 Summer 2020 Volume 3, Issue 3
SUMMER: /sum·mer | \’se-mer \ Noun; “the hottest of the four seasons; at the summer solstice, the days are longest and the nights are shortest.”
Top Story of the Summer: COVID-19
June 9, 2020 Stearns County Parks Department's Response to COVID-19 (Summary)
- Parks and trails will remain open
- Swimming Quarries reopened June 10 with restricted parking
- Swimming Beach at Warner Lake County Park will remain open
- Park Office is closed.
- All playgrounds are closed
- All restroom facilities will remain open
- Picnic tables and other similar shared surfaces and gathering spaces are available for use at your own risk.
- All programs, events, and meetings that cannot meet the requirements set forth by Executive Order 20-74 and/or MN DNR’s COVID-19 Outdoor Recreation, Facilities and Public Guidelines are cancelled or postponed.
- We are accepting reservations for events and gatherings that include 10 people or less at indoor facilities and 25 people or less at outdoor facilities. Social distancing must be in place.
Read detailed information in the document: June 9, 2020 Searns County Parks Department Updated Response to COVID-19.
Restricted Parking at Quarry Park
On a hot day everyone wants to cool off and there’s no better place than a quarry! However, this summer there were restrictions at Quarry Park. Executive Order 20-74 allowed swimming pools to open at 50 percent capacity.
When the swimming quarry and parking lot exceeded capacity, limited entry to the park was in effect and no walk-ins were allowed; as one car left, another entered. In order to avoid congestion at the park entrance, the gatekeeper asked for a cellphone number and then sent a text when a parking space was available. There were no advance reservations. Everyone had to check in with the gatekeeper in person to be put on the waiting list.
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Quarry Park Hopke Shelter Dedication
A dedication of the picnic shelter at Swim Quarry #2 was held in June. It was donated by the Kenneth and Joan Hopke and Family. Ken Hopke was a former Stearns County employee and assisted with the initial development strategy for Quarry Park and Nature Preserve. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the dedication ceremony was a small, private event. |
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Lake Wobegon Trail Summer Projects
Resurfacing Project
7.3 miles of the Lake Wobegon Trail were resurfaced between Melrose and Sauk Centre and an 800 foot section by the Avon Trail Head. The project included grinding up the old surface, hauling in gravel, and packing. Once the new asphalt was done, there was also shouldering and tack oil applied.
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Crack Filling and Seal Coating
Crack filling was done on the entire Lake Wobegon Trail.
Seal coating was done between Waite Park and Avon. Spraying is typically done every 3 - 4 years.
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Rough asphalt crack fill
Over years of crack filling on bridge decks, the asphalt becomes higher and creates a rough ride. This summer, the old crack fill material was ground down and resealed for a smoother ride. Seven bridges were completed between Avon and the Todd County Line.
Bridge ends repaired
Over time the ground begins to settle next to the bridge and creates a ridge which can become a safety hazard. This year, bridge ends and wing walls were repaired on the bridge over the Sauk River in Sauk Centre.
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Culverts Along the Trails
 The Lake Wobegon Trail near Two Rivers Lake County Park had a culvert replaced last fall and the asphalt was completed in June.
Twleve culverts were replaced along the Lake Wobegon Trail, the Soo Line Corridor, and the Dairyland Trail.
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Chip Sealing
Warner Lake County Park had chip sealing done in the parking lot of the Nature Center and the entrance road to the boat landing.
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Great River Complex Master Plan
The Great River Park Complex Master Plan was completed and approved. The Great River Park Complex is comprised of Bend in the River Regional Park located in Benton County and Mississippi River County Park located in Stearns County. The parks are linked by the Mississippi River.
The Master Plan is an example of multiple agencies working together to preserve treasured natural resources and provide unique, regional recreation offerings on one of the world’s great rivers. Follow the link to view the master plan document: Great River Park Complex Master Plan (40 MB pdf)
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Lady's Slippers
If you were out on the Lake Wobegon Trail in June you may have seen the Lady's Slippers. There are both the Yellow Lady's Slippers and the Pink Lady's Slippers in various locations along the Lake Wobegon Trail.
Lady's Slippers are protected by law. Please help us preserve and protect these plants for everyone to enjoy.
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Interesting Creatures
There are always many interesting creatures to find in our parks.
This juvenile (bright blue tail) five lined skink was found at Oak Township County Park.
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Speaking of Interesting....
We shared "Just another family enjoying Quarry Park" on our Stearns County Parks Facebook page this summer and they received a lot of LIKES and SHARES!
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Special Events in Stearns County Parks
A Special Event is an event that will be open to the public, that will raise funds, or requires a registration fee.
All guidelines set forth by the CDC, MDH and the MN DNR’s Outdoor Recreation, Facilities and Public Guidelines must be followed. For example:
- Events have less than 250 participants.
- The event organizer develops an event-specific COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.
- Any events occurring in an outdoor public area must not involve gatherings of more than 25 people in one location at the same time.
- Participants maintain social distancing throughout the event.
- Any support groups for competitors must avoid congregating and maintain social distancing with people from other households throughout the event. Spectators must maintain social distancing, not exceed gathering size limits, and follow Minnesota’s face covering requirements.
Special Events this Summer:
Warner Lake hosted the Graniteman competition.
Mississippi River County Park hosed T.H.E Great River Archery Club's 3D Archery Shoot and the 2020 Bass Classic.
Events this Fall:
Oak Township County Park Archery Range opens.
Quarry Park hosted the "YMCA Rock Your Sole Trail Run."
Quarry Park and Mississippi River Park are hosting the "Mainly Marathons/Running Ragged 20in20" events.
There will be a few 5K events on the Lake Wobegon Trail and at Warner Lake.
Buckthorn Removal at Rockville County Park is being planned for Saturdays in October.
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