Three Rivers Park District highlights projects and invites Minnetrista to Fall Fest

Marge Beard, a commissioner with Three Rivers Park District, gave the Minnetrista City Council an overview of district projects, local partnerships and upcoming public events.

Beard described the district (created by the legislature in 1957) as a standalone local government with more than 27,000 acres of parkland, 175 miles of regional trail and about 16 million annual visitors. She highlighted the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park redevelopment in Brooklyn Park — including a gateway visitor center and an elevated treetops trail — and a kid‑oriented "mini Mississippi" water feature. She also discussed a local restoration project at Lake Minnetonka Regional Park (the Schmid farmhouse) and an alum treatment at Whale Tale Lake intended to bind phosphorus and improve water clarity; another alum treatment is scheduled for spring 2026 and staff said the lake could be removed from the state’s impaired waters list in about two years if results hold.

Beard invited residents to Three Rivers' Fall Fest at Gail Woods Park on Oct. 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a free event with barns open, animals, music and vendors intended to highlight nearby attractions.

Council thanked Beard and asked how residents can report suspected impaired waters; Beard said residents can call or email her and she will help connect them with technical staff.

What happens next: Fall Fest will run Oct. 11–12 at Gail Woods Park and residents with water‑quality concerns can contact the district through the commissioner for assistance.