GMRPTC Visits Ramsey Regional Park in Redwood Falls

After its August meeting, Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commissioners joined members of the Legacy Advisory Committee and Redwood Falls City Parks staff for a tour of Ramsey Park.  The park features spectacular falls on the Redwood river as well as a zoo, play and picnic areas, and trails.

Redwood Falls recently completed an extensive renovation project in Ramsey Park, funded with Legacy dollars through the Commission. Using cutting edge construction techniques and context-sensitive design, 3.5 miles of walking trails were reconstructed throughout the park, including improvements to the falls overlook. Bathroom renovations and replacement were also completed.

“Without the (Legacy) funds the City of Redwood Falls would not have completed the project,” said Jim Doering, Public Works Project Coordinator for Redwood Falls.

When asked about the process of becoming regionally designated, Doering said “Get working on your Master Plan and find some way to document usage!  Most of us are sick of plan development but in this case it is a real eye opener.  Working with the public and grass roots organizations, you can develop a sustainable and living master plan that will help guide you through prioritizing projects and garnering estimates which helps you develop a solid application.  Public surveys, online registrations etc. will show who your patrons are and how far they have traveled to use your park which reveals your regional status.”
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Learn more about Ramsey park at https://redwoodareacommunitycenter.com/area-parks/alexander-ramsey-park/. The Commission is responsible for undertaking system planning and providing recommendations to the Legislature for grants funded by the Parks and Trails Legacy fund to cities and counties outside the seven-county metropolitan area for designated parks and trails of regional significance.