In a significant move to enhance recreational opportunities and accessibility, Morrison County received a $1.1 million grant in 2023 to fund improvements to the river access at Belle Prairie Park. This project aims to transform the existing aging infrastructure and provide a more inclusive and welcoming experience for visitors. At the Tuesday, July 9 Morrison County Board of Commissioners meeting, Public Works Director Tony Hennen and Public Works Environmental and Recreation Manager Drew Hatzenbihler gave a presentation showing the current plan for the project.
The grant, awarded through the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC), will enable Morrison County to construct an accessible pathway leading down to the Mississippi River, as well as install a new picnic shelter, handicap-accessible restrooms and a stairway to the boat launch area. The current three aging stairways that provide access to the river will be replaced, ensuring a safer and more user-friendly experience for all park-goers.
“What that does is allows a gradual slope for potential people in wheelchairs or people that have issues going down stairs, it’s a nice ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant way for them to also enjoy the river,” Hennen said. “The current stairs are in dire need of replacement, so there’s going to be quite the improvement which will add a really cool asset on the Mississippi River to highlight Little Falls.”
The improvements at Belle Prairie Park are part of a larger effort to enhance the region’s recreational offerings and promote outdoor activities. The park, which has been a beloved community asset for many years, will now offer a more inclusive and inviting environment for visitors to connect with nature and the Mississippi River.
The project is expected to be completed by spring 2027, with the design and environmental review process beginning this summer and the design and construction phase taking place between summer 2025 and 2026. Morrison County committed a $150,000 match to the grant, demonstrating its dedication to the success of the project.
Before construction can begin, however, Morrison County was required by state statutes to conduct an archaeological study of the area to ensure that they do not accidentally destroy any historically significant artifacts or land. Hatzenbihler said there are four known archeology sites within the park, one of which being on the National Register of Historic Places and the other three never having been surveyed to modern standards, with boundaries never being defined.
For the river access project to begin construction, Morrison County must first conduct a shovel survey of the western half of the park, which will guide work on river access improvements, allow work for the removal of buckthorn and other invasive species and assist in the planning and construction of future park improvements beyond this one.
Thanks to grants to Great River Greening through the Outdoor Heritage Fund, the shovel survey was expected to start as early as the following week. For the remainder of the archaeological work, Hennen requested that the Board allow his department to apply for a grant to the GMRPTC of up to $50,000 with a 20% match. The Board unanimously approved the grant application.
As the project progresses, Hennen said Morrison County will continue to engage with the public and seek input to ensure that the final design and amenities meet the needs and expectations of the community.
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