FAIRMONT - Nelson Park is for sale.
Fairmont City Council agreed this week to advertise the lakefront property.
For those of you scratching your heads as to the whereabouts of Nelson Park, you're not alone.
The site is across the street from 947 Albion Ave. Situated between two houses, a thin strip of land is level with the road, with a metal bar fencing off a steep, wooded embankment. Crumbling concrete stairs lead down to what was at one time a popular swimming spot in town.
According to Lenny Tvedten with the Martin County Historical Society, the land was donated to the city by Arthur M. Nelson, former publisher of the Sentinel, and his wife, Sadie Nelson. It was deeded to the city on Dec. 6, 1930.
Since Nelson's death in 1947, little has been done in terms of upkeep, Tvedten said.
Mayor Randy Quiring suggested selling the park earlier this month.
The lot is rarely if ever used by the public these days, and it's too small to build anything on. However, the council is hoping it might be valuable to someone who wants access to the lake.
The city plans to set a minimum price of $2,500 on the land, and sell it off in a sealed-bid auction.
Councilman Harlan Gorath was initially opposed to the sale, not wanting to set a precedent with other city parks. He has since changed his mind after a closer examination of the property.
"It's not like it was given to the city as a memorial," said Councilman Joe Kallemeyn.
The city will post notice of the sale.
For more information, contact City Hall at (507) 238-9461.
