Douglas County
Parks Division
PO Box 398
Alexandria MN 56308

320-762-2966
Fax: 320-763-7955

Runestone Park Foundation

In January 2006, the County Board, at the request of the Kensington Runestone Park Foundation, hired Hoisington Koegler Group (HKGi) to prepare a comprehensive plan for Kensington Runestone Park.

On December 12, 2006, Greg Ingraham, principle planner with HKGi, presented the Master Concept Plan to the Board of County Commissioners. The Board adopted the plan after review and directed the Park Division of the Public Works Department to implement the concepts in the plan.

One of the most exciting recommendations in the Master Concept Plan is the formation of a 10 member Interpretive Advisory Group. Quoting from the plan:

"The overarching mission of this advisory group should be visionary and with the visitor in mind."

The group should have:

	Balance:	be inclusive of different viewpoints.
	Compromise:	differing opinions & everyone's voice must have a place.
	Range:	bring fresh eyes and ears to the planning process.
	Leadership:	not held by one person but facilitated and recorded by rotation.
	Consensus:	it is essential and a front running goal.
	Visitor Experience:	public enjoyment of the park is always the highest priority.

Douglas County and the Kensington Runestone Park Foundation are actively searching for 8 to 10 people interested in serving on this key committee. We expect to have two or three meetings a year for the next several years to work through the strategies in the Master Concept Plan.

We believe that the Olof Ohman farm, now known as Kensington Runestone park, is the most important place associated with the Kenginston Rune Stone. Visits to the Ohman home were key elements in the early research and scrutiny of the rune stone and had a profound effect on the culture of the surrounding community.

Please contact the Douglas County Park Division by phone, mail, or e-mail if you are interested and we will be happy to provide copies of the Master Concept Plan for review.

Al Lieffort, Park Superintendent
Douglas County Public Works
PO Box 398
Alexandria, MN 56308
320-762-2966
al.lieffort@mail.co.douglas.mn.us