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411 West First Street • Duluth, Minnesota 55802 • www.duluthmn.gov
SUBJECT: Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert issues statement regarding Lester Golf Working Group presentation
BY: Kelli Latuska, Public Information Officer
Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert issues statement regarding Lester Golf Working Group presentation
[DULUTH, MN] Mayor Roger Reinert issues the following statement regarding the Lester Golf Working Group presentation to the Duluth City Council last night:
“In 2024, we created a working group charged with exploring year-round recreational activities including, but not exclusive to, golf. They were also asked to evaluate nonprofit and alternative management models where the city would retain ownership but external partners would manage operations, akin to the Lake Superior Zoo model. They were also asked to consider the potential for additional adjacent housing. This was in direct response to passionate individuals in our community who wanted another opportunity to see what was possible when it comes to the future of Lester.
This was no easy task, and I thank members of various groups like the DAOA, COGGS, DXC, DuFTA, SHT*, and Friends of Duluth Public Golf who participated and provided input. I also want to thank the golf advocates, neighborhood residents, and Lester area business owners who participated and provided input. And I especially want to thank Tim Meyer, who took on the thankless task of trying to facilitate some very disparate interests.
Three different possibilities have developed and been explored. All of which require substantial public or private financial resources.
I know it is disappointing to those passionate about Lester that there isn’t a clear path forward as a result of the working group’s efforts. However, key elements of a future master plan have become very clear as a result of their work: public green space. A building that can provide equipment rental, community meeting space, event space, food and beverage. A connection of all the adjacent hiking, biking, and ski trails. Year-round outdoor activities including, but not exclusive to, golf.
Lester cannot continue to sit, so it is now up to City administration and staff to use these common elements to create a master plan RFP that will include green space, outdoor year-round activities, and housing.”
*Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance, Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores, Duluth Cross Country Ski Club, Duluth Foot Trails Alliance, Superior Hiking Trail