Mayor Roger Reinert said Duluth residents asked to join Lester Park Recreation Work Group can help improve the area for the community. The goal is to help bring new life to the abandoned property.

Mayor Roger Reinert said his hopes are the land can transform into a communal space used year ’round.

“We cannot have assets that only do one thing for a certain period of time. That is a reality we have to face here too,” Reinert said. “So if that’s our reality, instead of just letting it sit, what does year round multiple use look like?”

Mayor Reinert said Duluth residents asked to join the work group can help create a green space for golfers to tee off this summer.

“Lester is Parkland. So while the Lake Nine has already been transferred from the city to DEDA, we’re going to see development there. The remaining 18 is still Parkland. And what that means is eight out of nine city councilors would have to vote to get rid of it. That’s not going to happen. If you’re passionate about a future at Leicester, please self-nominate yourself to be a part of this effort.”

The Lester Park Recreation Work Group is accepting members of the community to brainstorm ideas. Karen Pagel Guerndt, a resident in Duluth signed up to be part of the work group.

“I’ve talked to a lot of other people who walk back here, too. We’ve all talked about having another dedicated dog park space. But, I have ideas about how it would be a great spot for a community pool or a disc golf course.” Pagel Guerndt said. “I would love for the folks who are avid golfers have at least 18 holes to remain as a golf course. Maybe it could work in conjunction with the other parcel that was sold and will be land for buildings or houses.”

There are plenty of ideas on how Lester Park Golf Course can have new changes. Although, Pagel Guerndt said what’s the golf course needs now is active support from the community.

“It’s been let go for so many years now.” Pagel Guerndt said. “It’s going to need a lot of maintenance. A lot of work and a lot of volunteers.”

The Lester Park Recreation Work Group have three main objectives after they have enough volunteers. The first task is to discuss and evaluate opportunities for recreation of all kinds at Lester Park Golf Course for all seasons. The next goal is to evaluate nonprofit and alternative management models that are already in use and other areas that could also work with Lester Park Golf Course. Some of these areas range from Chester Bowl, Hartley Nature Center, and the Lake Superior Zoo. Finally, the objective is to find a path to some operational golf at Lester park for this summer.

“They’re not chairs, they’re not gatekeepers, their job number one is to recruit. I just want to say right off the top. If you are passionate about a future at Lester, please self nominate yourself to be apart of this effort.”

It may take a while before Lester Park Golf Course can be fully operational. In the meanwhile, Enger Park Golf Course will open later in mid-March. Although it will depend on whether or not temperatures and weather conditions remain consistent with operational grounds and golf facilities.

For more information on the Lester Park Recreation Work Group you can read more here. Also for more information about some of Lester Park Golf Course is the property of DEDA you can read more here. other stories with Lester Park you can read more here.