2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan

The Metropolitan Council’s 2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan proposes to expand and improve upon the region’s vast network of parks and trails, identifying and preserving some of the last best natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities in the region for future generations.

Since the regional parks system was established in 1974, the Council has invested $367 million toward helping the 10 regional park agencies implementing acquire and develop parks and trails. Today the system includes:

53,000 acres in 49 regional parks and park reserves
Six special recreation features, such as the Como Zoo and Conservatory
29 regional trails, with 177 miles currently open to the public
More than 33 million annual visits.

“Parks and natural areas are an important legacy we leave our children and our children’s children,” said Metropolitan Council Chair Peter Bell. “Visionaries like Sam Morgan and Theodore Wirth set a high standard for parks and open space that are so important to the region’s quality of life. It’s a standard this Council plans to uphold and pass along to future generations.”

To meet the needs of the growing region to 2030, the Council proposes, among other additions to the park system, three new regional parks and seven new trails.