The Trust for Public Land has released their ParkServe analysis tool, a comprehensive standardized database of local parks in nearly 14,000 cities, towns and communities across the U.S. ParkServe uses available GIS information to conduct an analysis of the distance between population and parks, defined as a 10 minute walkable service area among other criteria.
This analysis is a great tool for a broad look at the potential need for additional park space in your community, or to compare your community with others. We recommend using this as an initial analysis to explore your system, but also developing your own criteria that meets local public values for a more in-depth GIS analysis. Park Serve Analysis Tool LINK Lac qui Parle County has a gem of a County park that has been in development for decades, thanks to the work of the park's friends group. In 2015 the County applied for designation as a regionally significant park, receiving a "High" ranking by the Commission. Having no master plan in place, the County Board and Friends of the Park group started a long process of visioning and planning for the park's future development..
This week, the new Master Plan entered final public review before being finalized and adopted by the County Board! The next step after official adoption will be to submit the Plan to the Greater Minnesota Regional Development Commission through the online portal for final scoring evaluation by the ETeam, the District Planning Committee and the Commission. The Commission will use that evaluation to determine if the park merits designation as a regionally significant park. Follow the park's progress on their Facebook page HERE. You can also read the full plan HERE. For any questions, contact Kristi Fernholz of the Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission at kristi.fernholz@umvrdc.org . Join us in celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the passage of the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment at this FREE event for central Minnesota! Spread the word and bring your friends and family! The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University will host this memorable PARKS AND TRAILS LEGACY CELEBRATION, located on Saint John's campus at Guild Hall in Collegeville from 4 - 7 PM. At this event we will have plenty of activities for all ages and all abilities. Events include rock climbing, biking, an ATV simulator and more! You don't have to be a Bennie or a Johnnie to get in on the fun. The day will be filled with family-friendly activities aiming to engage and inspire people from across the community to get involved with their parks and trails, and to learn about the opportunities the Legacy Amendment offers. During this event, staff from the ten Metropolitan Regional Parks System’s implementing agencies, the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission will gather your ideas and perspectives on Legacy efforts thus far, and invite you to help shape priorities moving forward. For more information about the Legacy Amendment, FREE Metro Transit rides to Silverwood Regional Park, and a list of ALL 2018 events across the state, visit our website: www.legacy.leg.mn/ptlac/2018-regional-events *Note: If you need accommodations to participate, please contact Paul Purman at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, paul.purman@state.mn.us, (651) 259-5643.
From our friends at the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota: Everyone deserves a fair chance at living their healthiest life possible. Bicycling can help you stay healthy and have fun, but having access to a bike that fits your needs (and knowing how to use it safely) makes all the difference... The training prepares physical education teachers and other educators how to share essential lessons, including how to safely cross the road, responsible riding, parts of a bike, and more. READ MORE HERE
This Star-Tribune article links to a statewide study on the economic and health impacts of recreation and commuter bicycling. This can be important information for trail developers and community leaders as they consider investments in infrastructure, economic development and community events.
Minnesota Star-Tribune Article U of M Research Report Study finds that walking in nature yields measurable mental benefits and may reduce risk of depression. The Parks, Trails, and Health Workbook: A Tool for Planners, Parks and Recreational Professionals, and Health Practitioners is a quick guide for incorporating public health considerations in the development and improvement of a park or trail. This tool can help start collaborative discussions about the health benefits of parks and trails and prepare for a health impact assessment (HIA).
Link This article discusses how exposure to nature makes people happy and could cut mental-health inequalities between the rich and poor. The Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) is working to create good health throughout Minnesota by decreasing obesity rates and reducing the number of people who use commercial tobacco or are exposed to secondhand smoke. Minnesota is embracing SHIP as a community-wide approach to improving health, but there’s more work to do. SHIP provides park and trail professional with many useful resources.
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/oshii/ship/about.html This report summarizes the key categories in which parks and recreation contribute to building of healthy, vibrant communities. This white paper outlines in six main areas the latest research into the benefits provided by parks: physical health, mental health, social functioning, youth development, environment, and economic impact. |
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