My friend, Kathy, is planning an annual reunion for her family who is spread between eastern Minnesota and South Dakota, and she is looking for a central location.  She asked me if Ramsey Park, in Redwood Falls, Minnesota had a lodge or cabins for such events, and I had to tell her no.  But I began to wonder why the city of Redwood Falls hasn't exploited such an awesome natural resource. 

Ramsey Park, which is the largest municipal park in the state, has the Redwood River running through it, a significant waterfall, panoramic views from shelters, a zoo with bison and camping accommodations.

There is a handicap accessible fishing dock, and historic granite depression era WPA projects such as the swayback bridge in the lower  park.  But there is no lodging, no concession stands and no dining accommodations.

Imagine, for a moment, the uses of a lodge for group meetings and weddings.  And how about individual cabins?  Redwood Falls is home to a company called Schult Homes that builds prefabricated houses.  They're lovely.  Certainly they could design cabins that would be appropriate to the setting.

There have been many times when I longed to be able to purchase a soft drink and snack when I was in the park with my kids.  It would be nice if there were some events like flea markets, or evening enterainment, like music, in  a band shell.

If a city can own a liquor store and community center, couldn't they also develop a business plan to make the park more profitable and serve the members of the community better?  How about a partnership between public and private investors?  The park is used by cross-country skiers during the winter, and wouldn't it be nice to stop for a hot cocoa somewhere along the trail?  Food for thought.

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