Posted In: Date: 1/22/2024 Snowmaking in east metro expands skiing opportunities Skiers in the east metro can enjoy snow at Battle Creek Regional Park in a dry winter, thanks to snow machines funded by Ramsey County, State of Minnesota, The Parks and Trails Legacy Fund, and us. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 10/25/2023 Partnerships and Met Council equity grant help shape new park facilities in Scott County People who enjoy fishing and camping can anticipate fun new experiences at Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 7/27/2023 Regional parks and trails investments lead to record visits People showed their love for metro area regional parks and trails in 2022 by making 69 million visits—a 6.4% increase over 2021—signaling that recent investments in the system are paying off. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 6/20/2023 Partners commission artists to help realize Ramsey County’s vision for inclusive, welcoming parks Ramsey County and the Metropolitan Council teamed up with five local artists to develop new signage to welcome everyone to Ramsey County and regional parks. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 4/27/2023 Mississippi Gateway redevelopment to celebrate the great outdoors Soon, there will be a redesigned and redeveloped regional park along the Mississippi River where visitors can connect with nature and bask in its majestic beauty. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 3/23/2023 Hiawatha Golf Course plan consistent with regional policy, Met Council finds The Metropolitan Council approved an amendment to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s long-range plan for Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 10/10/2022 Prairie restoration reconnects people to the land Seed-saving efforts, fueled largely by volunteers, are critical in maintaining and adding new sites for prairie restoration in the region. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 8/3/2022 Regional parks and trails attract more visitors than ever in 2021 People made an estimated 64.9 million visits, a 2.6% increase over 2019, the last time visits were estimated. Trail visits alone grew 11% over 2019. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 7/21/2022 Restoring habitat and building resilience to climate change A partnership of government agencies and schools are working to build climate resilience in Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park, including native habitat restoration and relocation of facilities. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 4/20/2022 Parks offer incredible sights, sounds, and learning opportunities With an abundance of spring and summer activities in the regional parks, the time to plan is now. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 3/24/2022 Tap maple trees, band birds, cycle trails: Regional parks offer abundant recreation, learning Our 10 regional parks agency partners have a wide range of new and exciting adventures planned for people of all ages this spring and summer. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 2/22/2022 Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park: Picturesque setting and family favorite features Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park buzzes with family-oriented activities like swimming, picnicking, fishing, children’s camps, and special programs. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 8/18/2021 Goats employed to restore park landscapes Goats are among a suite of management tools that regional park staff use to reduce the presence of undesirable plant species and they have one big advantage: people love them. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 7/14/2021 Met Council awards regional parks equity grants 23 projects total $2,054,000 for both programming and capital projects, and sometimes a combination of the two. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 6/23/2021 Opportunities and barriers exist for youth in regional parks A research project identified potential opportunities for the region’s park implementing agencies to reduce barriers and consider efforts to broaden youth and family activities. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 2/25/2021 GooseChase attracts families to explore regional parks Between mid-December and the end of January, our GooseChase event drew 80-plus enthusiastic teams to embark on “missions” in pre-identified locations of the regional parks system. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 1/12/2021 Parks plan update creates new “bridging facility” Bridging facilities, designed to attract people to the regional parks who have not visited before, are part of an update to the 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 12/8/2020 Metro Masterpiece: Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park Lace up your boots and take a hike with Ellie Hohulin and her Washington County accomplice in exercise and fun! Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 11/18/2020 Metro Masterpiece: Silverwood Park Silverwood Park is among the many gems in the region’s 55,000-acre park system, located on the shimmering Silver Lake in St. Anthony. Take a tour with Ellie and Amanda! Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 9/22/2020 Comment on the draft parks plan via video In addition to the usual methods of hearing responses from residents across the region, we invite you to comment via short videos about our draft parks update. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 8/26/2020 Draft plan for expanding regional parks and trails goes public Residents across the region are being asked to weigh in on the draft update of the 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan, which calls for expanding the network of parks and trails. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 8/13/2020 Grants help grow metro parks and trails The investment reflects the region’s commitment to preserve natural resources, and encourage the use of regional parks among residents of all ages, incomes, races, and ethnicities. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 7/6/2020 Regional park visits reach new high in 2019 Visits to regional parks and trails continued to trend upward in 2019, climbing to an estimated 63.3 million visits. The estimate is the highest on record and represents a 6.3% increase over 2018. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 5/21/2020 Enjoy our regional parks and new “tree hugs” Now is a good time to enjoy the regional parks, using proper social distancing, of course. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 3/12/2020 Engaging community is focus of parks equity planning A new equity analysis is required for park agencies to show how they engaged the public in developing park and trail master plans, or amending those plans, and the outcomes of the engagement. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 1/17/2020 Art shanty celebrates regional parks, helps build climate resilience Visitors to the bright red shanty are invited to write a love letter to their favorite regional park. For every five visitors who write a letter, a tree will be planted at Crosby Farm Regional Park. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 12/23/2019 Castles and owls and sledding, oh my! Regional parks offer fun winter options for every age and interest, from Ice Castles to the Art Shanty Project to cross-country skiing, sledding, skating, and much more. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 12/16/2019 Council grants aim to address equity in regional parks The story of the region’s original people will be better told at three regional park facilities, thanks to grants we awarded in December. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 9/9/2019 Little-known Kingswood regional park is a tiny jewel in Hennepin County If you want a hefty dose of solitude with your afternoon hike, you can’t do much better than Kingswood Park, a small slice of heaven on the shores of Little Long Lake in west Hennepin County. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 8/19/2019 Parks study to focus on youth Youth-serving nonprofit organizations are invited to apply to collaborate on the project and will be compensated for their work. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 8/16/2019 Council awards grants to acquire property for regional parks and trails The abundance of places to enjoy the outdoors and recreate contributes to livability in the Twin Cities and our health and well-being. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 7/16/2019 Travel on butterfly wings to a regional park Buses and trains aren’t just for getting to work, or the doctor, or a professional sports game. Several Metro Transit routes go to regional parks. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 6/28/2019 Met Council grants will promote equity in regional park use Council policy makers want to make sure that residents of all ages, abilities, incomes, ethnicities, cultures, and national origins can enjoy the region’s abundance of regional parks and trails. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 6/14/2019 Visits to regional parks hit all-time high Regional parks in the metro area got nearly 60 million visits in 2018, an increase of 2.6 percent over the previous year and the most visits of any year on record. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 2/19/2019 Parcel by parcel: Expanding Above the Falls Regional Park The Council approved a land swap that will allow the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to go ahead with plans to expand Above the Falls Regional Park. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 12/14/2018 Council approves update to 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan The update focuses on stewardship of the Regional Parks System and maintaining or enhancing the system, one of the region’s most popular features. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 9/13/2018 Council grants help park agencies purchase land On Sept. 12, the Metropolitan Council awarded close to $1.7 million to Washington County and the Three Rivers Park District to buy land for regional parks and trails. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks, Planning Date: 8/14/2018 Council’s new Parks Ambassador hopes to ‘bring parks to the people’ After meeting with regional parks leaders and park implementing agency staff, she'll work with community members and park staff to gather input about what people want and need in our regional parks. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks, Planning Date: 7/18/2018 Annual regional parks visits top 58 million in 2017 Improved methodology allows for more accurate count, shows more visits than previously thought Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 4/20/2018 Metro dog parks provide social time for dogs and their human companions Since the first dog park opened in Elm Creek Park Reserve in 1983, dog parks have spread to nearly every corner of the region, and usage has grown every year. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 12/28/2017 Theodore Wirth Regional Park: Winter quiet, recreation amid the city Theodore Wirth Regional Park is an especially attractive destination during winter: cross-country skiing, sledding, tubing, snowshoeing, skijoring, snowboarding, and hot chocolate in the chalet! Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks, Planning Date: 11/22/2017 Creating connections for people to the regional parks The Council created the Parks Ambassador program to increase awareness of regional parks by communities of color, and invite them into the parks. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 9/18/2017 Regional park visits climb to nearly 48 million in 2016 The region’s vast network of parks and trails got nearly 48 million visits last year, a one percent increase over the previous year, and an increase of 11 million visits since 2006. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 9/12/2017 New Regional Parks Map reflects the rich cultural heritage of our region People from a wide variety of communities, and many ages and abilities, will see themselves reflected in the Council’s newly updated Regional Parks Map. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 6/13/2017 Visit our regional parks: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park "Something for everyone" includes camping, boating, swimming. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 4/18/2017 Trail offers scenic lake views, small town charms, and plenty of history The 15-mile Lake Minnetonka LRT trail offers scenic views of the big lake and local wetlands – but plenty more as it wends through canopies of shade trees, open meadows and old neighborhoods. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 3/21/2017 Visit your regional parks: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve A unique water trail and outstanding bird habitat are among the park’s features. Read more
Posted In: Parks, Planning Date: 2/9/2017 Parks ambassador program will use a community-driven effort to connect people with parks New Regional Parks Ambassador program will serve as a bridge between communities that don’t use the regional parks and the Regional Parks System. Read more
Posted In: Parks, Planning Date: 10/6/2016 Small share of Legacy funds to be spent to ‘connect people and the outdoors’ in the regional parks The Council has set a minimum percentage of Minnesota Parks and Trails Legacy funding to be spent on “connecting people and the outdoors” in the Regional Parks System. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 9/20/2016 Thousands turn out to celebrate the Monarch butterfly The Eighth Annual Minneapolis Monarch Festival - Festival de la Monarca - brought together butterfly, music and art enthusiasts from across the region to Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 8/12/2016 People with disabilities, advocates share ideas for regional parks planning Accessibility starts with giving park locations a street address so that Metro Mobility can get there. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 7/19/2016 Regional park and trail visits drop slightly in latest count The number of annual visits to regional parks and trails in the seven-county metro area in 2015 was 47.3 million, according to newly released estimates from the Metropolitan Council. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks, Planning Date: 7/14/2016 “Toolkit” to gauge progress toward more equitable park use The region's people of color visit regional parks far less than than their share of the population would suggest. The Council is working to broaden park use among a changing population. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks, Planning Date: 3/18/2016 Council engages agencies, concerned groups toward more equitable park use While the number of park visits continue to climb, a Council survey shows that visitors do not represent the overall population makeup of the region, specifically for communities of color. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 7/29/2015 Regional park and trail visits grew to more than 48 million in 2014 Annual visits to regional parks and trails in the seven-county metro area grew to 48.7 million in 2014, about 1.5 million more visits than 2013, an increase of 3.3%. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 2/11/2015 Council adopts Parks Plan with new focus on access and equity The plan reflects the Council’s vision for the region over the next 30 years, as described in Thrive MSP 2040. One key area of focus in the plan is equitable use of parks by all residents. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 8/8/2014 Minnehaha Regional Park gets a "universally accessible" play area One of two new play areas at Wabun Picnic Area is accessible to children and adults of all physical abilities. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 7/30/2014 Regional park visits grew to more than 47 million in 2013 Annual visits to regional parks grew to over 47 million in 2013, an increase of 3% over 2012 and nearly 30% since 2004. The Mall of American has about 40 million visitors a year. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 6/27/2014 Regional Parks system: forty and fabulous! The Regional Parks System is turning the big 4 – 0 this year, and the parks have never looked better! Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 6/18/2014 When temperatures soar, cool off in the regional parks It’s time to break out the sunscreen and swimsuits. When the temperatures soar, metro area regional parks are a great place to “beat the heat.” Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 7/11/2013 Como Zoo’s edible garden feeds animals and people The Chipotle Edible Garden allows visitors to see how edible gardens can both influence landscape design and provide an abundance of produce throughout the season. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 4/2/2013 Proposed new park facility will provide water resources education April 15 public hearing will discuss adding the Kingswood Special Recreation Feature on Little Long Lake in Minnetrista to the regional parks system. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 9/4/2012 Volunteers help keep regional parks safe, beautiful Thousands of people volunteer hundreds of thousands of hours each year in the regional parks and trails system. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 7/27/2012 Council adds two trails to regional system Council approved the addition of the Intercity Regional Trail and the Minnetrista Regional Trail Search Corridor to the 2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan. Read more
Posted In: Parks Date: 7/20/2012 Archery gains popularity in regional parks Public interest in the centuries-old sport continues to grow, and regional parks across the seven-county area are offering archery programs to accommodate the demand. Read more