09/15/2023
The City of Grand Marais Seeks a 2nd Round of Public Input on Draft Concept Plans for the Grand Marais Recreation Area
In June of this year, the City of Grand Marais solicited input on a master planning process for the Grand Marais Recreation Area. Input was gathered from over 400 members of the public on a survey questionnaire, as well as several stakeholders that met with members of the Grand Marais Park Board and city staff in June. In addition to Park Board and city staff input, the public and stakeholder input indicated desires and interest related to the following items:
● Make the park more welcoming for all users, including adding and improving gateway and wayfinding signage, and improving pedestrian trails and accessibility through the park and to the
park from the city center.
● Add more gathering spaces and a formal event space in the park.
● Improve the traffic flow and vehicle access in the park.
● Make improvements to the marina, including formalized/organized parking, improved marina circulation and water quality, and more accessible dock facilities and features.
● Add interpretive signage, dual-language signage, and land acknowledgment in the park.
● Maintain and improve the campground by addressing the crowding and carrying capacity of the campground, address campsite size and density, and make improvements to the bathhouses and other facilities (Rec Hall, playground), while maintaining revenue generated by the campground.
The city is now asking for input on the second of two surveys that presents draft concepts for park improvements. The concepts show long-range scenarios that may take many years to be implemented.
● Concept 1 includes modest improvements to circulation and wayfinding, and improvements to existing facilities (bathhouses and Rec Hall) within the campground.
● Concept 2 goes further to recommend larger improvements, such as a new pedestrian and bike pathway along the lakefront, a new campground and marina office, a new picnic shelter, and
reconfigured campsites east of 8th Ave.
● Both concepts include marina updates and improvements.
The master planning process began in April and is scheduled to be complete in October of 2023. The city is working with a park planning consultant to update the previous concept plan (developed in 2009), incorporate public and stakeholder engagement, and develop a long-term vision for the Rec Park. The
city has completed an initial application for regional designation to the state Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC), and a master plan is a required next step in order for the park to achieve regional designation and to potentially access Legacy funding for improvements. The new master plan must include certain elements as required by the state process.
Please help the city plan by responding to this 2nd survey in the process. The survey is available online and as paper copies at the Park Office, City Hall and the Library in Grand Marais. The input will be reviewed and considered by city staff and the Park Board to help determine priorities for the master plan and develop one, final concept for approval.
The city is requesting that residents and visitors provide comments online: Survey Questions: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GMRA_ConceptReview_2023
The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete, and responses will be accepted through the afternoon of October 3rd.
The Park Board will be hosting a Public Open House to present the draft concepts and receive additional input on Tuesday October 3rd, at 3:00pm at Grand Marais City Hall in Council Chambers.
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