Grand Marais Recreation Park secures funding for phase one of master plan improvements
The City of Grand Marais received welcome news last week, clearing the way for phase one of the Grand Marais Recreation Area Master Plan to move forward.
On Dec. 3, the City of Grand Marais announced it had received $1,066,560 in grant funding from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC).
The newly secured grant funding will allow the Grand Marais Park Board to move ahead with plans to construct a new bathhouse in the Grand Marais Recreation Park. The funding will also include improvements to a new entrance sign and various signage throughout the property.
“I would say a huge, huge win for the city here and the recreation area and all the users,” Parks Manager Dave Tersteeg said.
The selected improvements were identified during the master plan process and included in the public feedback collected during a July open house at the Rec Hall. Construction of the new bathhouse, which will be located near the Pavilion and boat launch area, is anticipated to be completed in 2027.
Tersteeg said several details, paperwork, and environmental reviews will need to occur beforehand.
The Grand Marais Recreation Park was awarded a regionally significant designation from the GMRPTC in spring 2024. The designation opens the door to additional funding opportunities to carry out identified master plan improvements. The designation follows the Grand Marais Park Board’s adoption of an updated master plan in 2023.
“Every grant awardee is deserving, and we commend them for how thoroughly they described their needs in their grant applications,” said GMRPTC Chair Rick Anderson. “It’s the dedicated people at the local level who make Greater Minnesota’s parks and trails really shine, and we’re pleased to assist them with their efforts.”
WTIP’s CJ Heithoff spoke with Parks Manager Dave Tersteeg following the news of the grant funding. The audio from the interview is below.
Kalli Hawkins December 13, 2025
