The Three Rivers Park District system encompasses 27,000 acres of parks and trails, serving millions each year. The park system is governed by a board of seven members, five of which are elected.
In this year’s District 3 election, incumbent Erin Kolb is being challenged by Rachel Braaten. District 3 includes Brooklyn Center, Golden Valley, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, St. Louis Park, St. Anthony and portions of Robbinsdale and Hopkins. For compilation in the Sun Post and Sun Sailor voter’s guides, both candidates were asked the same questions and given the same instructions.
To learn about who is on your ballot, find your voting precinct and to register to vote, visit myballot.mnsos.gov.
Rachel Braaten
Rachel Braaten
Bio: I have been living in Crystal for 10 years with my spouse. Our daughter attends the Robbinsdale School District and we are a sandwich generation, with my in-laws living with us part time. I have a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s in counseling. I’ve been a volunteer in many organizations over the past 25 years, and now I’d like my efforts to have a greater impact.
Why have you chosen to run to be a Three Rivers commissioner in District 3?
I chose to run to be a Three Rivers Commissioner because I want my park board representative to understand, advocate for and have a vision to implement natural resources and habitat improvements in our parks. I have that vision.
Visualize: a future where a handful of your neighbors, and maybe you, have the skills they need to improve habitat in your neighborhood park because they learned how to do that work through Three Rivers. In spring, you now experience lots of migratory birds, in the summer, you see hummingbirds flitting, in late July, you experience loads of fireflies, and now you’re hearing owls again.
What do you feel is the most pressing issue in District 3?
To me, the most pressing issue in District 3 is habitat loss due to buckthorn invasion. Buckthorn is an invasive tree. It crowds out our native plants, reducing natural habitat left for all our native wild creatures. It also blocks our vision into our wild places, degrading our experience when we recreate in the parks. Other invasive species are also a problem such as garlic mustard, mother wort, and burdock in our forested areas. In the prairie, there’s crown vetch and invasive grasses, and in aquatic ecosystems, we have invasive reeds, purple loosestrife and Asian carp.
Are you satisfied with the current direction of District 3? Why or why not? What changes, if any, would you support?
We all are here only but for our ancestors, so I appreciate those who came before, with reverence. That being said, I would like the park board to invest in some climate solutions that are proven to decrease the community’s carbon footprint. For instance, every park parking lot should have electric vehicle charge ports and I’d like to get creative about installing solar panels. Can we put them over play areas or parking lots?
I’d also like to revisit a separation ordinance and bring that up for a vote again.
Erin Kolb
Erin Kolb
Bio: I’m a senior director at a consulting firm, where I oversee large budgets and complex projects. I served ten years on Crystal’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, including terms as chair and vice chair, and helped develop the city’s long-term parks plan. I’m a past president of the Crystal Tree Board and a former member of the Crystal Crime Prevention Board. Since 2023, I’ve represented District 3 on the Three Rivers Park District Board.
Why have you chosen to run to be a Three Rivers commissioner in District 3?
I’m running to finish work I started. My fifth-grade class trip to Whitewater State Park gave me my first hike, my first time fishing, and my first night in a sleeping bag. I want more kids to have that, so I’ve been working to connect Three Rivers with existing Outdoor School for All funding and bring those experiences closer to home for suburban Hennepin County families. I also want to continue our conservation work and bring new amenities to Sochacki Park. It’s practical, nonpartisan work, and I’d love to see it through.
What do you feel is the most pressing issue in District 3?
For me, it’s equitable access: making sure everyone in District 3 can enjoy all that Three Rivers has to offer. Our first-ring suburbs are fully developed, and many families here don’t have a large park nearby. I want to close that gap by working with local cities and counties to bring more programs and amenities into District 3, and to get the most out of every dollar. Our residents help fund this park system, and they should feel its benefits right where they live.
Are you satisfied with the current direction of District 3? Why or why not? What changes, if any, would you support?
I am, for the most part. Three Rivers is an amazing asset for our communities, and I’m proud of the work our board and staff have done. But being proud of where we are doesn’t mean standing still. I’d like to see more investment in developed suburbs like ours, continued care for the natural areas we already protect and more ways for kids and families to get outside, especially those who are new to the outdoors. Above all, I want our parks to remain safe, accessible and welcoming places for everyone.