(KNSI) – If you haven’t filled out the Quarry Park survey yet, time is running out to weigh in on the future of Stearns County’s most popular swimming hole.
The Parks Department is making a second push to gather public input on the master plan for Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, the crown jewel of the county park system that attracts thousands of swimmers, hikers, bikers, climbers, and anglers each year. The deadline is February 16th.
“We want to hear directly from the people who use Quarry Park,” said Ben Anderson, Stearns County Parks Department Director. “Whether you visit weekly or just a few times a year, your feedback will help guide decisions about future improvements and priorities.”
The updated master plan will chart the park’s course for the next 10 to 20 years. County officials are considering some ambitious additions, including expanding mountain bike trails, updating swimming and climbing areas, building an interpretive center and amphitheater, and improving those parking lots that fill up faster than the quarries on a hot July day.
The current master plan dates back to 1995, which means it’s as old as Windows 95 and eBay.
Residents have two easy ways to share their two cents before the deadline.
Answer questions about how you use the park and what you’d like to see improved. It takes 5-10 minutes. Find it by clicking here or drop location-specific comments on an interactive map and see what others are suggesting. Find it by clicking here.
The planning process kicked off in December 2025 and should wrap up by May 2026. All feedback will be reviewed by county staff, the Parks Commission, and the County Board of Commissioners.
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