Zumbrota Park Board Approves New Campground Fee Increases Amid Successful Fundraising Efforts
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting, the Zumbrota Park Board addressed topics, primarily focusing on the approval of increased campground fees and the successful outcomes of recent fundraising initiatives. The board also discussed the completion of park structures and potential enhancements to local recreational facilities, all while emphasizing community involvement and financial sustainability.
The most topic discussed was the adjustment of campground fees. The board debated the need for a 10% increase in seasonal campsite fees, responding to growing operational costs and demand. The discussion included various perspectives on maintaining competitive pricing while ensuring the campground remains attractive to visitors. Proposals included raising the seasonal fee to between $1,300 and $1,550, with additional considerations for campsite amenities. A suggestion to increase the fee for trifecta sites from $35 to $40 was made, and a consensus emerged to adjust the daily pool fee from $2 to $1.60. Concerns about electricity usage by campers were noted, emphasizing the importance of setting rates that reflect resource consumption. Ultimately, the board voted unanimously in favor of the proposed fee adjustments.
Equally noteworthy were the fundraising efforts that the board reviewed with satisfaction. The pool committee reported a successful campaign, having sold all 400 raffle tickets, generating approximately $10,000. The 50/50 raffles, initially limited to 200 tickets at $10 each, were expanded due to demand, yielding an additional $750. Silent auctions and donations further boosted the total, with notable contributions from local businesses like Shane Electric and Mini Storage, each pledging $1,000. The board also highlighted the pending pancake breakfast fundraiser organized by the VFW, with plans for pool committee members to participate actively. The overall sentiment underscored the fundraiser’s success in raising substantial funds and increasing community involvement.
The meeting also covered the status of ongoing construction projects within the park. The board announced the completion of roofing work, though concern was raised about leftover materials, particularly old poles that might not be suitable for reuse due to new construction standards. Plans to finish the dugouts in the spring were discussed, including the installation of a foul fence for safety. Volunteers who contributed to these efforts received commendations, especially considering the scheduling challenges posed by holiday weekends.
There was enthusiasm for the junior high baseball team potentially using the newly completed facilities, reducing the need for travel to external locations for games. Future plans include finishing the concession stand, with contributions from the booster club to support the project financially. The board expressed an ongoing need for volunteers, particularly for the pool committee, encouraging community participation in upcoming initiatives.
Additional discussions explored potential enhancements to local recreational facilities, such as adding permanent boards and fencing around the pickleball courts to boost their popularity. A proposal was made to convert the existing basketball court into a batting cage, maintaining all baseball and softball facilities on one side of the road. This suggestion aimed to optimize space and resources while enhancing recreational opportunities within the park.
The board also humorously considered the practicality of incorporating basketball lines onto the ice rink for dual functionality, although logistical concerns were raised. Discussions about the old Indian Trails parkland revealed a lack of clear development plans. Suggestions included creating a walking path or installing benches, but accessibility issues were identified, given its separation from existing paths by a road. The board considered the feasibility of a dog park, acknowledging the acreage required for such a project.
Todd Hammel
Parks Commission Officials:
Mike Schulte, Kayla Gifford, Mary Goplen, Troy Ness, Aaron Wichmann, Bob Prigge (City Council Liaison)
-
Meeting Type:
Parks Commission
-
Committee:
-
Meeting Date:
12/02/2024
-
Recording Published:
12/03/2024
-
Duration:
40 Minutes
-
Notability Score:
Routine
Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:
-
State:
Minnesota
-
County:
Goodhue County
-
Towns:
Zumbrota
Recent Meetings Nearby:
- 12/11/2025
- 12/11/2025
- 330 Minutes
- 12/11/2025
- 12/11/2025
- 134 Minutes
- 12/10/2025
- 12/10/2025
- 89 Minutes