In a recent Camden Community News, the front page had an engaging update on the Upper Harbor Terminal park project, under the responsibility of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB).
While the update was informative on its own, it was the following sentences that spurred me to look at the website for more information:
“The entire Upper Harbor Project is about 50 acres in size and is a partnership between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The City of Minneapolis will retain ownership of the land apart from the park area that was sold to the Minneapolis Park board in 2023.”
There are Park Commissioners on the ballot every four years, so voters clearly have a role in choosing candidates who want to provide input to the extensive Minneapolis Park system.
The history of the MPRB goes back to 1883. At that time, the Minnesota State Legislature set up the MPRB to oversee the land, equipment, employees, etc., necessary for the Park System that the Board of Commissioners envisioned. Residents vote for the Park Commissioner in their district.
The original Park Commissioners could not have envisioned the incredible Park System we have now. You can see the details at Leadership and Structure – Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board –minneapolisparks.org/about-us/leadership-and-structure/park-board-commissioners.
On that website, the following text reflects the current “inventory” under the care of the MPRB Commissioners and staff.
“Explore Our Parks. Established in 1883, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) oversees a renowned urban park system spanning 7,059 acres of parkland and water. Currently featured among its 185 park properties are 55 miles of parkways, 102 miles of Grand Rounds biking and walking paths, 22 lakes, 12 formal gardens, seven golf courses and 49 recreation centers. Altogether, MPRB properties receive more than 30 million visits annually.”
Minneapolis residents are very fortunate to have these great destinations so close to home.