What is the Plan?
In August 2004, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board adopted the Wirth Winter Recreation Area Master Plan. View Master Plan. Under the Master Plan, the Park Board has endorsed the idea of a permanent snowmaking loop with lights for cross country skiing.

The Cross Country Portion of the Master Plan Includes:


Phase I – Snowmaking Capability
(completed December 2005)

• Upgrade (winterize) existing well-house;
• Install water lines and hydrants connected to well-house;
• Install electrical sufficient to run snow guns and booster pump;
• Purchase new snow guns;
• Purchase mobile booster pump;
• Purchase snow cat.

Phase II – Permanent Loop
(goal is to complete in time for 2006-2007 season)

• Install buried pipe with periodic hydrants and electrical on a 1.5+ kilometer loop;
• Install lights on 1.5 kilometer loop;
• Install electrical and purchase additional snow-guns;
• Install booster pumps to supply high pressure to hydrants.

Phase III – Optimization
(future date – yet to be determined)

• Increase size of permanent snowmaking loop;
• Add additional buried pipe, hydrants and booster pumps;
• Install additional snow-guns;
• Add holding pond for cold water;
• Add additional pump-house to pump from pond to hydrants;
• Install additional maintenance facility/warming house.