Mississippi Gateway Regional Park Redevelopment
Starting in 2017, community members in Brooklyn Park helped Three Rivers Park District and the City of Brooklyn Park develop a new master plan for Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, formerly Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and the Environmental Nature Area in Brooklyn Park are being combined into a new park that will be a year-round connection for all people to celebrate the Mississippi River and the outdoors.
The master plan process identified new park features that will make the park a more inviting, welcoming and vibrant place for everyone to discover nature and the river. Newly created park features include the Mississippi Gateway Center, the Treetop Trail elevated walkway, nature play areas, learning areas, and improvements to spots for fishing, picnicking, archery and more.
Newly Constructed Features
Gateway Center
The Gateway Center is now open.
Stop in and check out the new interpretive exhibits that help foster curiosity and discovery about the Mississippi River. Relax in a comfy seat and grab a snack while you take in the amazing views of the river from the upper level or the deck.
To help everyone who visits connect with nature, the Gateway Center offers fishing poles, yard games, hiking poles and nature exploration backpacks to borrow, bikes to rent and fishing bait to purchase. Stop by the Gateway Center’s lower level to rent or borrow gear.
Additionally, Mississippi Gateway is part of the Mississippi River Paddle Share Program, which offers kayak rentals to experienced paddlers. Learn more about the Paddle Share program, plan your trip and make online reservations.
The Gateway Center is open 9 AM–8 PM Mondays through Saturdays and noon–8 PM Sundays through Labor Day.
Dog Off-leash Area
The new dog off-leash area is now open.
The six-acre off-leash area has plenty of room for dogs to roam and includes a separate fenced area for small and frail dogs.
Passes are required; get a daily or annual pass here.
Archery Range
The new archery range is now open.
The archery range includes eight stations that allow for practice at distances from 10 to 60 yards – perfect whether you’re having a marksmanship competition among family and friends or you’re honing your skills for deer season. Buy archery passes here.
Treetop Trail
The new Treetop Trail is now open.
The accessible Treetop Trail offers more than 900 feet of elevated path for visitors to explore, enjoy scenic views and relax in designated spots.
Mini-Mississippi Water Play Area
The Mini-Mississippi Water Play Area will be open from Memorial Day weekend–Labor Day.
Rush Creek Regional Trail Underpass
The new Rush Creek Regional Trail underpass is now open.
The Rush Creek Regional Trail underpass is open to trail users.
Schematic Design Tour
Take a virtual tour of the design of the new park features in this animation.
Overview Maps
Master Plan
Three Rivers Park District and Brooklyn Park collaborated to develop a master plan for what were then known as Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park and the Brooklyn Park Environmental Nature Area. The two parks naturally function as one larger natural resource-based park unit located at Coon Rapids Dam on the Mississippi River. To celebrate its location on one of our nation’s greatest natural treasures, the master plan called for renaming the park Mississippi Gateway Regional Park.
The vision statement for the plan is:
A gateway for everyone to connect with the Mississippi River and its dynamic environment.
Key goals of the plan include:
- Be welcoming and engaging to everyone
- Celebrate the river as the heart of the park
- Introduce people to nature and outdoor recreation
- Provide activity and purpose year-round
Key features of the plan include a new Mississippi Gateway Center, Treetop Trail elevated walkway, nature play areas, Mini-Mississippi Water Play Area, field learning labs, South Pond Learning Lab, nature interpretation nodes, improved trails, fishing, picnicking, non-motorized boat launch, archery, off-leash dog area, natural areas and more!
Read the full plan:
- Part 1: Executive Summary, Title - Table of Contents, Section 1: Partnership, Section 2: Introduction, Section 3: Context
- Part 2: Section 4: Input, Section 5: Summary, Section 6: Design Guidance
- Part 3: Section 7: Research, Section 8: Operations and Maintenance, Section 9: Implementation, Appendices
View the plan renderings:
Contact Us
Jason Zemke, Senior Manager of Architecture
Jason.Zemke@ThreeRiversParks.org
763-694-7601
Matt Swenson, Project Manager
Matt.Swenson@ThreeRiversParks.org
763-383-2535
