FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Update on Snowmaking Project at Battle Creek

Ramsey County will not conduct temporary snowmaking at Battle Creek Regional Park this winter.

During the 2013-14 cross-country ski season, a temporary snowmaking system was assembled as a pilot project within the park. This temporary system was costly and required an inordinate amount of labor and equipment while producing moderate results.

Last season’s pilot project was conducted to demonstrate the need and potential for a proposed permanent winter recreation area in Battle Creek Regional Park. Proposed park enhancements would include a larger, more efficient snowmaking operation that would produce adequate snow to cover a greater portion of the Battle Creek ski trails. One of the major goals of the proposed project is to provide the east metro area with a guaranteed ski facility regardless of the amount of natural snowfall.

Currently, the county’s focus is on obtaining the funding necessary to move forward with installing this permanent winter recreation area. Thank you for your enthusiasm and patience as we continue to work to bring a long-term snowmaking solution to Battle Creek.