File photo by Fritz Busch Brown County Commissioners unanimously approved a Lake Hanska County Park Master Plan proposal from HKGI Tuesday. The Lake Hanska County Park beach is pictured above.

NEW ULM — In an effort to ensure it meets future needs, Brown County Commissioners unanimously approved a proposal Tuesday to develop a 15-year Lake Hanska Park master plan.

The park located at 11189 County Road 11, several miles southeast of Hanska, features a campground with electric hookups, restrooms and showers, picnic shelter, grills, swimming beach, fishing pier, playground, several picnic areas, DNR public access, hiking and cross country skiing trails.

Historical highlights include the Omsrud-Torgrimson log cabin built in the 1850s, an old fort site and interpretive signage including several kiosks.

A lake restoration project completed in 2000 improved fish and wildlife habitat and recreational use of the lake.

Last year, the Brown County Park Commission recommended the County pursue a Lake Hanska County Park master plan to evaluate existing infrastructure, future opportunities, gather public input and develop a 15-year plan. Commissioners budgeted the request for 2026. The last park plan was adopted in June 1970.

“I’m happy to see we’re moving forward on this. I think we have opportunities to advance what the park offers and that the vendor (HKGi) can provide that,” said Commissioner Brian Braun.

“It’s nice to look at what park maintenance is due. There is no better time to look at this than now,” said Commissioner Tony Berg.

Commissioner Scott Windschitl thanked Tom Schmitz “for stepping up and joining us.”

Project plans include a kick-off meeting in the park with park planners to meet with county staff, walk the park and discuss park issues and opportunities.

In the 1970 park plan, Lake Hanska County Park was recognized as one of the greatest potential outdoor recreation assets in Brown County, according to the HKGi proposal.

Commissioners chose a proposal not to exceed $80,000 from HKGi, a Minneapolis-based planning and landscape architecture consulting firm over similarly priced proposals from Bolton & Menk, ISG and Widseth.

A selection committee of Brown County Planning, Zoning and Park Director Robert Santaella, former New Ulm Park and Recreation Director Tom Schmitz and Commissioner Jeff Veerkamp reviewed proposals and recommended commissioners select HKGi to develop a plan.

The committee felt that HKGi demonstrated it has good success working with cities and counties interested in designating a park with regional significance.

Park development concepts will be created and evaluated to determine preferred concepts.

Potential funding sources will be identified including GMRPTC (Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission) funding, DNR grants and other state and regional initiatives.

Action came on a motion by Commissioner Veerkamp, seconded by Braun.