City Council approves transfer of former Lester Park Golf Course

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth City Council has approved an ordinance allowing the transfer of the former Lester Park Golf Course property to the Duluth Economic Development Authority.

After extensive debate among a roomful of Duluth residents, the ordinance passed by an 8-to-1 vote. The ordinance approves the transfer of the 230-acre parcel to DEDA, but the transfer will only happen if certain conditions are met. First, a land-use study must be completed, and at least 1,500 acres must be dedicated as park property, rezoned to P-1, or included in the Duluth Natural Areas Program.

“We’ll spend probably about a year doing the land use study, and the whole point of that is just is to look at this entire parcel and think about the different elements that are possible,” said Mayor Roger Reinert, City of Duluth. “There are things like connecting all of the adjacent hiking and biking and ski trails, some public green space, some food and beverage, and the number one issue – housing availability and housing affordability, and Lester presents a really great opportunity to do all of the above.”

Although a few people showed up in support of the ordinance, many residents stepped up to the podium to share their concerns.

“I find it very concerning regarding the transparency of the conversation about the Lester Park Land and the work that’s been done for years to try to preserve that for protected park land, and also the use of the Lester Park Golf Course,” said Jeremy Kershaw, a resident of Duluth.

City officials emphasize that there are still many steps to be taken before anything happens to the property, and there will be more public input opportunities.