School district, Baxter officials look at park plans

The city of Baxter owns Oscar Kristofferson Park.

So does the Brainerd School District, or at least a portion of the park's green space that is used daily by Baxter Elementary students.

If the city decides to put a fourth baseball field in the park as part of its proposed future improvements, along with a remodeled concessions stand and updated tennis courts, it will need to work out an agreement with the district. This could involve deeding the district's property to the city with well-defined terms of the agreement so the district could continue to use it, said Steve Lund, director of business services.

The Brainerd School Board Facilities Committee Thursday heard from a few Baxter city officials about its future park needs. Baxter Principal Steve Lundberg also explained how the space is used for recess and physical education classes. It is also a student pick-up location.

Gladys Peterson, chair of the Baxter Parks and Recreation Commission, said it would benefit both the district and the city to improve and continue to share the property.

"We're asking the school board to come to some agreement with the city of Baxter so we can proceed in something that'll benefit Baxter and the school district," said Peterson. "I think it's a beautiful plan."

The committee directed Lund to work with city staff on a proposal for a shared use agreement for the property.

In committee action, board members recommended conceptual approval of a modification to the proposed Cuyuna Lakes State Trail but wanted clarification on the trail route through the district's Buffalo Hills Lane property. The modified plans involve diverting snowmobile traffic away from Brainerd High School as was originally planned, taking an alternate route that connects with the Spur Line Trail. Lund said the proposed trail would continue to run past the high school but only nonmotorized traffic would be allowed there.

JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.