History

LGR is a comprehensive nine-month program designed to educate participants about the Rochester community and provide an opportunity to discuss the challenges and issues that face the Rochester area. It's goal is to identify emerging leaders, expand their knowledge of the community and encourage them to take active, individual responsibility for participation in and leadership of the future of Rochester. The program includes a two-day retreat in September and eight full-day class sessions. As a requirement of the program, each LGR class must identify a need in the community and work together as a team to address the issue at hand. (http://lgr.rochestermnchamber.com)

Our class is made up of forty individuals who have come together from a variety of backgrounds and professional experiences, and we share in the vision that Rochester must continue in cultural growth and economic development in order to meet the needs of our community. As we looked at project ideas, several worthy opportunities presented themselves and it was difficult to select just one area of focus. We wanted to contribute to help achieve the vision for Rochester as well as instill a sense of community for all our citizens. It is our goal to create a safe, inviting, year round social gathering place for Rochester and the surrounding communities to enjoy.

LGR has spent countless hours researching options for the further development of Graham Park (the current site of the Olmsted County Fairgrounds). We are committed to working with the County and the vested stakeholders to create a Master Plan that will work for all groups currently vested in Graham Park, as well as include improvements to benefit the entire community. LGR is dedicated to the promotion of an inviting year-round community gathering place, an enhanced County Fair, and the implementation of additional programming, property and building improvements.

The Master Plan Design is being developed by collaborative efforts between the Rochester Design Society, LGR, and the vested stakeholders. The final product will be reviewed and approved by the County prior to any design implementations.

LGR plans to recommend a phased plan over an approximate 10-year period. Our goal is to complete the Master Plan in time to commence Graham Park on the 100 year anniversary of Dr. Graham’s gift, 2019.

There have been discussions regarding the on-going management of a newly developed Graham Park. The County currently has two successful park management models, with Friends of Chester Woods and Friends of Oxbow Park as supported by the Public Works Park Superintendent. LGR recommends that Graham Park develop a similar management structure with the formation of a non-profit group, Friends of Graham Park Foundation to carry out the long-term vision of the 55-acre property.

On June 10, 2008, the Olmsted County Commissioners unanimously approved our recommendation to create a Friends of Graham Park Foundation and an operational agreement between the Friends and the County.

Additionally, our group was charged with developing a long-term vision for this space. This new partnership will help ensure that the Master Plan is implemented in the best interest of all our citizens. As a result, we anticipate a more integrated community as well as a stronger local economy.