Letter to the Editor: The new Carlson Park in Decorah is a jewel.

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Karen McLean of Decorah):
 
"Most people who live in Decorah are familiar with our great outdoor trails and parks--Phelps, Dunning Springs, Twin Springs, Palisades and Van Peenen.   Fewer people are aware of one of our newest parks, Carlson Park, which is a 110-acre area park located on Pleasant Avenue next to St. Benedict's Cemetery. 
 
I recently rode my fat bike out to Carlson and was thrilled to discover how much progress had been made by the Decorah Park and Rec Department in terms of clearing buckthorn, trimming undergrowth, and creating great trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, and maybe even cross country skiing when the snow falls.  
 
As an older woman, I am not always comfortable biking on technical single-track trails with lots of obstacles to negotiate.  The trails at Carlson are wide and slightly rolling--safe enough for even your grandmother!  If you want to escape the sounds of traffic and the city and be immersed in nature, check out the latest jewel in the Decorah Park system."