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Merritt Park Community Center Building Removal Scheduled

[Duluth, MN] Residents living near the Merritt Park Community Center can expect to see equipment arriving the week of September 23 in preparation for demolition of the Community Center.  Residents can expect to see workers during the daylight hours until approximately the second week in October. Residents will notice truck and equipment traffic, as well as increased noise during demolition. A Plus Contractors will close sections of the park as necessary. In addition to building demolition, Minnesota Power will be removing two light poles adjacent to the existing building.

Demolition of the community center is part of the City’s 2010 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which prioritized quality recreation hubs over quantity. The building at Merritt Park has deteriorated, with nearly three quarters of a million dollars in deferred maintenance and upgrades.

Beginning this fall, City staff will begin working with the community to design future park improvements. Merritt Park is one of thirteen parks along the St. Louis River Corridor that was identified as part of the larger St. Louis River Corridor. These parks are eligible for designated ½ and ½ tax funds that are activated by a required $10,000 match from community partners through cash donation, grant funds, in-kind volunteer hours, and in-kind materials. For more information about Merritt Park, visit https://duluthmn.gov/parks/parks-planning/st-louis-river-corridor/merritt-park/.

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