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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Duluth - Parks and Recreation
411 West First Street • Duluth, Minnesota 55802
218-730-4309 • www.duluthmn.gov
For more information contact Kelli Latuska,
Public Information Officer at 218-730-5309
DATE: 6/10/2026
SUBJECT: Duluth Parks and Recreation announces park and trail improvement projects beginning this week
BY: Kelli Latuska, Public Information Officer

Duluth Parks and Recreation announces park and trail improvement projects beginning this week

 

 

[DULUTH, MN] Construction of two improvement projects kick-off in Duluth park spaces this week.

At Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve, construction of a universally accessible trail loop has begun. This new accessible trail loop was identified in the Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve Mini-Master Plan and includes improved access from the main overlook to the outdoor education area. Construction is expected to take approximately six weeks and will be completed in advance of the 2026 fall bird migration. The City advises the public that small sections of trail may be temporarily closed to accommodate construction and to ensure public safety. Please follow all trail closure notices. Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The City of Duluth thanks Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory for their collaborative partnership on this project. 

At Hillside Sport Court Park, contractors are mobilizing to begin a comprehensive park improvement project. Planned improvements, which are outlined in the Duluth City Council-adopted 2023 Hillside Sport Court Plan, include enhancing site connectivity and accessibility, adding a pavilion and picnic area, renewing the sport court, replacing the playground, maintaining open green space, allotting space for a community garden, improving accessible parking, and repairing or replacing other park assets such as fencing, bike racks, signage, gate, trees/vegetation, and more. Construction is anticipated to continue through the month of October 2026. Portions of the park will be closed to the public during construction, beginning with the sport court. Where the park is open, users should expect heavy equipment and operators nearby.

The City of Duluth thanks the public for their cooperation during the construction of these projects.

 

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