Mayor Reinert Announces Lester Park Recreation Working Group

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert announced today the making of a new Lester Park Recreation working group consisting of community members.

The groups mission is to form a plan of operation for the golf course land that has, for several years, sat idle.

Reinert says, the group will discuss and determine three things; year-round recreation opportunities, the ability to offer golf in some format this summer, and to find a model of operation that is community led.

“I believe that the successful path forward here is the city owning the asset, but not running it. So whether it’s a non profit or a foundation, I don’t know what that looks like and that’s part of the charge for this group to explore,” said Reinert.

Last year, 9 of the holes at Lester Park were transferred to the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) who is now working with Oppidan Investment Company on a development agreement which, Reinert says, could be housing.

The other 18 holes are parkland and city owned. Reinert says, the land is a huge asset to Duluth.

“Lester sits in this amazing location where it connects to Amity Ski Trails, Lester Ski Trails, the Superior Hiking Trail, the COGGS Trail. It just really could be a nexus of amazing activities throughout the year.”

Residents can self-nominate to participate in the working group here.