Photo: Grand Marais Rec Park Facebook Page

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - June 30, 2025

The City of Grand Marais Parks Department invites the community to an Open House on Tuesday, July 1st, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Rec Hall. Members of the public are encouraged to come, view concept maps, and talk with staff and designers from LHB (who will be on site) to provide feedback on facility improvements and upgrades in the Rec Park, specifically the bathhouses and Rec Hall, as identified in the vision and goals of the city's Master Plan.

According to Parks Manager Dave Tersteeg, a big piece of funding for the seven-figure project is "a successful application" for State Legacy funding to the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission, something with which LHB has experience. 

Earlier this year, Tersteeg told Boreal Community Media that bathhouse #3 and the Rec Hall are slated to be combined into a "modern comfort station." The facility will include a community room for local gatherings, and other plans include a trailhead parking lot for Gitchi Gami State Trail users at the former municipal pool site. 

"Part of the initial analysis of the master plan with LHB has also led us to revisit facility locations. We're taking a holistic approach and including multiple facilities in this phase of improvements. Concept maps from the master plan are guiding this process, but will likely lead to an evolved facility improvement plan that meets the codes, standards, and needs of the Rec Park community," he said. That being said, Tersteeg added that there are no intentions to make changes to the original Master Plan concept maps themselves. 

Following the Open House, LHB will attend a Park Board meeting and provide an update on the feedback received, progress on detailed facility improvement plans, and the application to the state. Tersteeg said that the city is planning to pursue a Legacy Acquisition and Development grant, which has a July 31st deadline. 

 Image: Grand Marais Parks and Rec