Grand Marais Parks and Recreation Director Dave Tersteeg had some good news for the Grand Marais Park Board at the board’s August 4 meeting. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which has slowed down many businesses, the park has never been busier at this time of year.
The net revenue for July 2020 was $308,000, up 14 percent over last July. The year-to-date revenue stands at $704,000, which is down $65,000 from last year’s total at this point, but that is due to the parks closure and sending back cancellation refunds from April, May and early June. The state allowed the campground to fully open June 15.
As far as the day-to-day operations, Dave said his crew is working hard and the business is operating “smoothly and efficiently.”
Getting every customer to follow the pandemic rules has been somewhat of a challenge, he noted.
“Guests have been inconsistent in following the COVID-19 rules in the bathhouse, but perhaps better with facial coverings now that it’s a state mandate,” he said, adding, “We are also handing out the ‘covid rules’ to guests as they check-in and asking that they read and follow them.”
Instead of using a moose to judge six feet, Dave suggests guests use the length of a picnic table to follow the safe distancing rules. Bathhouses are limited to three people at a time and facial coverings are required inside, unless people are washing their face or brushing their teeth.
2021 reservation policy
Reservations for next year will be open on a month-by-month basis. For example, people booking on November 1, will book for all May dates; December 1 bookings will be for all June dates and so on.
“Wrap around dates at the end of the month will be allowed, but there will be a $100 penalty for changing dates when someone is using this method for booking.
The park board is short one member since Jennifer Stoltz moved to Devil Track, which is out of the city limits. If you live in Grand Marais and want to serve on the park board, applications are available at city hall.
Gunflint Hills golf update
Year-to-date sales are up $7,098.65 over last year at the city owned Gunflint Hills golf course. July was only marginally ahead of 2019 July by $397.04, but May and June saw more early play than the year before.
There is no Canadian traffic this year, so no Canadians are coming from Thunder Bay to play, which would boost the numbers of rounds. The course is in good shape and those out playing are enjoying the nice weather and camaraderie while staying six feet, and more often 60 feet and more, away as they play.
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