Life

Lake Hanska Park deemed significant

GMRPTC report recommonds park upgrades

Lake Hanska Park has taken yet another step toward upgrades after being designated as regionally significant by the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC).

The designation, which had been a project for the Brown County Park Commission over the past two years, makes Lake Hanska Park eligible for State Legacy Grants.

According to the evaluation, Lake Hanska Park has historical value. In the late 1800s the landowner of the park planted tree species representative of their Norwegian and Scandinavian heritage. In doing so, Lake Hanska now has a unique forest surrounding it.

The evaluation praised Lake Hanska for its location.

The evaluations read: "Quality water resources in the southern part of the state are fairly rare and when located within a regional park are a valuable resource for the area. Upgrades to the park will only enhance the experience and draw in additional visitors."

The evaluation closed by saying that facilities are dated and in need of repair, but with grant opportunities, the needs can be addressed.

Lake Hanska is the largest lake in Brown County at 1,844 acres and is a major attraction to the town of Hanska.

Amenities of the Park include swimming, fishing and boating locations, picnic shelters, nature observation, camp sights, the Omsrud-Thordson-Torgrimson Log Cabin and more.

With grant money, dated amenities can be upgraded and new amenities can be added.

An updated Master Plan being worked on by park planning consultants and the County is set to be completed in early 2027.

Drafts of the Master Plan show potential plans to add a treehouse, slides, climbing structures, a disc golf course, additional tent camping areas and more.

Once the Plan is completed, it will be submitted to the GMRPTC and following approval, will allow the grant application process to begin.

The GMRPTC distributes $15 million a year to regionally significant parks and trails in Minnesota outside of the metropolitan area (which has its own fund.)

Tom Schmitz, who is one of the thirteen commissioners on the Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission, said that the regionally significant designation is great news for Hanska.

"I think this is the most consequential time for Lake Hanska Park," Schmitz said. "It's had a number of great celebratory activities and times in the past but this is by far the largest."

With the designation, Schmitz said that the park can expect grants anywhere from $1 million to $4 million in the next few years.

"We're going to have phase one, phase two, and phase three in development and redevelopment," Schmitz said. "We're not going to do it all in one year."

Grant applications begin April 1 and close at the end of July. Schmitz said that the plan is to apply for grants in the 2027 cycle and receive funds that will be available for 2028.

In the meantime, Schmitz said to enjoy all that Lake Hanska Park has to offer.

"We greatly encourage all residents and all visitors to go out there, especially during the summertime, spring and autumn to enjoy nature and the wonderful park amenities that are there and the improvements that are coming over the next few years," Schmitz said.

For Master Plan drafts visit browncountymn.gov/488/Lake-Hanska-Park