Graham Park updates from Olmsted County

“Thank you” Graham Park supporters
 Work continues to obtain funding from the Minnesota legislature for the creation of an exhibition center, farmers market pavilion, and program support plaza at Graham Park. A refreshed market study in 2021 clarified that the region needs updated facilities to host flat floor events such as cultural events, trade shows, concerts, equestrian/livestock shows, and other exhibits. 

Olmsted County would like to thank the many residents and local leaders who have already signed letters of support for the projects. Enhanced Graham Park facilities are projected to increase the total annual economic benefit from $5.5 million to nearly $13.7 million annually. It also means Graham Park will be used 200 more days out of the year supporting an additional 50 unique events. 

“These exciting improvements at Graham Park will give our community and our region modern, attractive, and affordable facilities and venues that can host a wide variety of family, community, and business activities,” said Olmsted County Commissioner Sheila Kiscaden.  

We encourage residents to reach out to their lawmakers to garner support for these Graham Park enhancements that would serve regional and community needs and drive additional year-round activity:

District 25A, Rep. Duane Quam

District 25B, Rep. Liz Boldon

District 26A, Rep. Tina Liebling

District 26B, Rep. Nels Pierson

District 25, Sen. David Senjem

District 26, Sen. Carla Nelson

Graham Park master plan

New at Graham Park
Refreshing and restoring the buildings and grounds at Graham Park are ongoing. A new floor was installed in the 4H building and the kitchen received an update. You may have also noticed new Graham Park entry signage as you enter the grounds. Floral Hall is undergoing restoration with expected completion in the spring of 2022. We are currently accepting spring and summer reservations for Floral Hall and several of our buildings that can accommodate weddings and other special events. Reserve your event space today and watch a video to see how Floral Hall has been used as a wedding venue in the past!

 Floral Hall west entrance
 

 Graham Park entrance sign
 

Aune Hall small room

Aune Hall main hall

Graham Arena ice rink sponsorship
We are excited to announce an agreement with Mayo Clinic to sponsor rink one at Graham Arena! Funding from Mayo Clinic’s 5-year sponsorship will go toward enhancements at the arena.
 

Rink one sponsored by Mayo Clinic

The people have spoken!
Last year was a big one for our beloved Ear of Corn Water Tower at Graham Park. Restoration of the historic landmark was completed, a celebration was held, and people made their voices heard by choosing the tower as the People’s Choice Winner in the Tnemec Company’s Water Tank of the Year contest! The water tower is featured in the 2022 calendar by the Tnemec Company, along with 11 other water tanks that were chosen out of nearly 300 water tanks from across the United States and Canada.
 

Tnemec Company, 2022 water tank calendar

Development talks for former Seneca Foods property
In addition to big things happening for the Ear of Corn Water Tower, big things are also in the works for the former Seneca Foods property adjacent to where the water tower stands. On January 18, 2022, the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners entered into an agreement with Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc (RAEDI) to develop and administer a Statement of Interest (SOI) for the property. RAEDI is a Rochester-based nonprofit organization that serves communities in Olmsted County through economic development initiatives. The focus of the SOI is to solicit potential uses of the property from the development community. The SOI is expected to be issued by March 15, 2022.

Aerial image of future development site

Connect with us
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