John Gunyou is the new board chair of Three Rivers Park District. The former Minnetonka mayor was one of four new commissioners elected to the seven-member board in November. He also served as Minnesota's finance commissioner under former Gov. Arne Carlson.
Gunyou succeeds Larry Blackstad, who remains on the board and has chaired it for the past six years.
In addition to Blackstad, the only other returning commissioner is John Gibbs, who was unopposed last fall.
The board includes five commissioners elected from districts and two appointed by the Hennepin County Board.
One of the appointed spots is vacant but is likely to be filled within a few weeks.
The new slate of commissioners also elected Daniel Freeman as board vice-chair for the next year.
The Park District manages 23 parks, park reserves and special areas on 27,000 acres, and about 200 miles of trails, mostly in suburban Hennepin County.
TOM MEERSMAN
