Park hosted over 30,000 visitors during busy 2025

By Robert Williams

Editor

Frazee’s premiere destination for outdoor recreation and cultural preservation made possible by the Frazee Community Development Corporation (FCDC) is celebrating a transformative year in 2024 that brought new fundraising achievements, the incredible traffic created by Thomas Dambo’s inclusion of a troll in the park and the continuation of Phase I development that will make 2025 a year of big changes, as well.

While the troll art installation was critical in bringing people to the Wannigan Regional Park, the biggest achievement of the year was securing $2.8 million in funds to support future development. The park hosted more than 30,000 visitors this year, most to visit the troll installation, but FCDC and the Wannigan Park Committee critically allocated significant funds to start development in 2025. 

“It’s really huge,” said FCDC’s Polly Andersen. “It’s interesting too; it’s not anything bigger than what we’ve been through, but it’s a whole new phase for us where we can be outward-facing with these grants that we’ve won. It creates a counter balance of how are we going to find this community match? That’s a big part of what we’re doing right now and it’s really fun. For me and many of the people involved, there has been so much positive and exciting talk about getting our community involved with in-kind and materials match from community resources. Now we’re actually doing that and going out and meeting with folks that might be able to contribute materials, labor or other support for us.”

FCDC’s goal for Phase I development is to raise $6.9 million between 2024-29 and nearly one-third of that was raised this year, allocating $2.9 million in grants and cash donations to support the creation of over 1.5 miles of scenic multi-use trails for walkers, bikers, and nature lovers to explore.

Other improvements will be a shelter and picnic table area, along with an improved entrance to the parking area.

The Becker County Board of Commissioners committed $150,000 for a roundabout at the entrance, while the Frazee City Council is working with FCDC to purchase a home on North River Drive to allocate more space for the improved road. City and county recognition and support is another major improvement to advancing the park’s agenda.

“They understand that with these grants comes that responsibility to do what we can to find local support,” said Andersen. “We’re making that a reality. It’s really challenging. It means there is going to be a lot happening and it means there are going to be lots of ways for people to show up.”

Members of both the Wannigan Park Committee and FCDC should be credited for pushing for the grants well before having them accepted, approved and the funds given was certain. There were many meetings where Andersen, Ashley Renollet and others were convinced the project was worth millions of dollars in grants. Convincing others of that was the hard part and it took some courage to fight through what was commonly a lukewarm reception to their plans.

“I think a big part of that was, ‘show us.’” said Andersen. “Show us the application. Show us what you’re doing. I think that is where some of that lukewarmness came from. I think there are a lot of fence-sitters, rightly or wrongly, it’s just a function of any new, big thing. There are going to be a lot of people sitting in the middle waiting to see what happens.”

Getting more assistance from the community is essential to the park’s progress and Andersen is hoping some of the former nay-sayers are willing to jump on board.

“With this development we need to find these people who were sitting on the fence to help,” she said. “We need you. It’s real; it’s happening. We’re in the spotlight so what are we going to do? We’re going to step right into it. This is what we’ve been waiting for”

At the core of continuing with Phase I development and improving the park is improving the community itself.

“To make it even better here; that’s what we’re doing,” said Andersen. 

Gaining the belief of the granting institutions has also been a positive shot in the arm to those on the front lines of bringing Wannigan Park from pipe dream to reality.

There are also big surprises that were never in the plan. The park is going to continue to reap the benefits of being included in Dambo’s work. 

Jacob Everear, one of Thomas Dambo’s world-renowned “Trolls of DL,” crafted from reclaimed wood and filled with character, is more than just a sculpture—he’s a storyteller, a guardian of nature, and a symbol of sustainability. Installed with the support of Project 412, this enchanting figure has quickly become a beloved landmark, drawing visitors from near and far to explore the beauty and creativity of the park.

Families, artists, and adventurers alike have been inspired to visit Wannigan Regional Park, discovering the stories and environmental messages woven into Dambo’s art. 

“It was one of those situations where if we wouldn’t have had the funding for the park in place we would have never gotten it,” said Andersen. “That’s an excellent example of how things can just come together. Things were happening in the background with Project 412. Groups like them and other groups that want to make this area even better were working on that. When they see us working on that, it’s a real magical thing that happened.” 

The Troll has also served as a rallying point for community pride, bringing people together for events, storytelling sessions, and photo opportunities. His presence underscores the importance of combining art, nature, and sustainability to create spaces that resonate deeply with people of all ages.

“It’s something to do outside for families and it’s beautiful,” said Andersen. “A lot of people have said ours is their favorite because you can crawl up on it. It’s just been so fun to hear people talking about the excitement behind the park.”

Jacob Everear and the Trolls of DL have placed Wannigan Regional Park on the map as a must-visit destination in the region. Visitors drawn by the Troll are exploring Frazee and beyond, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the area’s economic growth. By seamlessly blending art and nature, this installation not only enhances the park’s identity but also establishes it as a vibrant hub for creativity and outdoor exploration. They’ve attracted national attention from news stations far and wide. Jacob Everear is more than just a sculpture—he’s a catalyst for growth, connection, and environmental stewardship.

“It became this beautiful amenity that we would have never had if the LCCMR had not believed in us,” Andersen said.

The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) is made up of 17 members: 5 Senators, 5 Representatives, 5 citizens appointed by the governor, 1 citizen appointed by the Senate, and 1 citizen appointed by the House. The function of the LCCMR is to make funding recommendations to the legislature for special environment and natural resource projects, primarily from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF).

Another unplanned complement to the park is the positive momentum in Frazee itself from the growth of new businesses.

“We’re working with economic development to get those people into town,” said Andersen. “That’s obviously our role. All of us in the community want to see businesses thrive and it’s so exciting.”

The role of businesses and their support of the park goes hand-in-hand with FCDC’s role they want to play in helping Frazee grow. 

“We couldn’t have done it without that component,” said Andersen.

The top project this year is grading of what will become the asphalt trails inside the park, allowing for easier access to the troll and the park’s interior, with benches and other basic amenities. Paving of the trails is scheduled for 2026, along with a lot of work with the local fauna and enhancing the natural environment, which includes a natural playground for kids in hopes of nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a love for the outdoors that will last a lifetime. 

Anyone who would like to help create the natural playground, or donate rocks, dirt or logs, reach out to either the committee or an FCDC member.

A kayak launch area is also in the works for 2025.

The year’s efforts weren’t just about funding or construction—they were about people and community. From families walking trails to cultural workshops uniting neighbors, Wannigan Regional Park is evolving into a center for activity. 

Visitors flocked to attend events and explore the growing amenities. From the lively open house in January, which drew over 100 attendees, to the grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony in June, community members have embraced this emerging destination. 

Wannigan Regional Park has also hosted workshops, like a treaty rights educational session with beading in collaboration with Cornerstone.  Most recently local youth toured the park to learn animal tracks and medicinal uses of plants. Advisory groups formed to guide tree planting and habitat restoration efforts. Skiing, snowshoeing and snow snakes are planned for this winter as well. Each event has reflected the community’s growing excitement and pride in the park’s development.