There may not have been sleigh bells for listening or snow for glistening, but more than 70 friends of the Lake Links Trail enjoyed an evening of good cheer last Friday that included a frosty (OK, cold) stroll from the Mahtomedi District Education Center to Streetcar Park to view the trail's covered bridge in all its holiday glory.
With participants in the Lake Links Association's second annual Winter Stroll gathered at the bridge, local resident Cindy Rasmussen described efforts she and other neighbors are leading to transform the area into a premier city park. Stroll participants were able to view firsthand the progress to date, which includes installation of benches and picnic tables, removal of invasive species, and addition of a kiosk and a natural playground.
Bright lights and holiday decorations provided by members of the Runze family set the mood for the evening. Donations in memory of Griffin Runze, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 21, made the bridge possible.
After the short hike, participants returned to the district center for cider, cookies, updates on trail progress, and a drawing for several door prizes, including five $100 gift cards donated by Gateway Cycle.
“It was a blast,” said association chair Mike Brooks. “There were people of all ages, from a baby in a stroller to elders, along with some dogs, too. Folks were thrilled with the trail enhancements, especially the improvements in the vicinity of the covered bridge.”
Additional financial support of about $12,300 is needed for 2025 projects such as pollinator plantings and a natural playground slide for kids. If you would like to help with a tax-deductible donation, please email lakelinksmn@gmail.com.
Thank you to all the local businesses that supported with prize donations ! They are all within biking/walking distance so make plans for a bike/walk/roll trip to them.