Colfax continues discussion of turning Stuart Park into a campground
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By LeAnn R. Ralph
COLFAX — Perhaps you’ve noticed the wooden stakes in Stuart Park on your way in and out of Colfax on state Highway 170.
According to a preliminary drawing of the site submitted to the Colfax Village Board at the May 9 meeting by Village Trustee Jeff Prince, there could be as many as 35 campsites in Stuart Park.
The middle of the park would be designated for 25 pull-behind campers and motor homes, and there would be room for 10 tents or tent campers along the berm on the east side of the park.
The drawing is very preliminary, and two of the camper sites along one end could be eliminated if it turns out there is not enough room for people to drive through there, Prince said.
Some of the sites could also change in size because “nothing is set in stone,” he said.
Prince’s intent is that if someone does have an oversized camper, that person would be advised of the dimensions of the campsites when he or she signs up for reservations.
Jody Albricht, village president, said he thought it was “too far ahead” to be discussing the plans for a campground because there have been no costs determined yet for any part of it.
“This is an idea of what it could look like,” Prince said, adding that it is “a very preliminary plan.”
Prince also has a vision of a walking trail on the east side of the park on the other side of the berm but said he does not know if that area could be developed for a walking trail because it is designated as a wetland.
Members of the Colfax Rolling Hills ATV/UTV Club told him that it was too bad the campground was not already in existence because it would have been perfect for people coming in from other areas who wanted to participate in the club’s “poker run” on April 30.
The campground would benefit the village by raising revenue and it will benefit the businesses in town by bringing in more people to patronize the businesses, Prince said.
The village board needs the cost of installing water and electricity and a dump station, said Gary Stene, village trustee.
The village board should also consider whether to haul in fill to level off the park so the campground is not flooded, said Carey Davis, village trustee.
The improvements could be paid for by borrowing the money from the village’s contingency fund because fees from renting the campsites can pay it back, Stene said.
Jenson wondered if the village would qualify for a business loan to develop the campground.
Perhaps there is development money available for governments, Niggemann said.
Stene said he would contact the director of the Dunn County Economic Development Corporation and the West Central Regional Planning Commission.
It is too early in the process to apply for a grant, but it would be good to find out if there might be grants available, Niggemann said.
“We should take our time and do it right,” Prince said, “but we shouldn’t drag our feet, and we should keep it moving.”
Members of the Colfax Village Board agreed the next step in the process of developing Stuart Park as a campground is to obtain estimates for the work that needs to be done.