Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/08/2018

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Metropolitan Council Role Regional Parks System legislation directs the Council to take the leading role in providing for a Regional Parks System that will complement the recreational open space opportunities provided in the area by the federal, state and local units of government. State law gives the Council the authority to determine which parks and trails in the seven -county area are included in the Regional Parks System and to generally identify areas that should be acquired for the Regional Parks System. The Council is charged with determining whether these lands are regionally important and would collectively provide a balanced system of outdoor recreation for the region. See page 24 for an overview of key Minnesota legislation. As described shortly, the Council also contributes and administers funding to the regional park implementing agencies to acquire, develop and operate the Regional Parks System. Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission Role The Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission, appointed by the Council, uses its expertise to advise the Council on the review of regional park and trail master plans, grants for land acquisition and capital improvements. It also provides recommendations on updates and amendments to the Regional Parks Policy Plan. The commission consists of 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 2-2.