Community Connector project grand opening expected this spring, pending final components

Construction of the Community Connector project between the Grand Marais Recreation Park and the North House Folk School is still underway. 

The construction project commenced in May 2023. Although a substantial portion of the work was finished during the summer and fall, a few remaining tasks are still on the to-do list. 

During the latest Jan. 2 Grand Marais Park Board meeting, Dave Tersteeg, the park’s manager, said the project is still waiting on the arbor and metal panels from Global Specialties, the Eagan-based contractor company hired. “Hopefully, they get it in the next month or two,” Tersteeg said. “That’s been their promise all season.”

The recreation park is also moving forward with creating an interpretive panel honoring the late George Morrison. The project has received support from George Morrison’s family – musician Briand Morrison and his mother, artist Hazel Belvo.

Tersteeg said local author and creator Staci Drouillard has agreed to write the narrative for the interpretive panel. He said to expect about 150-200 words on the approximately 24″ x 36″ panel. The panel is slated to include graphics and visual elements to accompany the words. 

“I’m hoping to engage a local designer to handle the final layout and graphic design of the panel itself,” Tersteeg said. He said the project is progressing well, and the recreation park intends to host a grand opening event this spring. 

The audio of Dave Tersteeg talking about the Community Connector project from the Jan. 2 Grand Marais Park Board meeting is below. 

Kalli Hawkins January 10, 2024