Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park

Interim improvements were completed on multi-purpose athletic fields in the southwest corner of the athletic park. This allowed the fields to be used for soccer and lacrosse starting in 2017.

In February 2019 the City Council awarded the contract to construct the Phase 1 Improvements at the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park.

The improvements were planned based on current demand, field conditions, and the need for parking, irrigation, and stormwater management. The first phase of improvements will support the existing interim green space already in use and add infrastructure necessary to support new and future field space.

These include:

• Grading the area indicated on the map
• Installing utilities
• Adding more gravel parking and a trail
• Building a well
• Installing irrigation lines
• Installing the clay liner in the pond
• Completing seeding and restoration

The cost for the project is approximately $1.55 million which comes from the municipal liquor fund.

The Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park Infrastructure Accessibility Improvements Project includes the construction of ADA‐accessible gravel trails/parking spaces, recreation support facilities, and transportation enhancements to the existing Athletic Complex.

Support facilities to be added include an open-air picnic shelter, seating areas, three water fountains, and a concrete pad that will support temporary restrooms. The project will also develop a new one‐way gravel entrance road from the south and a new two‐way internal park road to improve traffic circulation. The project also includes constructing a looped gravel trail system for pedestrian recreation and access.

The existing irrigation extension will provide successful seeding installations for turf and native plantings. The new support facilities are needed to increase the viability of the site as a regional athletic facility. The transportation improvements will benefit users of the regional park by improving accessibility and safety at the existing athletic complex.

The infrastructure accessibility improvements are part of a phased approach to building the athletic park as outlined in the Bertram Chain of Lakes Athletic Park Feasibility Report. The cost for the project is being funded from the municipal liquor fund.

November 2024

Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) Approved

On November 5, 2024, residents voted to approve a 0.5% local sales and use tax. The sales tax was approved to fund improvements at the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Athletic Park. 

The local sales and use tax will take effect on April 1, 2025. The tax is administered and collected by the Minnesota Department of Revenue on behalf of the City.

February 2025 - Phase 3: Pickleball Courts

The City Council authorized design firm, WSB, to prepare plans and specifications for pickleball improvements at the park at a cost of $50,397. WSB was the consultant on the feasibility report, master plan, and subsequent improvements for the park. 

Pickleball courts were selected as the next project due to the popularity of the sport, as well as feedback from stakeholders such as the local school district, local pickleball enthusiasts, and the City’s Parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission (PARC).  WSB will prepare construction documents to go out for bid, with the goal for the new pickleball courts to blend seamlessly with the park’s existing features and future planned developments.

April 2025

Local Option Sales Tax Takes Effect

The Local Option Sales Tax, approved by voters in November 2024, took effect on April 1, 2025. The State of Minnesota administers the tax and distributes revenue to the City on a quarterly basis.

October 2025 - Phase 3: Pickleball Courts

Outdoor Recreation Grant for Bertram Athletic Park Improvements

The City was awarded a $254,170 grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Recreation Grant program to support improvements at the Bertram chain of Lakes (BCOL) Regional Athletic Park.

The grant will support the construction of eight pickleball courts, a dedicated parking area, lighting, site amenities, landscaping, and trail access. The grant requires matching funds, which will be provided by the local option sales tax (LOST). The project must be completed, with matching funds spent, by December 31, 2027. 

These improvements align with the City’s comprehensive plan, which supports phased development of the Bertram Athletic Park as funding becomes available.