Skate park update

Talk about it

Park Osagi seems to be the hot spot in Osakis when it comes to adolescent recreation endeavors. Osakis Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts both have their sights set on improving the location.

The Osakis City Council granted permission to the Boy Scouts to power wash and stain shelters at the park. Eagle Scouts will complete the project with assistance from Public Works Superintendent Kurt Haakinson.

“We appreciate the help,” said councilmember Randy Anderson.

While the council supports the Scouts’ beautification project, it isn’t convinced the Girl Scouts’ proposed skate park will be a benefit to that area.

Once again the location of the skate park was haggled over.

Susan Nienaber, representing the Girl Scouts, informed the council that she has contacted the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to find out the status of the grant and if the location of the park can be changed on the Legacy grant application. The status was unknown on June 4 at the Osakis City Council meeting.

The council approved submission of the grant, which listed Park Osagi as the location, with the understanding that alternate locations would be sought.

“The location cannot be changed after the grant submission deadline,” wrote Joe Hiller, DNR grant manager for Northern Minnesota and South Metro.

The Osakis Review contacted Hiller in April for clarification, prior to the grant submission deadline.

Nienaber has continued researching grant funding for next year if the location cannot be changed on the grant or if it is not approved this grant cycle.

The council and Nienaber are in favor of transferring plans for the park to the boat landing location on 1st Avenue West and Lake Street West.

The skate park was first mentioned to the city council as a Girl Scouts Gold Award project in February 2011. Girl Scouts Brianna Nienaber and Brooke Waldorf pioneered the skate park plan.

“The girls are trying to keep their chins up,” Susan Nienaber said.

Tags: local news, skate park, girl scouts, park osagi, news