An official website of the 
Regional Parks and Trails plan
Overview
The benefits of parks and trails have been extensively documented, positively contributing to human health and well-being.1 Benefits to physical well-being include increased physical activity, reduced risk of various chronic illnesses, and obesity. Benefits to psychological well-being include stress reduction, attention restoration, and improved cognitive functioning. Social well-being benefits include increased social capital, family bonding, and social integration. Parks and open space also contribute many environmental benefits, including storing water, reducing the effects of urban heat islands, conserving the diversity of flora and fauna in the region, and filtering the air we breathe.2
The Regional Parks and Trails System helps to keep the region at the top of national livability rankings. The Twin Cities area’s 66 regional parks, park reserves, and special features, plus more than 487 miles of trails open to the public, showcase the unique landscapes of the region and provide year-round recreation. Residents have consistently singled out the region’s parks, trails, and natural environment as the most attractive feature of the region. Drawing more than 69 million visits in 2023, the Regional Parks and Trails System provides access to natural space that contributes to physical and emotional well-being.
The Regional Parks and Trails System plays an important role in addressing climate change in the region. Conserving, maintaining, and enhancing the system through proactive planning and asset management can increase the resilience of the region and reduce the impacts associated with climate change. Working with partners, the Metropolitan Council is committed to growing these ecological benefits and developing policies that build resilience within the system and across the region.
The Regional Parks and Trails System resides within the larger context of Minnesota’s extensive outdoor recreation system. For a more detailed description of Minnesota’s system, please visit the Regional Parks and Trails Planning Handbook, Section Two.
Together, growing community connections and inspiring health and healing through exceptional outdoor experiences and high-quality natural areas.
A partnership committing to an interconnected, nature-based parks and trails system, where everyone belongs.
Collaboration:
Recognizing that we are one part of a broader community working together to create regional parks and trails for all. Building strong partnerships is vital to sustaining and living out our values.
Belonging:
Committed to offering processes, spaces, and programming that are inclusive, welcoming, safe, and accessible to all individuals seeking experiences in the outdoors.
Stewardship:
Caring for the natural environment today and for future generations.
Well-being:
Knowing that the outdoors is vital for personal and community health.
Adaptability:
Challenging ourselves to grow by creating a culture of innovation.
Education:
Inspiring learning about culture, history, recreation, and natural systems.
1 M.P. White et al. (2020). Blue space, health and well-being: A narrative overview and synthesis of potential benefits. Environmental Research, 191, 1-14. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935120310665
2 Burrowes, K., Cohen, M., Gwan, P. (2022). The health benefits of parks and their economic impacts. Urban Institute, 1-25. https://www.urban.org/research/publication/health-benefits-parks-and-their-economic-impacts
