Improvements to our streets, facilities, trails and parks are a result of collective effort by our City Council, staff and local contractors. This past year the city has had several major projects that were completed.

Local contractor R&G Construction assisted the city with the installation of an improved trail crossing at Highway 59 and A Street, a trail extension from Boyer Street to Windstar (near Aldi) and an improved trail crossing at County Road 7 for the Camden Trail. In late fall of this past year, contractor A&C Excavating started construction of a trail to Southview Elementary (between Progress Drive SE to Southview Drive).

New pavement, clear signage, pedestrian-friendly crossings, and upgraded lighting–show our commitment to building infrastructure that serves drivers, cyclists, and walkers alike. These trail enhancements were mainly funded through Transportation Alternatives (TA) and Active Transportation (AT) grants, meaning no local tax levy dollars were used on these projects.

Independence Park, built in 1988, is the most visited park in the city. In the latest phase of improvements, replacement of an aging shelter and well-worn restrooms took place this last year at a total project cost of $420,547. Half of this cost was provided by funds from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The new facilities are designed for minimal annual maintenance, meet all ADA requirements, and include energy-saving features. Local contractor Bladholm Construction completed the project on behalf of the city.

As most are aware, the city also made substantial progress on our new aquatic center. Over the past few weeks, construction has focused heavily on interior progress, however prior work included building construction, pouring the concrete for all the main pools, including the leisure river. Foundations were also installed for the three slides. General building work will carry on throughout the winter months, including ongoing plumbing and electrical rough-ins, interior painting beginning in early January. Windows, storefronts, bathroom amenities, and locker delivery are all on the horizon. The city was glad that the construction project included many local contractors handling the construction.

Recognizing that properly storing equipment and materials is essential to maintaining runways and airport property, a Snow Removal Equipment (SRE) building at our airport was constructed this past year with the help of local contractor Sussner Construction. This building allows the city to store and maintain snow removal equipment, lawn care equipment, and raw materials necessary for airport operations.

Continued investment in our street infrastructure continued as well. Local contractor D&G Excavating was the general contractor for the Charles, Hill and Minnesota Street Project where all utilities were replaced, including watermain, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer. Other items of work included in this project were pavement removal, aggregate base, bituminous surfacing, concrete surfacing, sidewalks, curb and gutter and other minor work.

Minnesota Highway 19 reopened to traffic on Nov. 19 and the two-year reconstruction project will continue in the spring 2026 from Highway 68/Main Street to the intersections of Bruce Street. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) oversaw the Highway 19 construction project which includes replacing pavement, sanitary sewer and watermain, updating sidewalks and pedestrian ramps to improve accessibility.

The project included constructing a single-lane roundabout at the intersections of Highway 19, Country Club Drive and 2nd Street. The roundabout is a first for Marshall, but they have been in existence in the State of Minnesota since 1995. Most drivers to date have expressed to the city support for the roundabout due to increased safety, ease and overall improvement of the intersection.

In addition to the street infrastructure improvements mentioned, the city continues to study ways to improve stormwater flow and capacity. Despite all of our work in this area, we were reminded with the July and August heavy rain events of this past summer, that Mother Nature always bats last and thus the need to improve our stormwater infrastructure will continue well into the future.

In total, these projects are the result of dedicated planning and hands-on work. Public works crews, park maintenance teams, planners, engineers, and administrative staff all contributed to the city’s progress. Our local contractors ensured success with their early mornings, late nights, problem-solving, and unwavering dedication to ensure that the projects moved forward with care and professionalism. We are fortunate to have a community that invests in its future.

— Sharon Hanson is the city administrator for the city of Marshall