Former Stearns County Commissioner Publishes Book on Quarry Park

ST. CLOUD - After six years of work, former Stearns County Commissioner Mark Sakry has published a book on Quarry Park.

"Quarry Quest: The History of Stearns County Park and Nature Preserve" was officially released on Monday. It features numerous photos, news articles and wildlife documentation from the park. Sakry says Quarry Park has changed quite a bit over the decades into a family-friendly destination.

"There were some problems back in the day: too much alcohol can be a problem. But now the park is alcohol free and we've got a whole new generation of folks coming out to swim, rock climb, hike, bike and for photography: it's just great."

The book highlights the granite heritage of St. Cloud and the many features of the park. Sakry says it was rewarding to see the park grow over his time as Commissioner.

"It was my favorite project when I was on the board. There were different parcels purchased over those years by the County to get the total acreage up near 700 acres."

Quarry Park was even recently named a Top 10 Swimming Hole by the Travel Channel. Sakry says he was excited to see the park receive national recognition.

Sakry served twenty-two years on the Stearns County Board of Commissioners from 1989 to 2010.

You can buy the book and find more information by clicking here. Sakry says you can also mail him $20 directly at 413 10th Avenue South, Waite Park.