Regional Parks and Trails System management structure

The organizational structure of the Regional Parks and Trails System is built on a strong partnership between the Met Council and 10 governmental agencies that include cities, counties, and special park districts. While each agency has a role in the Regional Parks and Trails System, collaboration is its cornerstone and strength.  

The role of regional park implementing agencies  

Cities, counties, and special park districts own and operate regional parks and trails (Minn. Stat. 473.351, subd. 1(a)). Once a park or trail becomes part of the Regional Parks and Trails System, the Met Council supports it with coordinated regional planning, funding, system protection, research, information, marketing, and advocacy. The agency partners that own and operate the Regional Parks and Trails System are called regional park implementing agencies. Figure 1.2 shows a map of the regional park implementing agency jurisdictions.  

The regional park implementing agencies are:

• Anoka County  
• City of Bloomington  
• Carver County  
• Dakota County  
• Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board  
• Ramsey County  
• City of Saint Paul  
• Scott County  
• Three Rivers Park District  
• Washington County

Figure 1.2: Regional park implementing agencies 

Role of the Metropolitan Council  

Legislation directs the Met Council to take the lead role in providing for a Regional Parks and Trails System that will complement the recreational open space opportunities provided across the region by the federal, state, and local units of government. State law directs the Met Council to determine which parks and trails in the seven-county area are included in the Regional Parks and Trails System and to generally identify areas that should be acquired for the Regional Parks and Trails System. The Met Council is charged with determining whether these lands are regionally significant and would collectively provide a balanced system of outdoor recreation for the region. See Appendix 1 for an overview of key Minnesota legislation.

As described in the next section, the Met Council also contributes and administers funding to the regional park implementing agencies to acquire, develop, and operate the Regional Parks and Trails System.  

The Met Council evaluates additions to the Regional Parks and Trails System through a system additions process. After Met Council’s evaluation is complete, the park or trail is considered a regional search area or corridor. Implementing agencies then conduct a long-range planning process to develop a vision and plan for the regional parks and trails with participation from the public. The Met Council ensures the long-range plan is consistent with the Imagine 2050 regional development guide, which includes the 2050 Regional Parks and Trails Policy Plan and other Met Council policies and systems. Once approved by the Met Council, the planned regional park or trail is eligible for regional funding for development, acquisition, and operations and maintenance (Figure 1.2).  

Regional park implementing agencies are the owners and operators of the regional units. When an implementing agency proposes significant changes or advancements to the long-range plan, the implementing agency works with the Met Council to amend the regional unit’s long-range plan. Please refer to Section 3, Natural Systems, for information on system additions; Section 5, Planning for long-range planning requirements; and Section 8, Finance for Met Council funding contributions and administration (Figure 1.3).      

Figure 1.3: Planning for the regional system: System addition process 

Figure 1.4: Met Council's long-range plan review program

Role of Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission  

The Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission, appointed by the Met Council, uses its expertise to advise on the review of regional park and trail long-range plans, and grants for land acquisition, capital improvements, and the advancement of equity. It also provides recommendations on updates and amendments to the Regional Parks and Trails Policy Plan. The commission comprises eight volunteer members, who represent specific districts throughout the region and a chair who is appointed at large. A map of the districts is shown in Figure 1.5.

Figure 1.5: Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission districts