The proposed Toad Mountain Park project in Becker County has hit a final roadblock. Despite a generous private donation, the county board voted 4-1 on Tuesday to halt the project by rescinding a previous vote to move forward with a master design funded by the donation.
On Sept. 17, the board initially voted against the project, but a $250,000 pledge from a private donor prompted them to reconsider. Commissioner Barry Nelson, who cast the sole opposing vote to cancel the project, expressed his disappointment, stating, “I think it’s still a good project and wish to move forward.”
The decision came after Toad Lake Township enacted a zoning moratorium to prevent the park, with Township Chair Randy Wurst emphasizing the township’s opposition during Tuesday’s meeting. Local residents voiced strong disapproval, suggesting that financial incentives seemed to overshadow community concerns.
The 245-acre site on Toad Mountain, which includes 920 feet of lakeshore, was to undergo a master plan funded by part of the donation to seek state grants. However, with the board’s decision, the donation will be returned.