The City of Kenyon’s participation in the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities (ESMC) project is now four months underway! Thanks to valuable feedback gathered from residents during Rose Fest and Fall Fest, we’ve compiled data for our local committee. Working in partnership with the University of Minnesota Design Center, the committee is now analyzing potential trail route options that connect key points of interest throughout Kenyon.
Join the Effort — We Need Your Voice!
We’re now looking to expand our committee to include more volunteers who represent the full range of resident voices in Kenyon. This next phase will focus on both trail development and the revitalization of Depot Park—a historic, central, and beloved gathering place in our community.
Together, we have the opportunity to transform Depot Park into a welcoming, inclusive, and active destination for residents and visitors alike. But this project is about more than parks and trails—it’s about creating a stronger, safer, and more connected Kenyon for generations to come.
By planning thoughtfully and collaboratively, we’ll be ready to pursue future grants and turn these community-driven ideas into reality.
If you’re interested in joining the committee, please contact Todd Kieffer, Kenyon EDA Coordinator, at todd.kieffer@cedausa.com, or stop by City Hall when he is in town on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week.
Let’s Dream Big Together
At Fall Fest, we distributed postcards with information and a QR code linking to a short survey. The survey helps us identify which Depot Park features are most important to you. It is asking you to drag the items into order of priority with 1 being the most important. You can do this by touching the 6 little dots next to each listed item and then slide up or down into position.
If you received a postcard, please take a moment to use your phone to access the survey and share your thoughts. If not, don’t worry—we’re including the QR code again here so everyone can participate. We’re already building momentum, and your feedback helps guide the next steps. The survey only takes a couple of minutes, but your input helps ensure every voice in Kenyon is heard. This is your chance to help design the spaces where we gather, play, and connect as a community now and into the future.
We’re committed to keeping this process transparent and reflective of the community’s wishes. When sharing feedback, think of it as your “wish list”—no need to limit ideas based on cost. Our goal is to pursue grant funding for these projects, and working with the UMN Design Center gives us access to the professional expertise and resources to make that possible.
A Step Forward: Depot Park Picnic Shelters
A recent success story shows what’s possible when we combine community input and grant opportunities. The City of Kenyon was awarded a Small Town Grant in the amount of $10,000 through the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) in Owatonna for the construction of two picnic shelters at Depot Park.
The shelters will be built by Kenyon-Wanamingo Schools Construction Program students, under the direction of Doug Thompson. This is an exciting first step in improving Depot Park—and with your help, we can continue building momentum.
Looking Ahead
This is an exciting time for Kenyon. From connecting the Trondheim development to Depot Park and the pool—without needing to cross the busy highway—to improving accessibility and recreation opportunities, there are many great projects on the horizon.
Please consider getting involved and helping shape this transformation. Together, we can continue to make Kenyon a welcoming, connected, and vibrant community for all.
