The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is embarking on a comprehensive plan for the first time since 1965. Changing demographics, new recreation trends and advancements in technology make it necessary to check in and find out the community needs. An internal audit of tennis courts, athletic fields, community centers and other facilities has taken place and now the staff is seeking community input. Seven town hall meetings have taken place with the first one held at Folwell Park on September 16. Surveys were sent to every Minneapolis household to help plan for the future and questionnaires are available at all recreation centers.
The Folwell Park meeting was sparsely attended with more staff than participants present. Small groups were convened with a facilitator and a recorder and five issues were put forth for comment: participation in current activities offered by the park system, what outside of the parks is leisure time spent on, what opportunities should go beyond the parks, what prevents people from using the parks and how the MPRB impacts quality of life.
Respondents were proud of the park system, green space and bike/ walking paths. Parkway traffic was seen as a problem, with too many speeding trucks. Questions were raised about why there isn’t more collaboration between the MPRB and the Minneapolis Public Schools and the Library Board. There seem to be few, if any, programs for seniors, language barriers need to be resolved, and safety concerns keep people from using the parks and parkways. Northside attendees do not feel there are the same amenities as South Minneapolis because of the lack of lakes, although the Mississippi River should continue to be developed in a positive way. Many community events are held in the parks and should expand. Public gardens are seen as a positive way to engage residents, especially youth, to take pride in their neighborhoods.
Each park commissioner appointed three people who will serve to go more in depth on issues raised by participants in the town hall meetings. Youth will also be involved in the process. A phone survey will take place that will be statistically valid. A draft plan is planned for public comment sometime next summer. For info visit www.minneapolisparks.org and click on Comprehensive Plan or call 612-230-6400.