Lutsen Township upgraded a community recreation area with the restoration of existing facilities and the addition of new amenities. The area has historical significance to the small township located along Minnesota’s North Shore. The decades-old ballfield was resurfaced with new infield dirt, fencing was added, gates were repaired and electrical was installed to support the concession stand, storage area, and flag pole. A gazebo, picnic tables, soccer nets, and an engraved historical marker were added. The project also involved brushing the surrounding area, dead tree removal, landscaping, and a refuse station for the existing dog park portion.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $14,770 Culture & Tourism grant to Lutsen Township. Total project investment was $30,752.

The recreation area is highly visible due to its location adjacent to Highway 61 and Caribou Trail. The new Gitchi Gami State Trail was completed this year, which increases the accessibility to the area by walkers, hikers, and other trail users. A town hall is located at the site which hosts a fall festival and other community events.

“There has been a recent increase in young families with children and an increase in area visitors,“ said Sharon Hexum-Platzer, Lutsen Township deputy clerk. “The area needed improvements to better serve our township residents and tourists. It was also important for us to recognize the property’s interesting history with interpretive signage explaining the significant dates, past uses, and property donator’s connection to Lutsen.”

The property was originally donated by Pheobe Pecore Nelson and Carl Nelson whose father was the first European immigrant settler and started Lutsen Resort in 1885. They donated the property in the early 1900s for a schoolhouse to be built there. The ballfield was originally a potato garden, and for one year during a famine, it was very significant for the survival of many local people. Later it was used as a recreation area for the former school and community.

Project partners included Greg Mueller Studio, Isak Hansen True Value, J&B Construction Co., Lutsen Landscaping, McMillan Tree Service, Mike Rose Excavating, Peak Electric Co., Sundew Technical Services, Willow River Woodworks, and private individuals throughout the community.