Echo Bay Park updates provided to OTC Board
News | Published on September 23, 2026 at 10:21pm GMT+0000 | Author: Kendall Koenen
0OTC received $1.2 million in state funding for the project
By Tom Hintgen
Otter Tail County Correspondent
In late 2021 land close to Fish Lake and near Dunvilla, northeast of Pelican Rapids, was given to Otter Tail County. This was done with the stipulation that the county make this into a county park, kept as much as possible in its natural state as a habitat for wildlife, fish and plants.
“We are working on completing plans for Phase 1 construction of Echo Bay Park, with assistance from our consultant, Fargo-based Houston Engineering,” says Kevin Fellbaum, Otter Tail County Parks and Trails Director. “Our hope is to go out for bids in 2027.”
Otter Tail County has received $1.2 million in state funding, on recommendations from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). This agency advises the Minnesota Legislature about special environment and natural resource projects.
“We are developing the Echo Bay Park for visitors while at the same time keeping conservation in mind, respecting the wishes and vision of the former property owner,” said Fellbaum.
Plans call for bituminous access roads and parking areas, walking/access paths and park amenities such as toilets, park lighting, picnic shelters and site grading within the established easements as needed. The park totals 165 acres near Fish Lake and the Pelican River.
“County commissioners have asked for input from county residents in determining what amenities and activities should be considered within the master plan,” Fellbaum said.
An erosion control plan and seeding plan will coincide with conservation efforts as the county park nears completion northeast of Pelican Rapids. All earth moving will be done at one time, and not different times, in order to save on costs, Fellbaum said.
“Grants will augment county park construction money coming from taxpayers of Otter Tail County,” Fellbaum said. “Houston Engineering, at each stage, will deliver in pdf format to county officials the removals, grading, drainage, utility, campsite amenities plans, landscape, details and erosion control plan sheets.”