May 14, 2009 at 6:58 a.m.
Ojiketa Regional Park to be opened to public slowly, while uses are reviewed by volunteers
Ojiketa Regional Park to be opened to public slowly, while uses are reviewed by volunteers
The Camp Ojiketa Committee is wrestling with questions like these and more, as the camp property's first real recreational season looms.
The answer to those lingering requests is maybe.
The Camp Ojiketa Committee met last week in one of the buildings on the former Camp Fire property. Members gave updates about assignments they accepted at the previous meeting. Realize that for now this is all being taken on by volunteers, who are doing research into signage, the ratio of primitive versus RV camping...they are marking trail and identifying trail clearing priorities. At the same time they are brainstorming the possible public uses of this magnificent property.
Camp Ojiketa was officially acquired by Chisago City in December 2008. Camp Fire Minnesota had closed the facility for a few seasons by the time the city, with funding from the state and private donors, bought the property working with Trust for Public Land.
In the months since closing the transaction a 14-person steering committee has come together and first of all walked the 70-acre property looking for dangers that must be addressed, and also getting inspiration for projects. Their assessment is on-going.
Doris Zacho, Chisago City Parks Programmer, and Committee Chair Bill Mack led the discussion last week. City Administrator John Pechman, Council member Greg Freer and Mayor Don Taylor were also in attendance.
The windows of Zonta Lodge were opened to enjoy the sparkling waters of Green Lake, visible through the just-budding tree canopy. Outside the lodge a woman hiked with her dog. A couple of young girls on bikes had ridden past earlier.
This activity is ok with the city-- non-motorized and fairly benign. For the foreseeable future that's the way it'll have to be until all the prep work that goes into creating a safe, controlled, efficient public park is complete.
Zacho explained that for this summer season there's just too much to pull together to open Ojiketa for mass use. "We've had lots of calls at the city, but we're taking it slow," she stated.
People are welcome to bird watch, wander the grounds, etc. There are manicured parts of the site where it's easy to negotiate the terrain, but the trail network started to fill in over three years of non-use. Semi-downed trees especially pose some risks. No vehicles are allowed for now, that includes ATVs, dirt bikes or passenger vehicles. You are advised to park outside the gate if you must drive.
The committee heard from Zacho that it's possible one four-season cabin could be made rental-ready shortly.
Two "lodges" are also in good shape and could be ready for group use this summer yet, depending on the contractor's inspection of roofing, plumbing and related systems.
A family is residing on-site in the camp caretaker's house. The carpenter of the household is also performing tasks as requested by Chisago City.
Camp Ojiketa Committee members have formed sub-groups that are charged with chores like testing the condition of electric and sewer/water systems in various buildings. Another subcommittee is responsible for trails and natural amenities. The lakeshore has been assigned to its own subcommittee.
A university student planner is working with Chisago City on layout of the public areas. As Zacho explained, if the lodge is reserved for something like a scrapbooking retreat there shouldn't be hikers walking in and out to use a bathroom. Differing uses need to be accommodated while keeping everybody in harmony.
Some brainstorming ideas that were floated at the meeting last week include:
Getting a couple primitive campsites prepared quickly for use, so a group like Boy Scouts could come in for a day, do chores for improving the camp and then they could enjoy a night in the woods, free of charge.
Could canoe and kayak rentals be a concession offered by a local business?
The site needs a dock or access so boaters can visit the property, a fishing pier would be nice.
If a program like "Adopt a Cabin" is created would it be a cash donation, or a tradeout like scheduling one free night for so many hours of sweat equity?
Zacho says the committee is open to all ideas. "This will be a process, we're not closing anything off."
At this time the best way to submit ideas or to volunteer for work crews when they are needed is to use the Chisago City website www.ci-chisago.mn.us. There's a spot that says "contact us" and you get an e mail form for you to comment. Direct your input to staff member Doris Zacho.
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