COGGS participation in the Lester Park Redevelopment conversation

Transcript from the 10/15 Duluth Commission comments:

Good evening, Commissioners,

My name is Ansel Schimpff, and I am the executive Director of the Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores. As stewards of our public lands, and advocates for improved accessibility, we help to manage and maintain over 100 miles of natural surface trails here in Duluth. I’d like to offer some insight into my experience on the Lester Park Working Group, which was created by the Mayor and tasked with two main objectives:

The first, to discuss the inclusion of year-round multi-use recreation opportunities, including, but not limited to, public golf.
And second, to evaluate nonprofit or third-party management models where the City retains ownership, but operations are managed externally.

To be clear, this was not and can not replace a public and transparent planning process. Very early on, several members began advocating for the outright sale and private development of the property, an initiative that directly contradicted the group’s stated purpose.

Shortly after, the Sunnarborg plan, which I’m sure you are all aware of, was introduced. Members, myself included, were told it was an exceptional proposal, unlike anything Duluth had ever seen before, and the only viable option for this public park. Yet we were not allowed to review the actual plan, because we were told if details got out to the public, it would be politically unpopular.

Around that time, I was asked to develop an alternative, recreation-focused plan. Working with members of the Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance, we gathered representatives from 10 partner organizations.

Together, we created a community-centered framework for the future of Lester Park, one that aligns with Duluth’s identity as a hub for outdoor adventure, and with the Essential Spaces Plan which envisions Lester Golf Course as publicly owned, publicly accessible recreation.

Unfortunately, this option was glazed over during the presentation to City Council and the Sunnarborg plan was presented as the only viable recommendation. I was assured by the Mayor that the work our community groups put into this outline would be used in a future planning process.

Now, it appears that the process is being bypassed to fast-track the sale and private development of this public land, before any comprehensive study or master plan can take place.

I urge the Commission to follow the recommendations and procedures outlined in the Duluth Comprehensive Plan and to ensure a transparent, community-driven process, before any transfer to DEDA. Lester Park deserves thoughtful and inclusive consideration, not a rushed decision that limits its potential as a public recreation and conservation space in an attempt to address complex, longstanding issues. 

Vision for Lester Park Golf Course Redevelopment

Community Analysis

Duluth is a regional hub for year-round outdoor recreation, boasting an extensive trail network and a wide variety of outdoor activities. While every Duluthian lives within 1000 feet of a trail, gaps remain in trailhead amenities, community gathering spaces, beginner-friendly opportunities, multi-use spaces for various age groups and skill levels, and venues suitable for hosting regional or national events. Additionally, the city lacks infrastructure to cater to the growing outdoor recreation tourism market.

The former Lester Park Golf Course offers a unique opportunity to establish a community-centered hub focused on outdoor recreation, education, and environmental stewardship. This initiative would preserve public green space while enhancing health and quality of life in Duluth.

On December 10th, 2024, many of the Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance (DAOA) clubs met to discuss what needs and opportunities the Lester Park Golf Course could fill.

List of Organizations that attended the meeting

Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHT)

Minnesota Land Trust (MLT)

Cyclists of Gitchee Gummee Shores (COGGS)

Northern Minnesota Track Club (NMTC)

Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance (DAHTA)

Duluth Climbers Coalition (DCC)

BIPOC Twin Ports Outdoors

Duluth Cross Country Ski Club (DXC)

Izaak Walton League

Duluth Foot Trails Alliance (DUFTA)

The meeting was facilitated by Ansel Schimpff and Hansi Johnson and the following information was collected from the participants. The following document is intended to paint a picture of what the group had as a vision for the space, whether it is reopened as a golf course, or if it remains open space as it is now.

The first step the group did was to identify some Core Values. What values do the DAOA community feel we wish to incorporate into this space?

Core Values

The Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance (DAOA) and community stakeholders identified the following core values for the project:

  1. Ecological Protection

    • Preserve and restore native plant species through invasive species removal and habitat restoration.

    • Conduct tribal and cultural evaluations to honor the land and ensure ecologically sound practices.

  2. Accessibility

    • Develop accessible parking and paved pathways connecting bus lines and the Lakewalk.

    • Create beginner-friendly hiking, biking, and skiing trails that welcome all skill levels.

    • Include adaptive design elements in all activities and amenities.

  3. Fee-Free and Affordable Recreation

    • Maintain free access to core amenities such as trails and interpretive displays.

    • Introduce affordable camping options for tents and no-hookup camping.

  4. Sustainability

    • Focus on environmentally and economically sustainable practices, such as renewable energy for lighting and event spaces.

    • Consider edible landscapes and community gardens.

  5. Intergenerational Engagement

    • Offer activities that engage multiple generations, including family-friendly trails, a community sauna, and youth programming.

  6. Community-Centric Design

    • Ensure flexible infrastructure to accommodate various uses and future adaptations.

    • Include spaces for community art, interpretive education, and a multi-use indoor/outdoor event space.

The Need for a Community Outdoor Recreation Space

The participants of the meeting were unanimous about the idea of creating a Community Hub at the Golf Course. The Lester River Golf Course’s proximity to nearly every major trail amenity the City has makes it ideal for becoming an eastern focal point for the trail groups of Duluth.

  • The Duluth Traverse is the core of Duluth’s International Mountain Bicycling Associations Gold Level Ride Center (one of only six worldwide).

  • The Superior Hiking Trail. This is Minnesota’s premier hiking trail, and it is also part of the North Country Trail, which is a Congressionally recognized National Scenic Trail.

  • The Lester Park Cross Country Trails. Duluth is rated as one of the best Cities in the country to live in as an XC Skier. One of the city's most used, most extensive, and one of the only lighted XC trails is at Lester Park, adjacent to the Lester River Golf Course.

  • The CJ Ramstad State Snowmobile Trail can be connected from the Lester River Golf Course via existing snowmobile spurs in Lester Park.

  • The Lester Park Golf Course is adjacent to the only legal horse trail on the east side of Duluth

  • The Duluth Traverse and the Superior Hiking Trail themselves act as arteries that connect a myriad of local city trails used by hikers, walkers, Trail runners, and dog walkers.

Project Components

Trails

  • Natural Surface Trails: Create a network of multi-use hiking and mountain biking trails with varying difficulty levels, connecting to existing trails in Lester Park and Hawk Ridge.

  • Paved Recreation Path: Develop a 2–3 mile loop for walkers, cyclists, and families with strollers or wheelchairs, linked to the Lake Walk.

  • Accessibility Features: Design all trails with adaptive equipment accessibility as a priority.

  • Off-leash dog park/hiking trails: Designate open space with developed trails open to off-leash dogs.

Housing

  • Develop an additional 30 acres of the former “Lake Nine” for market-rate housing. 

    • R1 zoning would allow for ~100 single-family homes on 30 acres 

Community Trailhead/Clubhouse Building

  • Features: Include meeting space, a gear rental shop, restrooms, changing facilities, and a café.

  • Sustainability: Incorporate solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and efficient heating and cooling.

Native Plantings and Habitat Restoration

  • Replace fairways with native grasses, pollinator meadows, and wetland habitats.

  • Collaborate with conservation organizations to improve biodiversity.

Community Gardens

  • Install raised-bed gardens and educational plots.

  • Offer workshops and resources on gardening, composting, and sustainable practices.

Year-Round Activities

  • Provide groomed trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, and walking.

  • Offer adaptive recreation opportunities, including golf, mountain biking, hiking, running, outdoor classes, community events, and workshops.

Leased Campground Facility

  • Develop a campground facility to further support year-round outdoor recreation and tourism.

  • Existing models of a leased campground system exist in the region and would be easy to replicate.

Community Hub Vision

The Lester Park Golf Course is uniquely positioned to become an eastern focal point for Duluth’s trail and outdoor recreation offerings. The site’s proximity to key trail networks such as the Duluth Traverse, the Superior Hiking Trail, and Lester Park’s cross-country ski trails underscores its potential as a community hub.

Proposed Features of the Community Hub

  • Indoor/outdoor event space for gatherings, workshops, races, and youth programming.

  • Gear rental facilities.

  • Camping and accommodation options.

  • Spaces for educational and interpretive signage highlighting tribal and cultural history.

  • Accessible parking and a simple facility with changing rooms and meeting spaces.

  • Beginner-friendly bike skills park, walking trails, and signed wayfinding.

  • Amenities such as dog-friendly ski trails, a bouldering park, and off-leash dog walking trails.

  • Community garden featuring edible landscapes.

Estimated Costs and Funding Sources

While detailed cost estimates are pending, the following funding sources have been identified:

  • Public Grants:

    • Minnesota Lake Superior Coastal Program (MLSCP)

    • Regional Trail Connectors Grant

    • The Rivers, Trails Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA)

  • Private and Philanthropic Funding:

    • Trust for Public Land

    • Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF)

    • Legacy Funds (OHF) through partnerships with the Duluth Traverse or the Superior Hiking Trail Association

    • Private donations 

    • Corporate donations 

DAOA member organizations commit to actively pursuing funding opportunities to bring this vision to life.