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3 Rivers Park commissioner outlines regional programs, school partnerships

Orono Public School District Board of Education · May 12, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

3 Rivers Park District Commissioner March Beard described the agency's mission, facilities and programs, highlighted the new Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and resources for Orono students, and offered partnership opportunities with the district.

Commissioner March Beard of the 3 Rivers Park District told the Orono Public School District board about the park district's mission, scale and educational programs and invited expanded school partnerships.

Beard said 3 Rivers was established by the state legislature in 1957 and now manages roughly 27,000 acres and 175 miles of regional trail. She described the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and its Gateway Center, the "Mini Mississippi" water feature and the accessible Treetops Veil elevated trail; she said those facilities support school visits and field programs.

Beard highlighted seasonal programs (ice-fishing "Try It," Camping 101) and a Recreation Pass Plus to increase access for low-income families. "We work with you and we would be happy to work with you on other park and park activities," Beard said, offering handouts and contacts for the district's social work and athletics teams.

Board members thanked her for the presentation and noted local uses of facilities such as Baker Park Reserve for golf and Nordic events. The presentation was informational; no board action was taken.

Why it matters: The parks district provides recreational and education resources used by Orono students and teams; increased coordination could broaden access for students and families.

What's next: Beard left handouts for district staff and encouraged school staff to follow up about programs and the Recreation Pass Plus.