Three Rivers Park District

The 2040 System Plan outlines strategic priorities for the next 20 years to guide decision-making and resource allocation for Three Rivers. It aims to make nature easily accessible for all people and foster connections through high-quality programs. Key goals include being welcoming and convenient to all people, recognizing parks as essential for vibrant communities by protecting natural resources, and leading by example through intentional and innovative approaches to meet current and future needs. The overall vision is for every person to connect with nature every day.

The Board of Commissioners addressed several key matters, including adopting resolutions of appreciation for retiring staff members Mary Spaanem, Allen Bauman, and Kurt Haugen. The Board acknowledged donations to the district, received a progress update on the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park construction, and approved several business items. These items included entering into a grant agreement with the National Park Service for the West Mississippi Regional Trail acquisition, approving a utility easement at Noerenberg Gardens, authorizing a purchase agreement for property acquisition in Dayton, approving metropolitan council grants for water quality and lighting projects, and authorizing a contract for portable toilet services. Additionally, the Board discussed the general fund budget and an agreement for the conveyance and removal of a house with the City of Dayton's Economic Development Authority.

The board discussed and took action on multiple infrastructure and community projects, including approval of a cooperative agreement with the City of Golden Valley for trail connections and an amendment to an agreement with Hennepin County for regional trail cost participation. The board authorized lighting improvements at Elm Creek Park's tubing hill and accepted grant funding for shoreline stabilization and fishing improvements at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. Additionally, the board approved a consultant agreement for the Eagle Lake Regional Trail, a purchase agreement for property adjacent to Gale Woods Farm, an amendment for the Diamond Lake Regional Trail, and a grant for West Mississippi Regional Trail restoration. The board also addressed financial items, including the certification of the proposed 2026 property tax levy, improvements to the Baker National course, and approval of the 2026 operating budget for Glen Lake Golf.

The board discussed multiple operational and financial matters. Key items included the acknowledgement of donations, updates on the construction progress at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, and the approval of consultant agreements for the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail reconstruction and the Elm Creek Park Reserve pavement rehabilitation and accessibility improvements. Additionally, the board approved a cooperative construction agreement for the Lake Auburn boat access, an agreement amendment for the Bassett Creek Regional Trail, and payment of claims. Business also included amending reserve policies in the financial management plan and authorizing the Lake Independence Regional Trail realignment project. A closed meeting was held to evaluate the superintendent's performance.

The board addressed several administrative and operational items, including the adoption of resolutions of appreciation for retiring staff members and an acknowledgment of community donations. Discussions focused on the authorization of public trailway easement purchases for the Bassett Creek Regional Trail project, construction progress updates for the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, and the renewal of the district's Microsoft enterprise licensing agreement. The board also reviewed the 2023 audited financial statements, the Baker Park Reserve long-range plan, and legislative updates, while outlining the process for the superintendent's performance and contract review.