2050 Parks and Trails Planning Handbook

The Met Council develops, implements, and updates the Regional Parks and Trails Policy Plan (policy chapter or policy plan), as part of the Imagine 2050 regional development guide. 

The policy chapter implements Imagine 2050’s vision, goals, and values. It includes the Regional Parks and Trails System’s vision, mission, and values, as well as its objectives, policies, and actions that describe how the Regional Parks and Trails System will act on its visionary and aspirational direction in partnership with the 10 regional parks and trails implementing agencies. 
 

Resources for the 2050 Regional Parks and Trails Policy Plan 

The Regional Parks and Trails Planning Handbook and the Grants Administration Guide are resources that complement the 2050 Regional Parks and Trails Policy Plan. 

The Regional Parks and Trails Planning Handbook is a more detailed resource that explains how to put the 2050 Regional Parks and Trails Policy Plan into practice. It provides planning guidance for one of the nation's premier networks of parks and trails, including: 

  • Policy content requirements
  • Agency-Met Council processes
  • Planning resources

The handbook was designed primarily for regional parks and trails implementing agencies. It includes a summary of recent parks and trails system research and engagement and brings together information needed to navigate: 

  • System plan
  • Natural systems
  • Climate resilience
  • Planning
  • System protection
  • Recreation, facilities, and programming
This Planning Handbook webpage is being updated to include resources that support the implementation of the policies and guidance outlined in the 2050 Regional Parks and Trails Policy Plan. The policy plan policies and guidance are intended to help create a connected, equitable, and resilient regional parks and trails system. 

By providing a shared framework for planning and decision-making, the policy plan and handbook helps partners collaborate to protect natural systems, expand equitable access to outdoor recreation, and ensure that regional parks and trails continue to serve residents and visitors for generations to come. 

The planning handbook works in tandem with the Grants Administration Guide. The Met Council administers a wide range of funding sources and grant programs for the regional parks and trails implementing agencies as directed by the Minnesota Legislature. The Grant Administration Guide provides an administrative overview and procedures for managing these state and regional funds. 
 

Regional Parks and Trails Planning Handbook Appendix 

  • Regional Parks and Trails Mapping by Implementing Agency, Regional Parks and Trails Planning Handbook, Section 2: System Plan, Anoka County 
    • 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 
  • E-Bike Regulation Best Practices, Regional Parks and Trails Planning Handbook, Section 7: Recreation, Facilities, and Programming.