August 14, 2006 - The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is developing a comprehensive plan to map the course of the park system's future. The comprehensive plan will define priorities for the allocation of resources and delivery of services to create a park system alert to the needs of the community and integral to a thriving city.

In laying the groundwork for the comprehensive plan, park staff has been gathering and compiling information since fall 2005. Now the MPRB wants to hear from YOU!

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board wants to know:

* What the community values about the park system
* What the community sees as the system's strengths
* How the park system can best meet the recreation and open space needs of the community

OPPORTUNITIES

Town meetings--September 2006

City residents and park users are invited to attend a town meeting. The Park Board wishes to learn what residents and park users believe to be the recreation and open space needs of the community. Meetings are scheduled as follows:

Saturday, September 16
Folwell Park Community Center
1615 Dowling Avenue North
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 19
Van Cleve Park Community Center
901 15th Avenue Southeast
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 21
Powderhorn Park Community Center
3400 15th Avenue South
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 23
Lynnhurst Park Community Center
1345 West Minnehaha Parkway
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 26
Whittier Park Community Center
425 West 26th Street
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 30
Nokomis Park Community Center
2401 East Minnehaha Parkway
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 3
Loring Park Recreation Center
1382 Willow Street
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Children and teens are also invited to the town meetings. MPRB staff will provide fun, engaging age-appropriate activities designed to capture kids' thoughts ideas about today's and future parks.


Questionnaire--September - October 2006

Community members and park visitors are encouraged to complete a brief MPRB questionnaire. The questionnaire will be available online and at all 49 MPRB recreation centers from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. In early September, all Minneapolis households will be mailed an informational map about the park system that features the questionnaire and town meeting dates.


Community leaders workshops--August to October 2006

Park Board commissioners will appoint city residents to participate in a series of two or three community leader workshops this fall. Minneapolis residents interested in being considered for an appointment to this group may submit an application by August 16. Applications are available online or by calling 612-230-6400 weekdays.


Focus groups--October 2006

In order to tap into the broadest spectrum of community perspectives, the MPRB will conduct focus groups. These will include a wide range of groups, particularly those that experience language, cultural, or physical barriers to traditional community participation formats.


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