The City of Storm Lake has been approved for a $125,000 grant toward an initial stage of development of the Storm Lake Nature Area property.
  The grant is provided by the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) City Parks and Open Spaces grant program.
  The City received the maximum grant award offered under the competitive program, and its application scored the highest of any grant request statewide.
  Phase 1 of the Storm Lake Nature Area project includes an entry, roadway, parking area and initial loop of rock hiking/biking trail that will allow the public to access this natural area for the first time.    The City also plans to begin some site restoration with native plantings while retaining the natural appeal and diversity of the landscape with minimal site maintenance. The project will allow a new option for outdoor recreation and a new asset for tourism attraction. State tourism data shows that recreation tourism is growing rapidly.
  The development is on land already owned by the City dating from the dredging era, and much of the work can be completed by the City Public Services department for cost efficiency. If weather permits, some of that work could begin over the winter. The grant requires completion of the grant-funded portions of the work by the end of 2027.
  The property presents opportunities for additional future phases of development if desired by the community, including additional loops of trail.