Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/50977
OUR PARKS—AND THE COMEBACK TRAIL For about as long as anyone can remember, people have loved the picturesque valley along the Mouse River. The water irrigates our fields. It brings life to our green trees, meadows, yards, parks and golf courses. It welcomes the birds and waterfowl we love to watch. Yet last year, our Mouse River brought destruction like we had never seen. More than once, the two faces of the Mouse River have significantly changed the face of recreation in the Minot area. First the river gave us places to enjoy. Some of our favorite parks and trails were built along the river. So was our beloved Roosevelt Park Zoo and the park's pool and waterslide. This is where most of our golf courses are. Last year, the river changed these places, but it hasn't taken them away. With support from around the United States—amounting to more than 13 million online votes—Minot's Oak Park won a national contest sponsored by Coca-Cola. This park was awarded the distinction of "America's Favorite Park" along with a grant for $100,000. This money will help us reopen the park with its popular splash pad, band shelter, trails and the all-abilities inclusive Magic Smiles Playground. Also, with the help of many generous donors, our Dakota Bark Park and our wonderful Roosevelt Park will be back with its fishing piers, band shelter, Magic City Express train rides, botanical gardens and veterans' memorial. We still have parks and abundant recreation to enjoy while we rebuild. We have year-round water fun at Splashdown Dakota Super Slides (Dakota Square Mall), the YMCA and many local hotels. We have our fun Polaris Park on the north end of Minot, where you'll find a disc golf course, ball diamonds and more. Find many more parks, outdoor sports complexes, city trails and nearby mountain biking and nature trails. See www.minotparks.com and www.blackbutteadventures.com. Of course, we still have our nearly 35 miles of existing and proposed future trails providing great walking and bicycling routes through and around Minot. The scenery, parks and neighborhoods through which they take you are changed. But just as the Mouse River brought its destructive force last year, it will bring back the beauty that is only matched by our own tenacity. So come see us and enjoy all the recreation our area has too offer along our comeback trail. 21