Significant enhancements have been made to William O’Brien State Park in northern Washington County, with a focus on improving accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. A $5.25 million renovation project has revitalized the park’s day-use area, campground, and office. The newly refurbished Walter F. Mondale Day Use Area is set to reopen to the public on May 1, while the Riverway Campground and Riverside Group Camp will welcome visitors starting May 2. These areas were closed since March 2024 to facilitate the upgrades.
The renovations, funded by state bonding and the Get Out MORE initiative, include an accessible service counter and windows at the park office, as well as accessible pathways from the Riverside Trail, parking lot, and picnic shelters. The initiative, a $150 million statewide effort, aims to provide a high-quality recreation system that is inclusive of all abilities and interests. It also supports the purchase of two all-terrain track chairs for the park, designed to enable exploration on trails typically unsuitable for standard wheelchairs.
With the addition of these track chairs at William O’Brien State Park, as highlighted by the DNR, there will be 23 such chairs available across Minnesota’s state parks by the summer. The park will be the first in the St. Croix Valley area to offer these chairs, complementing the existing track chair at Fort Snelling State Park, which already sees substantial usage.
Universal design principles have guided the park’s upgrades, benefiting all visitors. The newly enhanced day-use area, reopening on May 1, will feature two accessible restroom buildings, a new picnic shelter, improved routes to picnic shelters, a safer parking lot, a larger swimming beach with an ADA-compliant path, and an accessible canoe/kayak launch on Lake Alice.
Upon its reopening on May 2, the Riverway Campground will offer six ADA-compliant campsites, a resurfaced trail, and enhanced access routes. Renovations to the campground’s shower building are slated for completion by June 1, offering a rustic camping experience in the interim.
Your World Now
For visitors and community members around William O’Brien State Park, these upgrades are poised to enhance recreational opportunities significantly. By improving accessibility, the initiative ensures that more individuals, including those with mobility issues, can enjoy the park’s natural beauty and amenities. This inclusive approach may foster greater community engagement and promote outdoor activities as a viable recreational option for a broader audience.
Beyond individual enjoyment, these improvements are likely to benefit the local economy by attracting more visitors, potentially boosting nearby businesses and tourism. The advancements in infrastructure demonstrate a commitment to universal access, setting a precedent for other public land projects. As a result, these changes not only elevate the park’s offerings but also reflect a growing trend towards inclusive recreation nationwide.
