Henning EDA, city seeks ideas on how to enhance Henning
News | Published on March 25, 2025 at 12:47pm EDT | Author: henningmaster
0City seeks input what residents would like to see in town
By Chad Koenen
Publisher
A wall in the Henning City Hall has been transformed into a giant list of possibilities for the future of Henning. The wall is covered with paper and notes about what residents and staff members want to see for the future of the central Otter Tail County community.
“What people would like to see come to Henning,” said city clerk/treasurer Jenna Kovarik. “If they would like something done, (or) just kind of anything really.”
The concept of an idea wall came from the Henning City Council and Henning EDA as a way to find out what local residents feel is needed in town. The EDA has discussed potentially selling some city-owned property, but before moving forward with any potential sale, wanted to see what residents would like to see in town. The ideas vary from additional and new businesses to additional housing and even big ticket items like a new community center or splash pad.
“What can we bring to the community, what can we add,” said Henning EDA President Andy Eckhoff. “If we have some goals we can come up with a fair and appropriate plan, whatever that might be.”
Eckhoff and Kovarik said all options are on the table, and if anyone has an idea for what they would like to see in town, they should stop by the city office or give them a call at (218) 583-2402.
“All options are on the floor because we should take any and all suggestions,” said Eckhoff.
Kovarik said there is no deadline for suggesting an idea for the future of Henning, but the city council and Henning EDA will continue to discuss the topics at future meetings.
“It’s just a starting points of just what people would like to see come to Henning,” she said.
Eckhoff said the Henning EDA would like to focus on developing housing or businesses in the community, but the group is also open to ideas like a community center, splash pad, pickle ball courts and everything in-between.
“From an EDA prospective we would like to do something to increase the local economy and get that wheel going,” he said. “From the broader community standpoint, maybe there is something we can add that can bring people in.”
There is no time line for when some, if any, of the projects will be completed moving forward. However, both Kovarik and Eckhoff said the hope is to take all of the suggestions and look for themes to know what the local residents truly want to see in the Henning community.
To make a suggestion, call the city office at (218) 583-2402, stop by the city office in Henning during regular office hours or make a suggestion on the city’s Facebook page.