$713,000 Grant to Fund Enhancements at Phelps Mill Park

Phelps Mill Park Phase 2 planning map. (OTC)

Underwood, MN – Those who enjoy outdoor recreation in Otter Tail County will soon have their experiences enhanced, with a $713,747 grant award for improvements at Otter Tail County Phelps Mill Park.

The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) just completed its extensive application review process and chose Phelps Mill Park and 11 other parks and trails around the state for $11,326,845 in funding for Fiscal Year 2027. The Minnesota Legislature annually approves the grant recommendations, with funding from the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund, one of four funds created by the 2008 Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. The Parks and Trails Legacy Funds are dedicated and may only be spent to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance.

“We are thankful to have been selected for this grant from the GMRPTC,” said Otter Tail County Parks and Trails Director Kevin Fellbaum. “The funds will allow us to enhance ADA accessible walking trails and connect the two boardwalks, install three new permanent onshore fishing areas along the river, upgrade the playground, construct an amphitheater area, upgrade the parking lot and restore other critical infrastructure throughout the park.”

In addition to the GMRPTC grant funding Fellbaum shared that Otter Tail County will be able to utilize a $300,000 grant from the MN DNR ‘Get Out More Program’ to complete Phase 2 of the Phelps Mill Master Plan.

Story courtesy of Otter Tail County.