A major topic during the meeting was the Zumbro River Regional Water Trail project, which aims to cover approximately 350 miles of the Zumbro River. The committee reviewed the lengthy application process involved, noting a high ranking on a prior submission. Plans are in motion to hire an engineering company to develop a master plan for the trail by early 2026, with $165,000 in potential funding already proposed to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. The project will include developing access points along the river, complete with amenities such as parking, picnic tables, restrooms, and signage, emphasizing both economic and recreational benefits. A meeting is scheduled for February 6th with stakeholders from four counties to further discuss the project and establish a joint powers agreement to facilitate collaboration.

The committee also discussed the Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission membership, with a fee of $175 for cities with populations between 1,000 and 10,000. This membership is deemed vital for supporting grant applications for regional parks and trails, including the Zumbro River project. A consensus emerged on maintaining this membership, emphasizing its importance to the committee’s initiatives.

Another agenda item was the proposal by Jim from the Drifter Car Club to use a local park for an event on October 5th. The event is open to the public and involves a route where participants collect cards, culminating in a drawing for door prizes. Concerns about park signage visibility were raised, with suggestions to use temporary signs to improve direction for attendees. The club’s charitable focus was highlighted, having raised significant funds for smaller local charities in the past, such as schools and shelters.

The committee debated the park’s fee structure for the event, eventually voting to waive the $50 usage fee while maintaining a $100 damage deposit. There was some discussion about whether the decision needed city council approval, but the committee decided to inform the council to ensure transparency. The event is anticipated to enhance community engagement and support the club’s charitable goals.

Staffing limitations and grant writing capabilities of the Economic Development Authority were discussed, noting that reduced hours restricted the ability to assist with parks and trails initiatives. The committee considered community engagement to help with grant writing. They also explored different funding sources for outdoor recreation grants and emphasized the importance of understanding these options to relay the information back to the committee.

The meeting also covered the installation of a leadership sign in Rochester and reviewed a memo outlining future parks and trails projects. This included prioritizing projects and estimating costs for the next three to five years. The need for a master plan was underscored as crucial for budgeting and identifying community projects for volunteer assistance.

Trail paving at Riverwood Hills Park was another focus, with cost estimates ranging from $65,000 to $80,000. Discussion centered on whether to present this proposal to the city council or wait until more information was available. There was consensus on preparing for future funding opportunities, given the absence of a historical budget for park maintenance. The committee considered a structured approach to budgeting, prioritizing projects over a three-year projection to better allocate community taxes.

The conversation also touched on the management of former drain field areas, particularly at River Park, with ideas to transform these into native plant prairies. This could enhance the landscape and minimize maintenance needs. The committee acknowledged the need for a systematic approach to managing these areas and ongoing discussions to determine the best course of action.