The City of Kenyon is excited to announce the addition of two new picnic shelters at Depot Park, made possible through a strong partnership of grants, local organizations, the school district, and volunteers.
In October 2025, the City of Kenyon was awarded a $10,000 matching grant through the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) Small Town Grant program. To help bring the project to life, the Kenyon Firemen’s Charitable Gambling Fund generously provided a 50 percent match, turning an important park improvement from an idea into reality.
The timing of these new shelters could not be more important. With the recent onset of Emerald Ash Borer, Depot Park has lost 16 trees, dramatically reducing natural shade throughout the park. What was once abundant has now become a valued and much-needed feature for families, visitors, and community events.
Special recognition goes to Doug Thompson, lead teacher for the Kenyon-Wanamingo Construction Program, and Wayne Ehrich, Kenyon Public Works Director, for their critical leadership in developing the original plan and working collaboratively through its completion.
Thanks are also acknowledged for Nate Craig and Brian Mork, Kenyon Public Works employees, who also provided much-needed support in the project.
A unique aspect of this project is that the shelters were built by students in the Kenyon Wanamingo School District Construction Program, offering students valuable hands-on learning experiences while making a lasting impact in the community.
Like many outdoor construction projects, the work encountered a few challenges. Due to unfortunate weather delays, the student team was unable to fully complete the shelters before the close of the school calendar. Fortunately, Kenyon is once again benefiting from the generosity of volunteers. The skilled volunteer team currently working on the local Habitat for Humanity home has graciously agreed to assist in completing the final roof phase of each shelter once the Habitat home is completed.
The addition of the picnic shelters represents more than just a park improvement—it is part of a broader vision for Depot Park and community recreation in Kenyon. This is just one of many updates we are hopeful of seeing within the next five years. The City will continue seeking funding through regional, state, and federal grants while also relying on strong local volunteer support.
Looking ahead, the City’s Parks and Trails Committee, Economic Development Authority (EDA), and City Council remain committed to keeping park improvements a priority through ongoing planning and budgeting efforts. Due to funding restraints, the grand plan for Depot Park will need to be a phased-in process. Additional phases will consist of ADA accessibility to the Depot building with an approved access ramp. Sidewalks will need to be widened to allow for ease of access from the parking lot to the building and to each picnic shelter. Also, included is a .2 mile walking trail around the park, ADA improvements to the playground with a couple of new pieces of equipment providing enjoyment for all children, and the addition of 2 pickleball courts.
Simply put, this grant helped get the ball rolling—and the City of Kenyon is committed to keeping that momentum moving for years to come.
