Possible Park Cutbacks
February 11, 2003
With looming financial deficits, it should come as no surprise
that state and local parks could experience reductions in
funding. Over the coming months, some very difficult decisions
will be made involving where and how deep the cuts will go.
 For
Twin Cities skiers, one of the most cherished venues could
possibly come under the budgetry ax. Murphy-Hanrehan, considered
by many as the crown jewel of metro area ski trails, is one
of the parks that could face possible closure if funding cuts
run extremely deep. Murphy-Hanrehan, along with Cleary Lake,
are two of the parks that are managed by Three Rivers Park
District, in collaboration with Scott County. The loss of
state funding for Scott County could result in a reduction
by as much as 50% of their contribution to the operations
of these two parks. If such fund cuts were to occur, Three
Rivers most likely could not wholly absorb the loss and thus
might close Murphy-Hanrehan until some funding was restored.
With smaller cuts, skiers could expect reductions in trailhead
building hours and possibly in the grooming of the ski trails.
While Murphy-Hanrehan is one of the most prominent of these
potential cuts, there could be a reduction in services at
a number of other area parks.
So what can you do about it? By voicing your support for
cross-country skiing, especially at venues like Murphy-Hanrehan,
you are letting your representatives know how important and
appreciated these areas are to their consituents. As always,
a polite and civil tone goes a long way to ensuring your message
is well heard.
Here are some of the contacts involved in the decision making
processes. Please bear in mind that much of the funding starts
at the top, with the state legislature.
State legislators for Savage/Prior Lake/Shakopee
District 35B - Savage/Credit River Township/Spring Lake
Rep. Mark Buesgens (R-MN 35Bth)
[email protected]
Sen. Claire Robling (R-MN 35th)
[email protected]
District 35A - Shakopee/Prior Lake
Rep. Michael Beard (R-MN 35Ath)
[email protected]
Sen. Claire A. Robling (R-MN 35th)
[email protected]
Scott County commissioners
Three River Parks District
Primary contact:
[email protected]
Board Meetings
Three Rivers Park District Board meetings are scheduled for
the first and third Thursdays of each month, beginning at
5 p.m. Meetings take place in the Oakwood Room of French Regional
Park Visitor Center, 12605 County Road 9, Plymouth.
Commissioners:
[email protected]
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Economic Recovery
While this season has been hard on the skiers, it has
been downright financially depressing for skiing related
stores and lodging as well as for the local ski trails,
especially those funded by skier donations. Now that
there is good skiing over many parts of the region,
get out there and do your part to help in the "economic
recovery".
- Buy some new equipment: Many of the local
ski shops have fantastic deals on equipment.
- Plan a skiing vacation: Nearly all of our
lodging members
have very good skiing conditions and many are offering
great lodging specials.
- Hit the ski trails: Visit a few of your favorite
trails and drop an extra buck or two in the old
donation box. And if you live in Minnesota, don't
forget your Minnesota
Ski Pass.
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Related links
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