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

The trail planning, design, and development guidelines presented in this manual are the result of a multiyear effort by MN DNR. The goal of the project was to develop a consistent set of guidelines and common language for developing motorized and non-motorized trails at the local, county, regional and state level. The guidelines take into consideration and build upon past practices common to Minnesota.
This informative Guidelines volume received the Coalition for Recreational Trails' 2007 Annual Achievement Award for trail projects funded through the Recreational Trails Program of the Federal Highway Administration.  

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IMBA's online resources on trail building emphasize the importance of well-planned trail systems, and offer advice for how to create a trail system plan that can create good experiences for diverse visitors, minimize user conflict and environmental damage, and hold up in the future.

​IMBA's trail design guidelines and manuals are available for sale at https://www.imba.com/resources/trail-building

This book provides time-proven strategies for the building and maintenance of sustainable and quality OHV trail systems. These trail systems are environmentally, politically, and economically sustainable trails which the riders want to ride. Guide features: OHV enthusiasts' needs and desires; The 4Es of OHV management: Engineering, Education, Enforcement, and Evaluation; Developing the vision; System and route planning; Trail design; Active management.

The trail planning, design, and development guidelines presented in this manual are the result of a multiyear effort by MN DNR. The goal of the project was to develop a consistent set of guidelines and common language for developing motorized and non-motorized trails at the local, county, regional and state level. The guidelines take into consideration and build upon past practices common to Minnesota.

This informative Guidelines volume received the Coalition for Recreational Trails' 2007 Annual Achievement Award for trail projects funded through the Recreational Trails Program of the Federal Highway Administration. 

​Guidelines are available for purchase from MN Bookstore: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/trails_waterways/index.html