BEMIDJI -- Two Bemidji parks will be getting makeovers in the next year thanks to a partnership between the city and the Bemidji Rotary Club.
At the City Council's meeting Monday, Bemidji Parks and Recreation Director Marcia Larson approached officials about projects at two locations, Gordon Falls Park and North Country Park. At the latter, Larson said the department is looking to create a "natural 'playscape.'"
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Larson described it as a natural playground created with native plants, hills and trees to provide a connection to nature for children. Larson said the new playground would fit in with the park at 1001 30th St., as it's already home to an outdoor classroom and butterfly gardens.
During her presentation, Larson recommended the city enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Bemidji Rotary Club, which volunteered to assist in design, development and public engagement with the project. As part of the agreement, the club has agreed to raise $30,000 for the project.
In approving the project, the council passed two motions. The first was to approve the memorandum, while the second was to set the city's commitment at an up to amount of $50,000. The plan is for design work to take place this winter with construction to follow in summer or fall 2020.
The other park, Gordon Falls, is located at 1102 Mississippi Ave. NW. In March, the city approved several improvements for the park at a budget of $217,257. Upgrades include a new playground, sidewalks, ADA access, landscaping and basketball court improvements.
For the playground, the budget is $90,000 and the Rotary Club has volunteered to assist with its installation. On Monday, the council approved a memorandum of understanding with the club and awarded a $88,039.28 quote to Flagship Recreation for the equipment.
In addition to the park items, the council also approved a pair of lease agreements for usage of the nearly restored Carnegie Library. Both lease agreements, made with the Bemidji Jaycees and Greater Northern Counseling Services, are for 16 months, running from Sept. 1-Dec. 31, 2020.
Based on square footage of the space, Greater North Counseling will pay $461 per month, while the Jaycees will pay $465. In total, the rent will generate $11,112 annually.
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While the lower level will be dedicated to the two tenants, the upper level will be open space to rent through the city's Parks and Recreation Department. Larson said a rough estimate for an event rent price is $450.
A $2.2 million project to restore the interior and exterior of the building is nearing completion and an open house is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
