BRAINERD — Car counter technology is giving Crow Wing County a better idea of just how many people are using its parks.
“We're happy and excited this year that we broke over 100,000 at our core parks,” said Tom Strack, county environmental services supervisor, in a presentation to the County Board on Tuesday, Jan. 21. “ … It's just really cool to see that people are out using the parks that we've invested in, used our timber resources to build. … And the feedback that we've gotten has been nothing but exceptional, and hopefully you've heard that as well, but just wanted to share that it's a very good year.”
![Bar graphs shows car counter data for parks and trails use](https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/814e9dc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1054x762+0+0/resize/840x607!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fbd%2F4c%2F1c88e5c04fb3b05781dfe4953dff%2Fcrowwingcountyparkdata.jpg)
The numbers, using car counters at parks where people can drive in and a volunteer count at Big Island, officially known as Rollie Johnson Natural and Recreation Area, provided a look at 2024. Some information was missing after one counter was stolen. Counters note thousands of trips to county trails and parks.
“I think it’s amazing,” Board Chair Steve Barrows said. “It shows the attractiveness of our parks and it’s only going to get better with Milford development over there.”
The Milford Mine Memorial Park near Crosby is gaining from expanded walking trails and other improvements.
Other findings show more all-terrain vehicles are side-by-sides so they are wider, heavier and more powerful and displace more dirt so there is more maintenance by the clubs. The ATV trails are maintained by the local clubs and volunteers, as are the local cross-country ski trails.
Non-motorized trails in the northern part of the county see the most activity in the fall with hunting and horseback riding. Ski trails are commonly used by skiers and horseback riders.
Barrows asked if the wider width of the side-by-side ATVs, meaning two people can sit next to each, is a problem. Stack said some trails were modified to accommodate the larger side-by-sides. State statute has been consistent on the width being 72 inches and less.
![Bar graphs note off-highway vehicle trail usage.](https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/e9b2b1a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1187x847+0+0/resize/840x599!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F22%2F74%2F913fb5eb45cd84513bdb50b935bd%2Fcwcohvtraildata2024.jpg)
As far as real issues, Strack said the clubs have a robust program and have trail ambassadors out there to monitor as well and promote safety.
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Commissioner Jamie Lee said a person can ride from Emily to Michigan on the ATV trails. Commissioner Paul Koering was on a new monitor screen showing him at the commissioner’s desk as he attended from Fort Myers, Florida. Koering said he was never a big park guy but he’s come a long way
“So I'm just thankful for my little, tiny part down on South Long Lake because the people in my community enjoy it very much during the summer,” Koering said.
![Bar graph shows non-motorized trail use](https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/4b77451/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1116x818+0+0/resize/840x616!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fca%2Fd9%2Fd7e871d84140967d805a5df6c872%2Fcwcnonmotorizedparkdata2024.jpg)
“I'm pretty impressed with the amount of users using these trails, whether they're locals or whether they're not from our local area, but they're getting used and I certainly appreciated it,” Barrows said. “I think it shows us where our revenues come from with that many people coming into our area, utilizing the parks and the trails.”
Barrows said recreation needs to have heavy consideration when looking at the budget. Administrator Deborah Erickson asked how many levy dollars are spent on parks and trails. Chris Pence, environmental services supervisor, clarified no levy dollars go to parks and trails. Barrows said he appreciated the clarification.
Renee Richardson, managing editor, may be reached at 218-855-5852 or renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter @DispatchBizBuzz.