By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

County commissioners, on Nov. 3, approved awarding a construction project to the low bidder for the Phelps Mill Park Phase 2 project. This project will make final connections to the infrastructure that was put in place during the recently completed Phase 1 project in 2025.

Included in the Phase 2 project are connecting two boardwalks that were recently constructed in Phase 1, construction of three new ADA-accessible fishing stations near the historic flour mill, enhancements to access trails, sidewalks throughout the park, construction of an amphitheater, building a new natural trail playground area and parking lot reconstruction.

County board members, on the recommendation of County Parks and Trails Director Kevin Fellbaum, awarded the $1 million project to Hough, Inc, of Detroit Lakes.

Funding for the project is almost completely covered through two state grants, one from Phelps Mill Park’s regional designation through GMRPTC (Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission) and a Minnesota DNR “Get Out More Grant.”

The County Board of Commissioners has committed to investing long term in its parks and trails infrastructure. Several years ago, Otter Tail County put together master plans for its parks and trails infrastructure. 

“These master plans set the framework on how the parks and trails infrastructure will be laid out within the parks,” Fellbaum said. “Our department will then track down outside funding opportunities to help cover portions of the cost of construction of these infrastructure improvements.”