(Okoboji)– A ribbon cutting event is now scheduled for Sherwood Forest Park, located at the site of the former Inn Golf Course in Okoboji. The project is under the auspices of the Dickinson County Conservation Board. Spokesperson Amy Heibult says they’re excited as the work winds down…
“The grand opening, our ribbon cutting ceremony, will be held on June 12th at 10:00 am out at the park. Currently right now you’ll probably see a lot of green that doesn’t really look natural. Our Natural Resources Roadside Department has been hydroseeding around a lot of the bike pump track toward the front of the park. There’s construction going on like crazy trying to get those final details wrapped up and vegetation is finally starting to come in, so we’re really excited to see the green and things come to life out there as well.”
Heibult says the new park will offer a number of amenities for people of all ages…
“Towards the front of the park there will be a parking lot with restroom amenities. You’ll find a huge playground that has several slides and plenty of climbing opportunities and swinging opportunities near a wetland with a bridge. There’s also a three-level bike pump track, something you can’t find, I mean you’d have to go to Mankato or Sioux City, so we’re really glad to have that three-level bike pump track here. We’ll have a mountain bike course all the way around the outside of the park. There’s going to be wetland areas, prairie areas, that we’ve reconstructed. There’s a whole remnant prairie on the property that was conserved. There will be separate walking and biking paths out there as well, and then beautiful seating areas landscaped with native plants.”
Heibult adds they appreciate everyone’s patience while the work has been going on. She says the Dickinson County Conservation Board is grateful to everyone who made the new park possible…
“There’s been a lot of work involved with this and we’re extremely grateful to all of the contractors. They’ve been working really hard out there. And the support, and donors and grants that have gone into this from Destination Iowa and local donors. We’re really excited to see this park open and bring that opportunity to the public to enjoy some trails amongst prairie and wetland areas.”
Sherwood Forest Park is comprised of about 75 acres of land.
Heibult again urges everyone to stay out of the park until it’s official opening June 12th. As we reported previously there have been issues recently with trespassers going onto the property resulting in damage to some trails and recently poured cement.
