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Gaylord will soon have another walking path. City Council members, earlier this month, heard plans for a trail or path around the storm water pond located on the east side of town. Plans are to begin the project this spring.

The walking path is one of three projects being spearheaded by the Promoting Active Citizen Enjoyment (PACE) Committee. This group received a $15,000 grant last year from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation.

Grant money has been divided between the path project, a Senior Citizens Center and a Senior Park Station. These projects received the most support following two town meetings last fall.

Jim Swanson presented the storm water path project to Gaylord’s City Council on March 5th. He is one of seven members on a committee that worked on plans for the path. According to Swanson, developing a path around the pond is continuing a vision of 15 years ago.

An eight foot, gravel walking path is planned, Swanson explained. Other work scheduled for this spring includes:

• laying rock to connect trail with Lincoln Avenue;

• install some lighting along trail;

• plan for planting trees, shrubs and flowers;

•research how this trail integrates with the development of a city-wide trail;

• work with City employees to ensure everyone has the same understandings about the trail;

Swanson said the committee will also be meeting with area organizations and businesses as it seeks help in securing labor, materials and donations for the trail.

There is $4,000 in grant money set aside for the trail project. In the report presented by Swanson, costs associated with the trail include: 52 trees ($2,500); gravel for path ($1,500); 26 lights ($5,500); and park shelter ($7,000). Plans are to fund much of the project through donations and fund raisers, Swanson explained.

The Dakotah Trail and Park is the name of this project, according to Swanson’s presentation. He said the committee felt this name represents the Indians who were native to this area.

Keeping active and in good health. That was among the reasons the committee felt this trail was a good project. According to the report, this is a project citizens of all ages can get involved in and enjoy.

Gaylord’s stormwater pond and surrounding fields have been a popular resting spot for Canada geese in recent years. Swanson said the committee has considered remedies to keep geese near the water but isn’t too concerned about this issue. “To [the committee], it is not that big of deal,” Swanson said. “We are not going to let geese keep us from putting a path in.”

Work also continues on the other two PACE projects. The City Council has allowed the committee to use the former library building for the start of a senior center. It is unknown if this will be the permanent site for that facility.

Plans are to develop a Senior Park Station on the east end of the Hahn Family Properties’ strip mall on Main Street. This project will include a plaza complete with tables, chairs, benches and landscaping.