Thank you to local Community Leaders for offering their testimony of support for the Extension of the Glacial Lakes State Trail from New London to Sibley State Park.  Testimony was proved on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at the MN Senate Hearing for the Environment, Economic Development & Agriculture Division Committee by Sibley State Park Improvement Association President Ron Erpelding, Willmar Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Beth Fischer and Kandiyohi County Commissioner Roger Imdieke.  Other key community leaders who participated include New London City Clerk Trudie Guptill, Dave Lais from the Sibley State Park Improvement Association, Spicer Mayor Denny Baker, and New London EDA Members Jeff Vetsch and Art Norby.

The group encouraged committee members to include Senate File 798 in the 2013 Bonding bill.  The bill is authored by Senator Lyle Koenen, which is for the appropriation of $1,500,000 from the bond proceeds to develop a five-mile extension of the Glacial Lakes State Trail between Sibley State Park and the city of New London.

Providing connectivity between the Glacial Lakes State Trail and Sibley State Park with a 5 mile trail extension results in an important link in Minnesota’s emerging regional trail system- a link that provides greater connections for people to access and enjoy our Minnesota outdoors.

More specifically extending the trail means the following for our area:

•  It will connect the 36 plus miles of the Glacial Lakes State Trail via a 5 mile   extension to beautiful Sibley State Park. A state park which annually has over 250,000 visitors and is among the top 10 most visited State Parks in MN.
•  It will create a 5 mile extended multi-use trail for bicycling, hiking & running, in-line skating and horseback riding.
•  It will improve safe access for students and others to and from the New London-Spicer Elementary, Middle and High Schools, as well as playgrounds and recreation areas all located adjacent to the proposed trail extension.
•  The trail extension will provide an enhanced and safer biking and hiking access for students to outdoor environmental education experiences at Sibley State Park and along the Glacial Lakes State Trail.
•  It will strengthening an already strong economic environment in the downtown New London area by providing safe bicycle and pedestrian access from Sibley State Park.
•  It will create an enhanced health and fitness opportunity for everyone. Research has shown that modifying our living environment by creating   access to places where people can be more physically active is an effective way to incorporate healthier behaviors into our daily lives.
• Tourism is already an important industry in Kandiyohi County.  Annually the Leisure and hospitality industry in the county accounts for over 76 million dollars in gross sales, generates 4.6 million dollars in sales tax and accounts for 1658 jobs in the county and by connecting the Glacial Lakes State Trail to Sibley State Park, we will enhance the positive impact of the tourism industry in Kandiyohi County and the entire west central area of MN.

The Glacial Lakes State Trail is a great asset to the Willmar Lakes Area and Connectivity is the key!!!  Connecting the Glacial Lakes State Trail from New London to Sibley State Park is the next step in building a strong regional trail system that connects are regional communities and attractions for both the visitor and our local residents.