At the August 10 meeting, the Peterson City Council discussed a memo regarding a Park & Recreation Board. Drafted by Councilors Tracy Seelbinder and Gail Boyum, City Clerk Chris Grindland, and resident Scott Smith it detailed a vision for the board to act in an advisory role to the city. Goals for the board include: maintaining existing parks, a focus on providing positive outdoor experiences, recommending policy for park usage, advising the council in matters relating to park development, writing grants, developing collaborative projects and partnerships, and focusing on the expansion of the existing parks to bring short and long-term revenue to the city and local businesses.
It was proposed the board include three to five members with two council members, two business members, and one resident, all appointed by the council. They would be allowed minor decision-making as the city forges ahead with expanding park offerings and fresh appeal, particularly at its city park and campground. One proposed project site is the former Rushford Peterson Middle School athletic field. It has sat as an open green space since the district vacated the area in 2017.
One idea has been a winding loop city trail system utilizing the open green space. Ideas around it include signage, picnic tables with grills, benches, outdoor fitness trail equipment along the trail, and trees for shade. Friends of Peterson applied for a $10,000 Southern Minnesota Initiative Fund small cities grant for park funding and was approved.
Councilor Tracy Seelbinder also applied for a grant but was denied. “It doesn’t have strong community backing. We didn’t prove we have support,” he cautioned. “This Park Board will help us get grants in the future.”
Seelbinder proposed getting a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drawing for the park. He also suggested utilizing donations for trees, benches, and other aspects. “I think we could do a lot by donation. We could get it going without needing city money,” he added.
Councilor Gail Boyum noted grant funding, in partnership with Fillmore County, with guaranteed reimbursement of up to $3,000 per donation. Friends of Peterson, of which she’s a member, utilized the funding for event items and has already been reimbursed.
“The things we’ve been working on we think will be good for residents and visitors, as well as expanding our campground,” noted Councilor Gail Boyum.
Mayor Tim Hallum and Councilor Chris Stenzel noted some surprise to the memo being only recently aware of the idea of a Park Board. “It feels like we’re turning this over to the group and the city had nothing to do with it,” said Hallum.
“It’s not taking any decision-making ability away from the city council,” responded City Clerk Chris Grindland. He would serve as a liaison between the board and council and provide clarity through documentation. “It’s your city and your say on what happens.”
“It’s a board of people that are invested. We’d be coming up with ideas and presenting to you, and then you’d need to approve. It wouldn’t cost the town money at all. Instead, we can find money,” added Boyum.
“Where this helps out is this… I’ve been working on the park plan for five months and I’ve gotten nowhere. I struggle to get people down there. This would help with grants and cooperation,” stressed Seelbinder. After some further discussion, the council approved the board unanimously.
Another potential grant for up to $300,000 could help fund a new restroom and showers at the campground. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) may assist in writing it. By installing showers the city could expand the campground to allow tent camping and additional campsites in the future, if desired.
Public Works Director Rick Lee received a quote from Generation X Construction to install water and sewer at the city park. Adding them would allow the city to build the restroom and showers and make improvements to campsites and the concession stand/pavilion area. The estimated cost is $46,950.
The city would need to work with City Engineer Scott Huneke, of WHKS, to design the water and sewer system within state requirements. The cost to involve engineering is $10,000. An estimate for the cost of the design itself is undetermined. It’s this project that Boyum is hoping the matching $300,000 grant would benefit. The council opted to take no action at this time.
Other park updates include changes to the softball field and a proposed basketball court. New bleachers, donated by the Peterson American Legion, were assembled and will be placed on a new concrete pad. The proposed basketball court is 40 by 54 feet, but the location is undecided. The council tabled any decision on it until the next council meeting.
Mayor Tim Hallum asked about the potential for a gazebo in the park made partially from a reclaimed grain bin. The idea is a bit of a design trend with particular nods to agriculture. “A couple of people can get their hands on one. Would the city like one for their park?” he asked. The bin gazebo would measure 21 feet in diameter. The idea goes to the new Park Board for discussion.
In other news, the city applied for a Minnesota Department of Health SHIP grant for a new city mower and was approved. The $17,500 covers nearly all the cost, which includes a rotary broom for clearing trails and sidewalks.
Council has approved the city to seek a Polaris Ranger to assist with small tasks and save the usage of the city truck. Costs are estimated at $13,767 to $16,994. The city would apply for a USDA grant to cover 65% of the cost. Initial discussion with USDA indicated the city would likely receive the funding.
The next regularly scheduled city council meeting is Wednesday, September 14, at 6 p.m., at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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