St. Cloud Sun

Stearns County’s Parks Department applied for Legacy Grant funding for the proposed phase 1 development project at Kraemer Lake – Wildwood County Park. This includes enhancing entry to the park using Kipper Road, constructing a parking lot, turnaround, installing light fixtures, developing picnic areas and picnic shelters, restrooms, a fishing pier, nature-based playground, a non-motorized boat launch, and paved trail access to amenities. The GMRPTC has recommended funding the full request of $1,175,846 with the county providing $392,948 in matching funds. The County anticipates starting this project in 2024.

Also chosen by the GMRPTC for funding is $170,250, with a county match of $57,750, for the Quarry Park & Nature Preserve quarry 2 erosion project. Increased visitor use has caused areas around quarry 2 to erode. The erosion is caused by the foot traffic through one of the few ways to get to the high jump at quarry 2. Approximately 1,000 cubic yards of discarded granite blocks will be re-positioned to create a retaining wall, increase user safety, and stabilize the eroding bank around the edge of the swimming quarry. These funds will also be used to create a safer path to the high jump, an opening for picnic tables and a viewing area. Stearns County anticipates starting this project fall of 2023.

Twelve other parks and trails around the state will also receive part of the $11.4 million in funding for fiscal year 2024. The GMRPTC will now recommend that the Minnesota Legislature approve funding through the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund, one of four funds created by the 2008 Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. The Legislature has annually approved GMRPTC recommendations. Legacy Funds may only be spent to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance in the 80 counties outside the seven-county metropolitan area.

Original source can be found here.