
Director of Safety & Health
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Recent Wins
Here are some of the projects we recently won bids on:
- Aberdeen Generation Station – Aberdeen, SD
- CPKC Drying Bed and Canopy Project – St Paul, MN
- CSAH 22 Reconstruction Pipe Work – Anoka County, MN
- CSAH 39 Utility Extension – Monticello, MN
- Cedar Lake Rd & Louisiana Ave – St Louis Park, MN
- Eagle Brook Church – Rochester Campus
- Emerald Hill Path
- Hastings Senior Living – Hastings, MN
- McKenzie County 2025 Landfill Construction – Arnegard, ND
- Old Crystal Bay (New Scope)
- Oak Ridge Convention Center – Chaska, MN
- Terrace Park Courts – Spring Lake Park, MN
- UPRR Heritage Park – Council Bluffs, IA
- Waste Management Spruce Ridge Gas Repairs
- Wayzata Schools Restripe – Wayzata, MN
- Zest Street – Blaine, MN
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Park on Social Media
One of our goals for 2025 is to have a bigger presence on social media. We are posting weekly content on multiple platforms, and we encourage you to follow us, like our posts, and leave a comment or share it if you feel inspired. You can find us on the following sites:
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It Pays To Have Friends!
Remember our Referral Bonus Program for next season! It’s Simple – if you refer someone and they get hired, you get a bonus!
We believe that our employees are our most valuable asset and that they are in the best position to recommend qualified candidates to join our team. If you know someone who would be a great fit for our company, please reach out to your supervisor or HR (contact info below) for more information on how you can participate in this program. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to growing our team with your help.
Email: kelness@parkconstructionco.com
Office: 763-717-6200
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EEO/Minority Outreach
It is Park Construction’s commitment to support our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy & Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) to create a workplace with diversity, inclusiveness and fair treatment. In effort to achieve and maintain this commitment, our Company is continually striving to diversify its personnel to reflect the changing demographics of the construction industry. We highly encourage employees to refer candidates who are women, people of color, or any member from a protected class for employment opportunities at Park.
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