Olmsted County Park Board activities took center stage during a recent county meeting, where officials outlined efforts to secure sponsors for a holiday elf light show at Chester Woods, pursue a dark sky rating at Root River Park and expand volunteer-driven projects at Graham Park.

According to the board's update, the Park Board is actively seeking sponsors to support an elf light show at Chester Woods, a seasonal attraction intended to draw visitors to the county park system during the colder months. The sponsorship search remains ongoing, officials said.

Board members also reported that a local astronomy club has expressed interest in pursuing a dark sky rating for Root River Park, along with a dedicated stargazing facility at the site. A dark sky designation recognizes locations where limited light pollution allows for clearer views of the night sky.