The workshop begins with an open house located in the Hillcrest recreational auditorium. Maps of Saint Paul are available that highlight, connectivity, recreational and economic opportunities within the boundaries of the National Great River Park.

Council member Pat Harris opens the meeting offering a thank you for all those involved in the development. He also acknowledges the dedicated attendees from all areas of Saint Paul and iterates the importance of community involvement.

Patrick Seeb, Saint Paul Riverfront Corportation, describes the purpose of the workshop and role of the community’s input. He explains the progression of the National Great River concept and how it developed from the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework.
 
Bob Biercheid, Saint Paul’s Division of Parks & Recreation, presented the National Great River Park as a comprehensive system linking sixteen distinct parks. He outlines the four principles: to be more urban, more natural, more connected, and a regional asset of national significance. Bob then lists the history of the National Great River Park and how it has evolved throughout the planning work to date. He relates the Parks Operation Management Plan to the future Framework Chapter and additional next steps to create the National Great River Park.

Tim Griffin, Saint Paul Riverfront Corportation, outlines the assignment for the breakout groups, emphasizing a focus on the Valley Reach.

About thirty river advocates and Saint Paul citizens attend the meeting. Groups of six to eight broke out into tables lead by facilitators: Gregory Page, Saint Paul Riverfront Corportation; Jody Martinez, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation; Don Ganje, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation; Lucy Thompson, Planning and Economic Development. Each participant introduces him or herself before writing down on a note card answers to what the four principles of the National Great River Park means to them:

• In the valley, what does it mean to be a regional asset of national significance?  What goals and principles should guide the enhancement of the asset?
• In the valley, define what it may mean to be “more urban”?   What goals and principles should guide that evolution?
• In the valley, define what it may mean to be “more natural”?   What goals and principles should guide that evolution?
• In the valley, define what it may mean to be “more connected”?   What goals and principles should guide future connections to the Mississippi River?
  

After reflection, each person is asked to share their answer with the group as the facilitator paraphrased the answers. Discussions spurred from these initial comments and breakout groups modify each answer for about 15 minutes.

Each breakout group selects a spokesperson to report out to the whole group. The spokesperson highlights their common themes and criteria. Similarities between the groups emerge and will be used to guide the development of the National Great River Park chapter of the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework.