Summer is fast approaching and decisions have to be made about the Grand Marais Recreation Park and city owned Gunflint Hills Golf course.
With those two topics in mind the Grand Marais Rec Park Board held a special meeting online to discuss the impacts of the governor’s orders concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and how those orders relate to operating the rec park and golf course.
Park Manager Dave Tersteeg presented a document sent to board members that outlined the state’s current stay at home order and what that order means to the two city run operations.
Under the governor’s order campgrounds providing housing/lodging to non-temporary guests (seasonal and long term) can operate, but overnight recreational camping is not allowed.
When discussing campground revenue, Tersteeg said 20 seasonal sites are typically occupied in May, with many of those campers coming later in the month for Memorial Day. Using a five-year average, May produces roughly $50,000 from overnight guests and takes in $14,000 from monthly rentals. The marina brings is $12,793 and merchandise sold at the office takes in $2,477, but as Tersteeg noted, “The total for monthly camping and marina do not reflect actual May occupancy. Many seasonal campers and boaters pay their entire balance before June 1 to take advantage of a long-standing three percent discount for full payment with cash/ check by June 1.
If the campground doesn’t open in May, Dave said, “Assuming an average refund of $685 to the 20 or so affected seasonal renters, the total refund/credit for May would be roughly $14,000.”
Next the board discussed several scenarios for May. Tersteeg explained restrictions and service limitations if the park opens in May, including not operating the bath- houses and no public access to the park office. He reiterated the few seasonal guests who arrive early May would know the conditions for returning, including bringing two-week’s worth of supplies and the expectation to self-quarantine. The governor’s stay at home order was discussed and the board formed a consensus around respecting that date and its intentions. Following several motions to open on a limited basis with varying restrictions on May 5 that failed, the board voted unanimously to table the decision to open until more was known about the governor’s stay at home end date.
Next the board discussed the Gunflint Hills golf course and a possible May opening. Superintendent Paul Jones explained best practices the golf industry is implementing to minimize touch points and crowding. Jones talked about weather driven factors for opening. The course opened May 17th last year.
Discussion centered around how to safely offer cart rentals and open the clubhouse. It was decided that the staff would need to develop a cart disinfection station and add more cleaning of restrooms if the clubhouse is to open.
Jones reminded the board that Gunflint Hills is primarily used by locals and the month of May numbers would be manageable. A mid-May opening (based on snow leaving the golf course) would provide the chance to implement planned best practices. Steve Aldrich motioned to open in May, with clubhouse and cart restrictions and implementation of industry best practices; with a second by Hinchman. Sally Berg called for a roll call vote, which was unanimous.
Tersteeg gave a brief summary of how things have been going during the pandemic. In April there were 130 cancelations, with $5,000 refunded.
“We are refunding the entire $40 deposit in light of COVID-19 and waiving the $10 non-refundable fee,” said Tersteeg. “New reservations continue to come in, especially for August and September; with steady calls and emails from seasonal guests wondering what the plan is.”
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