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Northland Arboretum reports growth and new accessible features in annual presentation to Brainerd council
Summary
Northland Arboretum director Trevor Pumnia told council the organization increased its operating budget and visitation, completed an inclusive nature playscape with ADA loop and raised garden beds, and plans a major bike park and adaptive trails for 2025.
At the Dec. 16 meeting, Northland Arboretum Director Trevor Pumnia updated the Brainerd City Council on organizational progress and infrastructure improvements designed to broaden access.
Pumnia said the arboretum's operating budget grew from approximately $40,420,000 (as stated in the presentation) and that last year’s budget increased markedly, with visitation primarily from Brainerd residents. He described completed and planned projects including an Inclusive Nature Playscape with accessible parking and an ADA loop, raised garden beds funded through grant support for the master gardener program (approximately $11,000), and donated labor for a planned bike park. Pumnia noted the arboretum is pursuing regional designation and must produce a master plan (about $50,000) to secure infrastructure grants that would fund paved access, a three‑season chalet and a rental center; the designation is a prerequisite for certain state funding.
He emphasized adaptive trail surfacing and gradients to allow people using three‑wheel trikes and type‑1 electric assist bikes to use 8‑foot crushed gravel paths. Pumnia also reported community donations and partnerships that helped progress several projects and invited council and residents to visit the site in spring 2025 to view updated navigation and features.
Council members thanked Pumnia for the report and asked clarifying questions about adaptive cycling and accessibility features. No formal action was required.
