Mississippi Gateway To Be ‘Jewel of Three Rivers Park District’

Three Rivers Park District broke ground on a revamp of Brooklyn Park’s Mississippi Gateway Regional Park in June of last year.

Months later, the organization says it’s pushed forward with construction through the winter. 

“The weather has definitely impacted the project, for good and bad,” said Patty Meher, outdoor education supervisor with Three Rivers. “We’ve had moments where the weather has been great this winter with lack of snow for construction. So we’ve been able to take advantage of that.”

The park will have several new amenities, the most visible being a new visitor and classroom building.

“We’re working on that right now,” Meher said. “It will be a visitor’s center, nature center, community center, kind of all wrapped into one. It’s what the community asked for and we’re really excited about it.”

The new structure will have classroom space, along with views of the river.

“Also we’ll have some interpretive exhibits teaching people about kind of those mysteries of the Mississippi River and what maybe people haven’t noticed before,” Meher said.

Patty Meher, outdoor education supervisor with Three Rivers, stands in front of a partly constructed visitor and education center at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park.

New Park Amenities 

Other new features, like the tree top trail are progressing.

“There will be an elevated boardwalk that will go out over the wetland with views of the park, so people can kind of get that birds-eye perspective of the park,” Meher said.

The community asked for a reservation shelter capable of hosting large groups for parties and food at the park.

The framework for such a shelter has already been installed on the west side of West River Road.

“It will be able to hold approximately 150 people,” Meher said. “Picnic tables, open air.”

The off-leash dog park is expected to close in April, but a temporary replacement we be set up during the construction period.

The park should be fully built-out by summer 2025.

“I’m excited to see the community come in and be able to connect with nature in different ways,” said Meher. “This park will be the jewel of Three Rivers Park District in the future.”

Brooklyn Park