WAITE PARK - What was once the site for one of Central Minnesota's booming granite industry, is now the home to some of the best outdoor adventures around.

As of January 1st, 1998 Quarry Park and Nature Preserve has been a part of the Stearns County Park System.

Peter Theismann is the Stearns County Park Director. He says the park has a wide variety of activities available.

"It is a multi-purpose park. You can picnic with your family come get a suntan, swim cool off, fish, hike, ride your bike all close to the heart of St. Cloud"

While there are so many fun activities to do while you are the park, it is also a great place to learn about the history of the St. Cloud areas past and the people who helped bring this park to fruition.

Theismann says the park came together with a lot of hard work from some key people.

"A lot of hard work by particularly Mark Sakry and Chuck Wocken who was the park director for 38 years. Mark saw the enjoyment that the quarries brought to his family. As the county updated it's comprehensive plan Chuck and Mark worked to keep this as the idea.  "

A book tracking the storied history of Quarry Park and Nature Preserve was written by Mark Sakry. The book is available at the Great River Regional Library or can be purchased through the Stearns County Parks Department.

Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is the largest park in the Stearns County Park system.

The park is open year-round from 8:00 a.m until a half hour after sunset.

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