Thanks to Emily Thomas for sharing her memories of growing up in Grand Marais and enjoying the park in front of the Grand Marais Public Library. I would like to assure her and the whole community that the Library Board is very conscious of the importance of this green space. They are planning a modest 3,000 sq. ft. expansion to the current building as one of the 1% sales tax projects approved by the voters.
The addition will most likely extend beyond the sidewalk into the park a bit, but the goal is to retain the green space and encourage its use with outdoor seating for library programs and public use. The library was identified by the Grand Marais City Council during its “visioning” process in 2007 as a pedestrian-friendly destination in the downtown area which could be enhanced for visitor and resident use.
As far as the trees are concerned, the Library Board had them evaluated in 2006 by the MN Department of Natural Resources and the city’s tree expert. They are in fairly good condition, although the largest American elm has a disease that affects the crotches of the trees where branches have broken off. It produces gas and oozing sap. It seldom heals but does not usually kill the tree. The bigger threat is from Dutch Elm disease. An elm directly across from the library had to be cut down this past summer because it was infected. We were told that it is quite common for nearby trees to become infected within three to five years.
Parking is a problem throughout the downtown area. We will continue to rely on street parking, with the exception of adding compliant handicap spaces. The Library Board and their architect are working hard to balance demand for increased library service with the need to retain city park space. They hope to have a detailed concept drawing of the project ready for public display by the end of the year.
Linda Chappell
Director of the Grand Marais Public Library
Leave a Reply