| Snowmaking
Update – May 18, 2006
Slowly but surely, plans for the Wirth Winter Recreation
Area progress . . .
After several years of work by the Foundation, and through
the contributions of the ski community, the Minneapolis
Park & Recreation Board added snowmaking capability
– upgraded water service, electrical, snow-guns, a
high pressure booster bump, and a pisten bully – just
before the Holidays last winter. With this addition, the
Park Board has the ability to make and groom snow for cross
country skiing and has plans to snow in at least a short
trail and a lighted practice area this winter (it was too
warm to make snow after the snowmaking equipment was added
last winter).
Phase two of the plan includes the construction of a dedicated
snowmaking loop, running additional water lines and electricity,
the purchase of additional booster pumps, and the purchase
of additional snowmaking equipment. The Park Board is currently
considering a Foundation proposal whereby the Park Board
would agree as follows: (1) construct (clear and grub) the
snowmaking loop in time for the 2006-7 season, (2) match
funds raised by the Foundation up to $150,000 (the Foundation
has $25,000+ already in the bank), (3) if sufficient funds
are raised by spring 2007, to undertake construction and
purchase equipment in time for winter 2007-8, and (4) install
professional management/promotion for the Wirth Winter Recreation
Area once construction is complete.
The Park Board will likely consider this proposal on June
7, 2006. Check www.wirthwinter.com
for updates on how to help as that date approaches.
Fundraising efforts this year include the Run for Snow
III and Pig Roast (both May 24, 2006 at the Wirth Picnic
Pavilion) and the new City of Lakes Loppet Tri-Loppet. Once
the Park Board agrees to match funds, complete the construction
and install professional management, fundraising will move
forward again in earnest.
To make a contribution to the Wirth Winter Recreation
Area fund, send a check to:
City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation – Trails Fund
1406 West Lake Street, Suite 207
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Or contribute on-line at www.wirthwinter.com.
For more information, call 612 618-9681.
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