Construction Begins on ‘Regional Jewel’ Mississippi Gateway Park

It’s a park that Three Rivers Park District officials say will become a “regional jewel” of its system. Construction has begun on a $55 million transformation at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park that officials say will provide features that other regional parks don’t have.

“This is such a unique park because it has the dam and so many different features that are other parks don’t have,” said Jennifer DeJournett, Three Rivers Park District board member.

Local dignitaries broke ground on the $55 million project Wednesday. Once complete, it will be the largest redevelopment in the history of the Three Rivers Park District.

“It’s so exciting because it’s the collaboration of so many different partners,” said DeJournett.

Those partners include federal and state lawmakers, who helped provide funding, and planning collaboration with the city of Brooklyn Park and Three Rivers.

Rendering design of treetop walking bridge/credit Three Rivers Park District

Treetop Walking Bridge Among Significant Features

One of the significant features of the project is construction of a treetop walking bridge overlooking the Mississippi River. You can view more design renderings here.

“You will be able to walk along it and just appreciate every piece of it,” said DeJournett.

There will also be new play features, including a “Mini Mississippi” play area, that students from nearby Champlin-Brooklyn Park Academy for Math and Environment Sciences helped select.

Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Lunde, who lives a quarter-mile from the park, said it was a 17-year process for the vision to come to fruition.

“We’re going to get people into nature by respecting nature,” said Lunde.

Other features will include a new visitors center, expanded off-leash dog area and improved archery range.

Lunde also mentioned regional bike trails that will eventually connect to the park.

Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston, who attended Wednesday’s groundbreaking, says the project is a way to connect people from all parts of the city.

“This isn’t just a park, this isn’t my grandparents’ park,” said Winston. “This is a new park for everybody and our grandparents.”

Rendering of visitors center/credit Three Rivers Park District

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