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Ely Park and Recreation Board clears trail hurdles, approves sled-dog event and declines donated historic furniture
Summary
At its Jan. 14 meeting, the Ely Park and Recreation Board learned a planned 7+-mile mountain bike trail project has cleared wetland review and awaits a final state approval, approved the Wolf Track Sled Dog Race at the Trailhead pending permits, and voted not to accept a donated Hubachek table and chairs into the Trailhead collection.
ELY, Minn. — The Ely Park and Recreation Board on Jan. 14 received progress updates on several recreation projects and approved event and rental requests while declining to accept one donated historic furnishing into the Trailhead Building.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Scott Kochendorfer said the city’s mountain bike trail project, which has been in development for more than a year, resolved earlier wetland concerns and now awaits a final state approval. The lease for the project has already been approved, and staff expect to seek bids in March or April with construction hoped to start this summer on a two-year schedule for more than seven miles of new trail.
Kochendorfer also reported operational updates: the outdoor recreation rink has been open for roughly a month and staffing shortages have been resolved; the city plans to add a cement footing in 2026 to secure hockey boards that have allowed water intrusion; a previously discussed plan to site pickleball courts in that immediate area will no longer proceed. A kayak dock delivered to the east end of Miners Lake is slated for spring/summer 2026 installation, including ADA-compliant trail access and modifications at the lake’s east end.
Heritage Preservation Committee representative Pam Turnbull asked the board to recommend placing an enlarged Tour Ely map in the Trailhead Building and outlined options to display multiple maps without crowding the space. The committee also flagged concerns about exposure to sunlight for a donated Hubachek table and chairs. Council Representative Adam Bisbee moved that Parks and Rec not accept the Hubachek table and chairs into the Trailhead; Kristen Anthony seconded and the motion carried with Eva Sebesta recorded as abstaining. Board discussion noted both the historic log cabin and the table-and-chairs are city property and that the Heritage Preservation Committee may recommend an alternate location.
Eva Sebesta presented a proposal for the Wolf Track Sled Dog Race to use the Trailhead Building on Feb. 21–22, 2026. The board discussed traffic and pedestrian safety, including a planned closure of 4th Avenue from Highway 169 to Harvey Street on Sunday, shuttle service from the Bear Center, and parking options. Kochendorfer said the city recently adopted an event-licensing ordinance to streamline permit review (ordinance number not specified) and staff will process applications; the board approved the event’s use of the Trailhead pending proper permit submissions, with Sebesta recorded as abstaining on the motion. Kochendorfer said the DNR permit for similar events covers up to 60 teams; organizers typically draw about 45–50 teams.
The board approved a Semers Park camping request for July 10–11 for up to 75 participants, contingent on a permit application and conditions including departure by 8:30 a.m.
Other items: Winterfest is scheduled Feb. 5–15, 2026; the dog park lease is signed and permanent signage will be added to direct visitors away from softball fields; new drum heads for park drums were fabricated locally and will be installed as time allows; and the board discussed ski-trail grooming coordination near the Trezona Trail with the local Ski Club.
The meeting adjourned at 6:51 p.m. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 11, 2026, at 5 p.m. at the Ely Trailhead Building.
