The 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan outlines the Metropolitan Council's goals and strategies for the development of our world-class regional parks. It describes how the regional parks system will be developed and operated to support Thrive MSP 2040 goals.
The Met Council amended the plan in 2020 after a region-wide discussion about regional park and trail system additions in 2019. This update included 26 regional parks and trails additions or expansions, new policy language to strengthen equitable access, and proposed a cultural-historical study that emphasized the history of the land where the parks and trails are located, among other updates.
The Met Council adopted its latest regional development guide, Imagine 2050, including the 2050 Regional Parks and Trails Policy Plan and other system plans, in February 2025. Imagine 2050 provides the latest goals and strategies for each area of Met Council responsibility. Met Council staff encourage regional park implementing agencies and other interested parties to consult the 2050 Regional Parks and Trails Policy Plan and the Regional Parks and Trails Planning Handbook for the latest guidance.
The following information on the 2020 update to the 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan will remain on this webpage through March 2026 so agencies conducting long-range planning processes or other interested parties can continue to access the information contained in the 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan. Archived copies of the 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan and any accompanying document will be available upon request once it's removed.
Public comments shaped the update to the 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan. The Public Comment Summary Report includes a summary of the public comments received, staff responses to the comments, and a summary of the public engagement pilot that engaged underserved youth and outdoor recreation organizations.
2020 update to the 2040 Parks Policy Plan