At its Tuesday, May 3 meeting, the Wright County Board of Commissioners approved the Parks & Recreation Department’s updated Master Plan – a comprehensive document that serves as a guide for the short-term and long-term goals of the department. The Master Plan took much of 2021 to update because it includes immediate concerns and planned projects as well as long-term visions and goals that could take 20 years to implement into the parks system.
The Wright County Parks and Trails system has an approximate value of $32 million and has been developed over the last 42 years, including 32 public recreation areas (4,717 acres), three corridor trails (12 miles), an environmental education facility, three campgrounds, picnic shelters, 70 miles of interior park trails, more than 14 miles of mountain bike trails and 20 miles of equine trails.
The projects slated for 2022 include:
- Stanley Eddy Pit Toilet Replacement North Unit – Ordered June installation
- Kiosks and wayfinding upgrades
- System Comprehensive Plan – COMPLETED
- Otsego Playground Replacement – Ordered, removal occurring now install before mid-June
- Beebe Lake ADA and Trail Improvements – Design has started, concepts are being created, and construction is hopeful for fall
- Ney Park Trail Lighting and ADA – waiting on the grant contract
- Crow River Regional Trail Phase 1 Completion – Parks & Recreation staff reviewing wayfinding and trail amenities
- Schroeder Park Redesign – initial existing conditions complete, concept alternatives being drafted
- Interior Park – Trail Construction/ Improvements – Stanley Eddy North, Ney, Collinwood
- Pavement Management – Sealcoating is done every three to five years and follows a maintenance schedule
- Beebe Lake Deck Replacement
- Stanley Eddy “Alama” Unit Restoration – Phase 3 of 5
- Collinwood Park Prairie Restoration – follow up from 2021
- Otsego Streambank Restoration – follow up for 2021
- Bertram Paving, turnaround, and trail to the shelter – Bid Awarded working on a schedule
To see the full Master Plan and to learn more about the Parks & Recreation Department, click here: https://www.co.wright.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/25881/Wright-County-Parks--Recreation-Comprehensive-Master-Plan