Minnesota Students Build Park Shelters After Trees Lost

A Minnesota town lost 16 shade trees to beetles, but gained something better: student-built shelters and a lesson in community spirit.

Kenyon's Depot Park once offered abundant natural shade from mature ash trees. When emerald ash borer disease wiped them out, families suddenly had nowhere to escape the summer sun during picnics and community events.

The city secured a $10,000 matching grant through the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Small Town Grant program in October 2025. The Kenyon Firemen's Charitable Gambling Fund stepped up with the 50% match needed to make the project happen.

Instead of hiring contractors, the city partnered with an unexpected group of builders: students in the Kenyon-Wanamingo School District construction program. Lead teacher Doug Thompson and public works director Wayne Ehrich developed plans that would give students real-world experience while solving a community problem.

The students got to work building two complete picnic shelters from the ground up. They learned practical construction skills, from reading blueprints to using power tools, all while creating something their neighbors would use for years.

Weather delays meant the student team couldn't finish before school ended. Rather than let the project stall, volunteers from the local Habitat for Humanity team agreed to complete the final roof work once they finish their current home project.

Why This Inspires

This project shows how challenges can become opportunities when communities work together. Losing those 16 trees could have simply meant less shade and more complaints.

Instead, Kenyon turned the loss into a win for everyone. Students gained career skills they'll use forever. The park got permanent shelter structures that won't need decades to grow. Local organizations found meaningful ways to invest in their hometown.

The shelters are just phase one of bigger plans. The city wants to add ADA-accessible ramps, a two-tenths-mile walking trail, inclusive playground equipment, and two pickleball courts over the next five years.

Kenyon's Parks and Trails Committee, Economic Development Authority, and City Council are already seeking more grants and planning future volunteer projects. They know the next improvements will take time and creativity, but they've proven they have both.

Sometimes the best shade comes from neighbors building something together.