By Robert Williams

Editor

Visitors to Wannigan Regional Park will have a new shelter to use on a near future visit as construction on the park’s shelter at the trailhead near the covered bridge began last week.

“We’re just so grateful for the people and the groups stepping up to complete the construction of the shelter,” said Frazee Community Development Corporation (FCDC) Board President Polly Andersen.

Visitors will also see solar-powered lights that have been installed along the intrapark trail, along with a large-scale tree planting project.

The Wannigan Park Committee and FCDC are partnering with the Becker Soil & Water Conservation District in an effort to plant 7,200 trees at the park. This is an investment that will shape the landscape, provide shade, enhance habitat, and create lasting beauty for generations to come.

Students from both schools will be contributing to the planting efforts with classes taking part in  the effort during the United Way of Becker County’s Day of Caring on Wednesday, May 6.

The park’s master plan calls for multiple picnic shelters and the summer of 2026 is scheduled to see more amenities added, a natural playscape, primitive campsites and restrooms.

“It’s really exciting offering shelter to visitors who are coming on the trail; this second shelter is sited so that it is right off the asphalt trail; in between that and the river so it’s just a beautiful location,” Andersen said.

Phase I construction is weather-dependent and the goal is to have it completed by the spring of 2027, according to Andersen.

“We’re aware that with the timing of our project some things are going to get done this fall and there will, most likely, be some things that we get done in the spring,” she said. “It’s going to be resource and capacity-dependent on the contractors that we hire and also the volunteers that step forward.”

Phase I plans include 13 drive-in campsites with organizers still determining how many can have electric hookups. Two restrooms, one will have a shower for campers. At least one scenic and birdwatching overlook. Interpretive signage and more informational kiosks will be installed.

  A kayak launch was part of the plan, but the logistics of the launch are currently being reimagined and has been moved to Phase II.

Organizers announced the new shelter construction with the following social media post:

“There’s something special about a day like today at Wannigan.

A few ‘hold this here!’ moments…some dirty hands, tired feet, and a whole lot of laughter in between.

This is how a park becomes a legacy.

Today didn’t just look like progress…it felt like it.

Boards went up to build our first shelter.

Little trees found their forever homes.

Laughter echoed across the prairie.

And somewhere between the hammer swings and dirty hands…something bigger was built too.

Years from now, families will gather under this very shelter sharing meals, stories, and moments that matter. Kids will race down these trails, pause in the shade of these trees, and maybe never think about the fact that… it all started with you.

With volunteers who showed up.

With donors who believed.

With a community that said, ‘Let’s build something beautiful together.’

That’s the magic of Wannigan.

It’s not just a park…it’s people, heart, and legacy taking root in real time.

Today, we’re just incredibly grateful for every hand, every dollar, every ounce of belief that is bringing this place to life.

Connection. Pride. Community.”