Get Outside in Fairmont and Celebrate Parks and Rec Month!

July is Parks and Recreation Month, and Fairmont, Minnesota, is one of the best communities for getting outdoors and enjoying the temperate summer climate. There’s something for everyone, no matter their interests and fitness levels. Residents can explore playgrounds, enjoy cardio exercise, and take advantage of the beautiful lakes around the region.  

“Fairmont is blessed to have 29 parks within city limits,” says Jodie Whitemore of the Fairmont Parks and Recreation Board. “If anybody says there’s nothing to do, they’re not looking.”  

The Fairmont parks system is designed so almost every child in the city can live near a park and take advantage of its activities. The parks are either within walking or biking distance. Many of the parks are also built on lakes, giving residents access to water activities.

Learn more about the parks in Fairmont and why they are such an asset to the community. 

There are Activities for Everyone in Fairmont’s Parks

The Fairmont Parks and Recreation Department maintains more than 400 acres of parkland within city limits. There are three enclosed shelters around town that are available to rent and many people get married in the beautiful parks each year – especially when the spring flowers are in bloom.

Residents and visitors to Fairmont can walk around the parks, enjoy the playground facilities, and compete on the sand volleyball courts. Residents can also fish, play disc golf, and organize a game of pickup basketball with their friends. The city is even working to install pickleball courts.  

“The parks in Fairmont significantly contribute to the quality of life in the area,” says Ned Koppen, Coordinator at the Fairmont Economic Development Authority (EDA). “Exercising and playing is good for your physical health, but it also benefits your mental health. The parks give residents space to get outside and relax in nature.” 

The Parks Department Recently Opened an Accessible Playground 

The Fairmont Parks Department is committed to making recreation accessible for every member of the community, which is why it recently installed an accessible playground in Gomsrud Park. The Fairmont Adventure Playground has a crushed rubber base that makes it easy for kids who use wheelchairs and other mobility tools to move around. There aren’t any gates or barriers to get in, and many of the activities are built at lower levels to support the needs of all kids.

“People have started traveling to Fairmont from other parts of the region to use this playground,” says Whitemore. “Kids of all abilities can play, imagine, and make friends.”

The city also installed three “cozy domes” that give kids a break from playing and block out noise from the playground. These are designed to support neurodivergent kids and other young adventurers who might need a quiet moment before rejoining their friends. 

Explore Some of the Top Parks in the Area

Any of the parks in Fairmont are worth visiting, especially on a warm summer day. However, there are a few notable parks to check out if you want to plan a picnic or spend the afternoon playing as a family.

• Cedar Creek Park: this park was a gift to the city and is one of the most popular places to enjoy disc golf in the region. There are three 18-hole courses to hone your skills.
• Gomsrud Park: this park is home to the Fairmont Adventure Playground and is tucked between Budd Lake and Hall Lake. It’s one of the most popular parks in Fairmont and has roped-off swimming areas. 
• Fairmont Dog Park: let your furry friends run and play at this dedicated area near Gomsrud Park. 
• Fairmont Aquatic Park: lifeguards are on-site when you visit the aquatic center to cool off on a hot day.   
• Lincoln Park: visit this park on the Northern side of Fairmont, right next to George Lake. 
• Sylvania Park: Located on the east side of Lake Sisseton, Sylvania Park features a classic band shell used for many performances year in and year out.

The City of Fairmont is constantly updating each of these parks with new equipment, signage, and vegetation, so there’s always something new to see. 

Visit Fairmont Parks Today

Fairmont residents can be found playing and exercising in nearby parks whenever the weather allows it. The local park system lets people get outdoors and get moving when they aren’t at work. This is just one way for people to take advantage of everything the community has to offer.

“The people who live here are excited about Fairmont, and they are excited about lakes and parks,” says Whitmore.

Residents in Fairmont can enjoy a good quality of life with ample parks, good schools, and a strong community. Get to know the workforce in the region and the people who call Fairmont home. Whether you want to move to Fairmont or bring your business here, you will feel welcome.