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Dayton council backs 3 Rivers Park District land purchases along West Mississippi trail after public questions
Summary
Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting 3 Rivers Park District land acquisition along Dayton River Road after several residents asked for clearer plans and public meetings; commissioners had argued acquisitions are on a willing‑seller basis.
The Dayton City Council voted 5-0 to adopt a resolution supporting 3 Rivers Park District’s land acquisitions for the West Mississippi Regional Trail corridor, after extended public testimony and council discussion about transparency and community planning.
3 Rivers Park staff and Commissioner Jennifer De Jordan briefed the council on the agency’s long-range trail vision and recent acquisitions between Gooden Park and North Diamond Lake Road. Kelly Grisman (3 Rivers planning director) said the corridor is included in county, state and federal planning documents and that 3 Rivers proceeds only on a willing‑seller basis. She described a strategy to assemble parcels in phases and to construct trail segments in partnership with Hennepin County as opportunities arise.
Several Dayton residents spoke during public comment and asked for more transparent outreach. Resident Crystal Fashant requested a community meeting specifically for affected neighbors; other residents, including a commissioner from Dayton’s parks board, said they want the city to be at the table earlier and to have greater clarity about which parcels are being pursued, potential home removals, and timing. Commissioners and staff from 3 Rivers responded that the agency is willing to revise the city’s 2016 cooperative language and to increase coordination with Dayton staff and council before future acquisitions.
At council discussion, members said they would not block the current acquisition (the parcel before 3 Rivers was described as a willing-seller case) but asked staff to organize a public work session between 3 Rivers, county staff and Dayton residents to review the long-range plan and easement needs before approving further purchases or actions. Council Member Fashion asked that the 2016 resolution referenced in the staff report be provided to the council and residents; staff said they would supply the document and schedule a meeting.
The formal vote to adopt the resolution supporting the land purchase passed 5-0.
