Friends Group Invites Public to Monthly Lake Bemidji Meeting

Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park meets at 11 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month in the visitor center at Lake Bemidji State Park, 3401 State Park Road NE. The group serves as a local partner for the park, providing funding and volunteers for park projects and events. Residents seeking more information can call the park at 218-308-2300.

Volunteer groups like the Friends organization often fill crucial gaps between limited public budgets and community needs. In Beltrami County, that role can mean repair and maintenance of trails, support for educational programming, and hands-on stewardship that preserves habitat and recreational access. Those activities also have direct public health value: parks provide space for physical activity, opportunities for stress reduction and mental restoration, and locations for social connection that reduce isolation.

For local residents who face transportation, mobility, or economic barriers, volunteer-led projects and events can increase access to safe, welcoming outdoor spaces at little or no cost. Ensuring that parks are programmed and maintained with equity in mind—by considering accessibility, culturally relevant programming, and outreach to underrepresented community members—strengthens both environmental outcomes and community health. Families, older adults, and people with limited resources often rely on public parks as essential spaces for exercise, play, and social support.

The Friends group's monthly meetings offer a direct avenue for residents to influence what projects receive attention and funding. Participation can shape priorities such as trail maintenance, interpretive programming, invasive species work, or recreational events. It also provides an opportunity for residents to raise concerns about accessibility and inclusion so that park activities better reflect the needs of the whole community.

At a policy level, volunteer groups underscore broader conversations about how state and local governments fund and manage public lands. When community members step forward to volunteer and raise funds, they bolster park services but also highlight the need for sustainable public investment to ensure long-term equity and safety. Local policymakers and health providers can view partnerships with groups like Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park as part of preventive public health strategy—supporting outdoor access mitigates chronic disease risk and supports mental health.

Residents interested in joining or learning more should attend the next meeting at the visitor center or contact Lake Bemidji State Park at 218-308-2300. Participation offers a practical way to support local stewardship, protect shared natural resources, and help make outdoor spaces healthier and more accessible for everyone in Beltrami County.