Faribault Gets A New Community Hub With Viaduct Park Enhancements

The Faribault Foundations has announced a gift of $235,000 from the Xcel Energy Foundation in sponsorship of the green space at Viaduct Park.

Xcel Energy Foundation says they have long-supported projects that renovate and protect green space, providing flourishing environments for the communities they serve.

Viaduct Park and the greenspace that surrounds it will become a natural extension of the City and State trail systems that will provide the opportunity for individuals to take a nearly 10 mile loop around the City.  You can head east or west on two State trails, the Mill Towns Trail and the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail.

The trail that runs along Viaduct Park, known as Straight River Trail also connects trail users with River Bend Nature Center which boasts another 10 miles of trail sprawled across the heavily wooded and scenic Straight River.

Faribault City officials say Viaduct Park will be a community gathering space, offering year-round recreational opportunities that range from ice skating, to cooling off in the splash pad, to hosting community events in the sprawling greenspace.

With the opening of Viaduct Park, Faribault Parks and Recreation anticipates community organizations will be lining up for use of the green space to provide outdoor programming in the newest , most regionally focused parl.

The Faribault Foundation is working with local businesses and philanthropists to support and sponsor elements of Viaduct Park.  There are many amenities available for sponsorship.

Other recent donors to the park include:

• The State Bank of Faribault:  $125,000 to sponsor the gathering space.
• Jennie-O Turkey Store: $50,000 to sponsor the concessions and skate rental area within the new event center building.
• Faribo Plumbing and Heating and the Schwartz family:  $25,000 to sponsor the warming room.
• Faribault Mill: $25,000 to sponsor the warming room.
• RJR Faribo Insurance Agency: $50,000 to sponsor the patio surrounding the splash pad.
• Crooked Pint Restaurant, Faribault: $20,000 to sponsor the fire pit and benches.

Laura Bock, Executive Director of the Faribault Foundation gives more details about this news on the KDHL AM Minnesota program this Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.