BRAINERD — Frigid temperatures are a welcome occurrence at the Northland Arboretum this week, as staff works to lay ice for a forest skating trail.

Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 3, almost 7,000 pounds of water is sprayed on the looping trail every 20 minutes to build up enough ice for the trail to open around the time kids are getting out of school for winter break.

Trevor Pumnea, executive director of the Northland Arboretum, is targeting Dec. 21 as the opening date for the trail, which will be free to use for members.

“We seek to be the most affordable and premier outdoor recreation hub in Crow Wing County and central Minnesota,” Pumnea said during an interview on Thursday, Dec. 4. “We want to have a benefit to the residents but also have a regional tourism draw to help support local busi

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