On June 25, 2008, for the first time in more than 80 years, the Steamboat Minnehaha ferries passengers to Big Island. Veterans, state and local officials and other guests were on hand to celebrate the opening of
Big Island Park to the public.  The 56 acre park features many natural amenities for passive recreational and educational opportunities. Funding for the Park was a joint effort with monies from the State Legislature, the city of Orono, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and private donors. 

Fireboats from Long Lake, Wayzata and Excelsior salute the Minnehaha on its way to Big Island 

Visitors disembark the Minnehaha on its first return trip to Big Island in more that 80 years

From 1906 to 1911, an amusement park was built and operated on this site on Big Island. In the early 1920’s, the land became a campground for veterans.  Citing the difficulty of maintaining a campground on the island, the veterans’ organizations, that owned and managed the camp, decided it was in their best interests to sell the land.  On Jan. 5, 2006 the city of Orono,  in a joint effort with monies from the State Legislature, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and private donors purchased the land.  The sale of the land allowed these four veterans’ organizations to establish a trust fund with the proceeds.  Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Clark Dryud called the sale a “win-win” situation.  Since the establishment of the trust fund, veterans’ organizations across the state have benefited from the interest on the fund.  Commissioner Dryud stated “this is something that is impacting the lives of veterans, not only now but forever”.

Standing from right to left: Veterans Affairs Commissioner Clark Dryud, Orono Mayor Jim White and
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Administrator Eric Evenson

 Mayor White thanked the many officials involved in creating the park and recognized Gabriel Jabbour for orchestrating the transition of the land into a public park.  He stated former Orono mayor Jabbour “has been tireless in cleaning up the park”.  More than 100 tons of debris including dilapidated buildings, tractors and boats has been removed off the island.  Jabbour was instrumental in the design and installation of the new 100 foot handicap-accessible dock that can accommodate various boats including the Minnehaha steamboat.

Former Orono Mayor Gabriel Jabbour thanking all those involved in the creation of Big Island Park. 
He stated “we all have one joint vision, and that is to leave our community better than when we found it”.