About Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB)
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is one of the premier park systems in the United States. Its picturesque lakes, neighborhood parks, recreation centers and diversified programming have made the park system an important component of what makes Minneapolis a great place to live, play and work.
The nine-member Board of Commissioners is an independently elected, semi-autonomous body responsible for maintaining and developing the Minneapolis Park system to meet the needs of citizens of Minneapolis. This unique structure allows independent decision-making so the MPRB can efficiently oversee a diverse system of land and water. Every four years commissioners are elected to this Board: one from each of the six park districts within the city and three that serve at-large.
The MPRB’s organizational structure provides administration, planning, programs, development, maintenance and police protection for the city's park and recreational facilities. Environmental, recreational and other park programs and services are provided for all ages and abilities, from toddlers to senior citizens.
The Minneapolis Park System consists of 182 park properties, including local and regional parks, playgrounds, golf courses, gardens, picnic areas, biking and walking paths, nature sanctuaries and the 55-mile Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. Together, these properties total nearly 6,732 acres of land and water. The backbone of the park system is its 49 full-service neighborhood recreation centers.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board annually serves nearly 400,000 citizens of Minneapolis. Approximately 18 million visits are made to the system each year, with an estimated five million visits to neighborhood parks. The Chain of Lakes draws over five million visits annually.
Nationally Recognized
The Board has been honored with the Gold Medal by the National Recreation and Parks Association for excellence in park and recreation administration.
The MPRB has a 4-star rating (highest point value awarded) from the Trust for Public Land, indicating the Minneapolis Park System is one of the best in the nation.
USA Today describes the Minneapolis Park System as being the "closest to park nirvana."
Our mission reflects why the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board exists.
Mission
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board shall permanently preserve, protect, maintain, improve, and enhance its natural resources, parkland, and recreational opportunities for current and future generations.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board exists to provide places and recreation opportunities for all people to gather, celebrate, contemplate, and engage in activities that promote health, well-being, community, and the environment.
Vision Statement
In 2020, the Minneapolis park system is a premier destination that welcomes and captivates residents and visitors. The park system and its beauty are part of daily life and shape the character of Minneapolis. Natural, cultural, artistic, historical, and recreational resources cultivate outstanding experiences, health, enjoyment, fun, and learning for all people. The park system is sustainable, well-maintained and safe, and meets the needs of individuals, families, and communities. The focus on preserving land continues, with a strong emphasis on connecting people to the land and each other. Aware of its value to their lives, residents are proud stewards and supporters of an extraordinary park and recreation system.
