Volunteers needed for 7,200-tree planting project

By Robert Williams

Editor

In March, Polly Andersen, President of the Frazee Community Development Corporation (FCDC), and Greg Ness presented a draft brand handbook for Wannigan Regional Park. A new official logo for the park was unveiled and discussed Wednesday, April 22, at the latest Frazee City Council meeting.

The logo was created by a group of marketing and art professionals and highlights the covered bridge as it stretches across the Otter Tail River.

“This is a part of the park branding,” said Andersen. “With your approval, we will begin a campaign of marketing Wannigan Regional Park, as well as, the City of Frazee.”

While council approval is more of a formality, Andersen stated FCDC would like an official stamp of approval to provide the assurance of city approval. 

The council approved the logo unanimously.

The logo was also introduced in the park’s monthly Regional Park update email Thursday, April 23:

After dreaming, designing, and a whole lot of thoughtful collaboration, the Marketing Committee has officially landed on a logo that feels so Wannigan.

Developed by Creating Community Consulting based on the marketing committee input, and ensuring alignment with our new brand handbook, this design brings our brand to life in a way that is both meaningful and full of energy.  We absolutely love it and we hope you do too!

This logo captures the magic of this place.  The covered bridge, the river, the quiet beauty, the energy of growth, and the unmistakable feeling that something truly special is happening here.  It signals that Wannigan Regional Park is growing, the vision is strong, and the momentum is real.

Every trail, every tree planted, every dollar raised, every amenity installed, every volunteer who shows up, it’s all building something that will last for generations.

And now, we have a logo that reflects the preservation of this beautiful space and builds excitement for our future.

It’s bold. It’s timeless. It feels like home.

This logo will become the face of Wannigan Regional Park appearing on signage, materials, campaigns, and everything we share with the world.  We have a word only version as well for smaller items, along with an icon.  It gives Wannigan a unified identity as we continue to grow, fundraise, and invite more people into this incredible space.  This means we will be laying the previous logo to rest and updating spaces that use it.

And just as important, our logo creates something people can wear, share, and be proud of.  

More information will be coming soon on opportunities to show your Wannigan pride. 

Trees

FCDC, the City of Frazee, Widseth and Becker Soil and Water Conservation District partnered for a tree planting planning day to add 7,200 new trees at Wannigan Regional Park.

Machine planting begins Tuesday, April 28. Frazee-Vergas student volunteer tree planting begins Wednesday, May 6. 

Coordination is led by Jason Sannes-Venhuizen and Ken Hammer to support this true community-wide effort.

Volunteers are invited to be a part of the day by volunteering, bringing snacks and water, or taking photos. If interested, contact Sannes-Venhuizen at jmsanzen@gmail.com or by calling (218) 234-8834.

Archaeology

The City of Frazee was awarded $30,595 to conduct an archeological study on the east side of the park.

At its March meeting, the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission awarded Legacy funding to support a Phase I archeological survey on the undeveloped east bank of the Otter Tail River in Wannigan Regional Park.

The study ensures a thoughtful, respectful approach to identify and honor any cultural or historical resources that exist on the land before trails are built and spaces are activated.

Agreements

FCDC also submitted a conflict of interest and confidentiality policy to be signed by each council member, city official including Police Chief Tyler Trieglaff and Utilities Superintendent Larry Stephenson, city office staff, and Mayor Mike Sharp as a requirement for anyone who deals with anything to do with Wannigan Regional Park.

“Anyone who might want to do some sort of work with Wannigan,” said City Administrator Stephanie Poegel.

County Commissioner Phil Hansen, also a member of the FCDC board, has signed but stated he was reticent. 

“I’m just sitting on the board as a person, not as a county commissioner,” Hansen said.

Sharp brought up potential issues regarding open meeting laws and state statutes requiring the council to provide information to the public. 

A line in the confidentiality agreement does state a member, officer or official of the city that is subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act may disclose information.

Poegel weighed in on both documents stating she had no issue with the conflict of interest. The confidentiality agreement, however, presents potential issues.

“Confidentiality, anytime you’re discussing public stuff and saying we’re going to keep things confidential, unless we’re talking about an employee, it’s very touchy,” Poegel said.

The council approved the conflict of interest agreement unanimously. The confidentiality policy decision was tabled for further discussion with Andersen at a following council meeting.

Housing

During councilmember comments, Andrea Froeber discussed the fence near Dollar General and its potential impact on a future housing project at the adjoining parcel. The fence was brought up as a concern by Jason Francis of Turnkey Solutions & Development, the developer looking to create multi-family housing units in Frazee.

The issue was resolved when Dollar General representatives stated they were willing to remove the fence that was installed in 2017, according to Froeber.

However, due to a commercial property abutting a residential property the fence may be required by city ordinance. 

Action was tabled to complete ordinance research before the next council meeting in two weeks.

Policies

The city adopted an internal controls financial policy and procedures document that is required by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) funding. 

Previously, the city did not have such a document, however the process was already in existence.

“Everything in here is pretty much how we’ve been doing things,” said Stephanie Poegel.

Recycling

During the open forum, County Commissioner Phil Hansen reported on the recent four-day free tire recycling event at landfills in Detroit Lakes and Osage. The tire recycling event collected 1,000 tires, totaling 53.88 tons.

Rescue

The council approved the resignation of Tasha Jenson from the Rescue Squad.