Work on the project began last fall, according to assistant park manager Gary Bullemer, and will be completed this spring. The following improvements were made:
- Added electric service to 34 sites.
- Replaced all of the deteriorating drinking water lines in the campground.
- Installed underground valves to drain water lines at the end of the season, eliminating the manholes that had been used.
- Corrected a problem with the wellhead to make it a better source for drinking water.
- Upgraded all drinking fountains and water filling stations to be fully accessible to all.
“We ended up with a vastly improved campground,” Bullemer said. “Combined with our Lakeview Campground, we now offer 132 sites, and 87 have electricity.”
Sites at Oakridge Campground are available for camping May 25 to Nov. 30. Lakeview Campground is currently open for rustic camping and the water will be turned on May 6. Reservations for either campground can be made online at www.mndnr.gov/reservations or by calling 866-857-2757.
Sibley State Park also has two wheelchair accessible camping sites, nine horse camping sites, three group camps and a group center which can accommodate up to 128 people.
Visitors to the park enjoy swimming, boating, fishing and hiking. Interpretive programs are offered year-round.
From Willmar, take U.S. Hwy. 71 north, 15 miles to the park entrance.
The electrical upgrades and waterline replacements were funded by the Parks and Trails Fund, created after voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in November 2008. The Parks and Trails Fund receives 14.25 percent of the sales tax revenue and may only be spent to support parks and trails of regional or statewide importance.
For more information about Sibley State Park visit www.mndnr.gov/sibley or contact the DNR Information Center at info.dnr@state.mn.us or 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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