Minden Town Board Approves $1.1M Renovation of Jake's Wetlands

The project will restore paths, remove overgrown willows, and add a new restroom to the nearly 20-year-old nature park.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Minden Town Board has approved a more than $1.1 million renovation of Jake's Wetlands, a nature park named after the late Nevada legislator Lawrence 'Jake' Jacobsen. The project will restore paths, remove overgrown willows, and add a new restroom to the nearly 20-year-old park that was finished in 2007 with a $950,000 grant. The town has secured around two-thirds of the funding, including a $311,250 Land and Water Conservation Grant, and plans to include the rest in its capital budget.

Why it matters

Jake's Wetlands was a passion project of the late Susan Jacobsen-Jackson, who would regularly report issues with the park to the town. The renovation aims to honor her legacy and ensure the wetlands continue to thrive as an important natural space in the community.

The details

The renovation plan includes renovating the paths around the wetlands, removing the willows that have grown up around the ponds, and adding a new $240,000 restroom facility. The town has already spent $67,000 on project design and engineering with the firm Civil Science.

  • The nearly 20-year-old park was finished in the summer of 2007 with a $950,000 grant.
  • Susan Jacobsen-Jackson passed away in February 2024.
  • The pavilion in her name was dedicated in November 2024.

The players

Susan Jacobsen-Jackson

The late Minden resident who was passionate about Jake's Wetlands and regularly reported issues with the park to the town.

Lawrence 'Jake' Jacobsen

The late Nevada legislator for whom Jake's Wetlands is named.

J.D. Frisby

The Minden Town Manager.

Matt Bernard

A former Minden Town Board member who was named to Jacobsen-Jackson's seat while awaiting the election.

Erik Nilssen

The Gardnerville Town Manager.

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What they’re saying

“She knew this place needed a little more love.”

— Matt Bernard, Former Minden Town Board member (recordcourier.com)

What’s next

The Minden Town Board plans to include the remaining funding for the project in its capital budget to be discussed in March.

The takeaway

The renovation of Jake's Wetlands is a community effort to honor the legacy of Susan Jacobsen-Jackson and ensure this important natural space continues to thrive for years to come. The project highlights the town's commitment to preserving and enhancing its local parks and green spaces.