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and a fishing pier accessed by a stairway leading down to the lake. The park is located <br /> on a bluff overlooking Sibley Lake. <br /> Proposed Improvements: <br /> • Replace existing step and side rails <br /> • Cut brush around poplar trees <br /> • Signage on Highway 371 to advertise the park location <br /> • Horseshoe pit <br /> • Add a bike path from the Paul Bunyan Trail to the Park <br /> • Remove the steps by the old dock site <br /> • Garbage receptacles <br /> HISTORIC FIRE TOWER <br /> Assessment: <br /> The Historic Fire Tower is located on a 40 acre parcel of property approximately 1/4 mile <br /> from the center of Pequot Lakes. The Fire Tower is actually owned by the DNR, but the <br /> City maintains the picnic area. Park amenities include picnic tables, a barbeque stand, a <br /> paved parking lot, and a walking trail that leads to the fire tower. The tower has been <br /> recently closed by the DNR due to safety reasons. There is a local group working with <br /> the DNR to repair and maintain the tower with the hopes of reopening the tower as soon <br /> as possible. Funds are currently being raised through the Pequot Lakes Historical Society <br /> for this project. The DNR has agreed to maintain ownership of the tower and provide <br /> insurance when it is opened. <br /> Proposed Improvements: <br /> • Replace and/or repair stairs or platforms necessary <br /> • Improve walking trail from parking lot to the tower <br /> • Locate a cap (top part of tower)that can be placed in area for visitors to enter without <br /> climbing to top <br /> Future Parks Planning: <br /> It is a current goal of the Park Commission to improve the existing parks, trails and open <br /> spaces. Another focus of the Park Commission is to study the possibility of connecting <br /> snowmobile, bike, and walking trails. <br /> The Park Commission continues to protect scenic views and natural beauty in the City <br /> and to study the possibility of expanding its park system by studying the options of <br /> obtaining prime park locations and high quality natural resource lands. The Park <br /> Commission adopted a Park and Open Space Land Acquisition Policy which is used by <br /> the City to determine when it is appropriate and in the City's best interest to acquire park <br /> land. (EXHIBIT B) <br /> Page 8of11 <br />