Clear Lake has a new park and playground for residents to enjoy in the Hunter Lake Bluffs Development.

 

Discussions on the park began last year. When the development was built the now-dissolved homeowner’s association was planning on constructing a playground on one of the out lots. The developer of the property went bankrupt before the development was completed; Minnesota National Bank owns the remaining lots. 

 

Because it’s unknown when the third phase of the development will happen, Clear Lake Mayor Tim Goenner approached the bank to present the idea of a temporary park. The board felt it was a great idea, and agreed to lease one of the lots for $1.

 

To fund the project, the homeowner’s association donated $6,600 that was still in their account, which the City of Clear Lake matched; the Clear Lake Lions also donated money. From there a number of local businesses worked together to get the park built.

 

Schendzielos & Son donated all the excavating needed on the lot, Knife River donated $2,500 for the class two overlay, Structural Builders, Tri-County Lumber and Country Lumber donated all the lumber and metal and Lincoln Builders also built and helped with the cost.

 

Authority Fencing donated the labor to put in the chain link fence, Quality Blacktop gave them a deal on the basketball hoop, and the City of Clearwater donated the turf for the park.

 

On Nov. 25 (Black Friday) Goenner found a deal on a Rainbow Play System and ended up getting a bigger set than originally planned for less money. The new park also has a second play system, sandbox and shelter. 

 

“There was a lot of planning involved, we didn’t just throw stuff down,” said Goenner. “The neat thing is that everything we used can be picked up and moved to the permanent park in the future.”

 

Hunter Lake Bluffs Park was completed the beginning of August, although Goenner stated they plan on continuing to add to it every year, including extending the play system and adding other structures. 

 

“It’s just been great, one of the more fun projects I’ve worked on,” he said. “I’m very happy with it. It really turned out nice for them.”

 

Along with Minnesota National Bank and all the organizations that donated and assisted, Goenner expressed thanks to the Clear Lake City Council and staff members for their support in helping make the new park a reality.