Minneapolis 'Parks for All' survey deadline: May 1
Looking for something impactful to do while you’re inside? If you reside in Minneapolis or use Minneapolis parks, you can help shape the priorities and direction of the city's park system for the next decade.
Now through May 1, 2020, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is looking to community members and other park-users for feedback through their Parks for All survey.
Is there a park-related topic that you’re passionate about? Or something you'd like to see emphasized in Minneapolis parks over the next decade? This is your chance to have your opinions heard.
If you're looking for direction, we'd ask you to consider supporting FMR's goals of habitat, equity and access. We believe these topics are strongly intertwined and essential for the future of Minneapolis parks.
And, in our opinion, the Minneapolis park board's previous 10-year plan neglected habitat protection and restoration. Let’s ask them to make it a priority in the next decade!
Survey response ideas
Some survey questions ask you to check the boxes of topics you’re interested in. Others ask you to provide detail on how to best address or approach those topics.
Such open-ended calls for input can be tough. Here are some ideas from survey takers at FMR and fellow organizations for your consideration.
Habitat
- Expand native habitat restoration to prevent local species extinctions.
- Increase support for volunteers in invasive species removal and natural areas management.
- Commit to long-term restoration and maintenance of healthy native ecosystems on a much larger scale than we have today.
- Hire ecologists to professionally manage habitat.
- Eliminate cosmetic use of pesticides. Use integrated pest management and science-based best practices to protect human health and create and restore much-needed wildlife and pollinator habitat.
Access
- Assertively pursue land acquisition to create continuous trails and riverfront parks in North and Northeast Minneapolis.
- Strengthen processes to prevent sale or conversion of public parkland for private uses.
- Continue expanding community engagement in all planning processes.
Equity
- Prioritize the expansion of recreational amenities and native habitat in neighborhoods with high concentrations of residents of color, immigrant communities and low-income residents.
- Continue development and implementation of racial, economic and environmental justice practices throughout the park system and MPRB.
If you have questions about the survey, or about FMR's priorities, reach out to ecologist Alex Roth at aroth@fmr.org.
Come enjoy and help restore Minneapolis parks
If you'd like to restore habitat near the river in Minneapolis, let us know!
Email Sophie Downey at volunteer@fmr.org to receive notices of events in the Above the Falls stretch in North and Northeast or along the River Gorge in south Minneapolis. (We won't be hosting any in-person outings until May 1 at the earliest but look forward to being in touch!)