Kasson council approves $10,000 matching grant to advance disc-golf course and walking trail at Lions Park

The Kasson City Council voted to reallocate a $10,000 allocation to help advance a proposed disc-golf course and an added wooded walking trail at Lions Park.

Park and recreation representatives described an updated plan that adds a walking path roughly following Masten Creek and a scenic rest area around a large historic popple tree. Johan, speaking on behalf of the park board, said the walking trail and a few benches are intended to broaden the project's appeal beyond disc-golf players.

"Because of the inclusion of the walking path, I have updated the costs somewhat," Johan said, noting a walking-trail line item at approximately $2,700 and additional costs for benches and landscaping. The park board asked the council to affirm the idea and allocate matching funds to encourage public contributions and grant support.

Council members discussed funding options and outreach, including asking the joint-ventures group to fund course baskets. The council approved reassigning its typical $10,000 donation toward the project as a matching grant so the park board can begin clearing and outreach work over the summer; council members said they expect to request additional funding at an upcoming joint-ventures meeting in August.

Why it matters: supporters said the low-cost project could increase park use, draw tournament play that benefits local businesses, and create a short, shaded walking loop that appeals to non-golfing park users. Council members asked staff and park-board volunteers to continue outreach and ensure property-owner cooperation for final hole placements.

Next steps: the park board will continue design work, finalize hole placements if property access is available, seek matching contributions, and request joint-ventures funding at the August meeting.