$1.3 million grant to fund enhancements to Detroit Mountain Recreation Area

Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – People who enjoy outdoor recreation in the Detroit Lakes area will soon have their experiences enhanced, once recommendations are approved to fund $1,325,941 of improvements at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area.

The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) recently completed its application review process and chose Detroit Mountain Recreation Area and 13 other parks and trails around the state for $11.4 million in funding for fiscal year 2024. The GMRPTC will now recommend that the Minnesota Legislature approve funding through the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund, one of four funds created by the 2008 Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. The Legislature has annually approved GMRPTC recommendations since Legacy Funds are already dedicated and may only be spent to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance.

“We are elated to have been selected for this grant from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission, which will allow us to construct improvements including Nordic Trail expansion and lighting, expansion of mountain bike trails, construction of accessible trails and adaptive bikes and equipment, trailhead parking, and a treehouse,” said Larry Remmen, Detroit Lakes Community Development Director. “Area residents and visitors already enjoy the relaxation and beauty they find at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, and this needed funding will make their visits better than ever.”

“Every grant awardee is very deserving, and we commend them for how thoroughly they described their needs in their grant applications,” said GMRPTC Executive Director Renee Mattson. “It’s the dedicated people at the local level who make Greater Minnesota’s regional parks and trails really shine, and we’re pleased to assist them with their efforts.”