It's a Done Deal - Read all about it!!
"Ojiketa Deal is Done"
Chisago County Press December 18, 2008 Click Here for Link
"Campfire Girl Camp in Chisago City Saved from Development"
Trust for Public Land - Minnesota December 17, 2008 Click Here for link Click Here for PDF
It's Happened - Camp Ojiketa is now Ojiketa Regional Park!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 15, 2008 click here for donation form
"Former Camp Fire USA Camp Sold to Chisago City"
Camp Fire USA Minnesota Council Monthly Newsletter December 2008 Click here for PDF
"Chisago City buys former youth camp"
StarTribune December 15, 2008 Click here for link Click here for PDF
WOW! This is the best Christmas gift ever. Anyone who has been involved with the Ojiketa project over the past three years has reason to celebrate. Ojiketa was sold today to Chisago City. Camp Ojiketa is now Ojiketa Regional Park! The deal was completed with the expert help of The Trust for Public Land.
There have been so many ups and down, twists and turns, to this effort that at times it seemed that preserving Ojiketa may never happen but thanks to loyal Ojiketans and determined Chisago City officials the acquisition of the property is now a reality. Ojiketa will never be a summer camp again but it will live on as a Park that through educational nature and out door experiences will continue to influence kids for years to come. The Ojiketa legacy lives on.
The Ojiketa Preservation Society is not finished. We intend to be involved as Chisago City develops the new park. We will remain "friends" of the park and will assist in any way that Chisagpo City would like - including creating a fitting tribute to Ojiketa's first 80 years. Your ideas will be needed.
Donations are still welcomed for the on going expenses of maintaining, upgrading, and programing for Ojiketa Regional Park.
We also need your help in a new effort to rename Green Lake. Your comments and votes are needed to determine if this will happen. Please click on chisagosgreenlake.blogspot.com to cast a vote. On the first page click on history ( upper right) and that will take you to the comment section. This effort was initiated by a local resident and is an interesting off shoot of the Ojiketa Park issue.
There is so much to be thankful for this year but the fact the Ojiketa will never be commercially developed tops my list. 2-0-0-8 for Ojiketa, No other year the same. Celebrate and Enjoy!
WoHeLo - Judy
Donations are still needed for Ojiketa Park
Donations are still welcomed for the on going expenses of maintaining, upgrading, and programing for Ojiketa Regional Park.
Please send donations to:
Chisago City - Ojiketa Fund (Checks payable to: Chisago City -Ojiketa Fund)
10625 Railroad Ave. P.O. Box L
Chisago City, Minnesota 55013
(Old Stuff) Looking for Ideas to Raise the Last $150,000 Donations are still needed for Ojiketa Park
Chisago City - Ojiketa Fund (Checks payable to: Chisago City -Ojiketa Fund)
10625 Railroad Ave. P.O. Box L
Chisago City, Minnesota 55013
November 4, 2008
We need some direction and suggestions to raise the last $150,000 needed to purchase Ojiketa. With the slow economy our fund raising has stalled. We will meet with TPL and Chisago City on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 1:00 at Cheewin Lodge (Chisago City - Follow your regular route to Ojiketa. Kirby rd leads to camp, but turn in at the RIDGE POINT sign, just before road becomes gravel. Cheewin Lodge is strait ahead at the end of the road) . Everyone is invited to attend this important meeting. Please bring snacks.
October 29, 2008
WE ARE GETTING CLOSER! KEEP THE DONATIONS COMING! Click here for donation form
Chisago City Awarded a Grant of $500,000 from Minnesota DNR!!!
October 4, 2008
The correct amount still needed to purchase Ojiketa is $183,000 - not $150,000 as stated in yesterday's update (see below). The lesser amount was based on a few unconfirmed pledges so until we hear otherwise the amount is $183,000. If you intend to donate, but must wait until November or December to do so, please call Bob McGillivray at The Trust for Public Land to express your intent. Bob needs to hear about pledges soon to make sure that we will reach our goal. Bob's number is 651-999-5307 or you may e mail him at Rjm@tpl.org. If you wish to donate stocks or if your employer will match your contribution, also contact Bob McGillivray.
We are still within reach - Help preserve Ojiketa as a Regional Park by donating today! Please send donations to:
Chisago City - Ojiketa Fund (Checks payable to: Chisago City -Ojiketa Fund)
10625 Railroad Ave.
P.O. Box L
Chisago City, Minnesota 55013
October 3, 2008
Good News - Chisago City was awarded a grant of $500,000 from the Minnesota DNR!!!!!!!!
This brings our effort to preserve Ojiketa as a regional park to within $183,000 of the negotiated purchase price. If the pledges and other previously promised monies come into the fund, we will be left with a very reachable amount needed - $150,000. We are asking that all Ojiketa supporters dig deep and help us reach our goal. We have come a long way from three years ago when this was just a dream. Help put us over the top. Don't let the opportunity slip away. This will be a park for everyone to enjoy -and we can make it happen.
Be a part of this historic effort!
Questions? Contact jmontgo102@aol.com
Please send donations to:
Chisago City - Ojiketa Fund
10625 Railroad Ave. P.O. Box L
Chisago City, Minnesota 55013
iOur Float at Ki-Chi-Saga Days
The Open House at Ojiketa was a Great Success
The weather was summer camp beautiful, there as a blue sky, and many people enjoyed the sweetness of life that Ojiketa has to offer on Sunday, July 27th. The Naturalist-lead tours were wonderful and informative as well as a bit buggy! The Raptor Center from the University of Minnesota gave a fasinating presentation. Those involved with the efforts to create Ojiketa Park updated us on all of the efforts to secure the neccessary funding needed to acquire the property the deadline at the end of 2008.
Thanks to the many local citizens who came to see Ojiketa and to see why it is so critical to preserve this special place as green space for future generations. Many came after a full day of volunteering at the triathalon - we really appreciate your support!
Right now donations are critical, if you haven't made your donation yet, please consider doing so now! Send tax deductable donations to:
Chisago City - Ojiketa Fund (checks payable to: Chicago City - Ojiketa Fund)
10625 Railroad Ave.
Chisago City, MN 55013
How Chisago Lakes Residents Can Help Check out our Fundraising Fact Sheet!! Share it with as many people as possible. EVERY DONATION COUNTS.
Several individuals and groups are working hard to make OJIKETA PARK a reality for our region. However, local citizens are also needed to demonstrate their commitment to this effort by:
**Keep informed of developments by accessing www.ojiketa.com regularly.
**When asked, contact local legislators, foundations, and other agencies with your testimonials in support of this acquisition.
News for Chisago Lakes Residents
If you would like information posted on Ojiketa.com please email that information to webmaster:
Margy Ingram at ingramm@uwstout.edu