The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) today praised Minneapolis Council Members and Mayor Hodges for their work on and approval of an Ordinance and 20 year financial plan to provide funding for neighborhood parks. The MPRB also recognized the ongoing efforts by others and announced its next steps to bring forward a concurrent park funding Ordinance in May, followed by an Ordinance in June to ensure equitable investing in neighborhood parks.

“We are deeply grateful for everyone’s work on this, Council Members, Mayor Hodges, the Save Our Minneapolis Parks group led by Mark Andrew and Carol Becker, Park Board commissioners and staff, and especially the city residents who have been voicing their support for increased neighborhood park funding,” said Liz Wielinski, MPRB Board President. “This is a historic time. I am excited to cast my vote for our Board’s approval of a concurrent ordinance in May.”

A concurrent Ordinance specific to neighborhood park funding will come before MPRB Commissioners at their May 4 and May 18 Board meetings, and will include a public hearing at the May 18 meeting. Both meetings begin at 5 pm, with the public hearing scheduled at 5:45 pm on May 18. Board meetings are held at MPRB Headquarters, 2117 West River Road, Minneapolis.

“These ordinances are a game changer for the Park Board, the City and residents of Minneapolis,” said Jayne Miller, MPRB Superintendent.  “This will provide 20 years of maintenance, rehabilitation and capital funding for our neighborhood parks. This funding will benefit parks and park users throughout the city, and will be implemented using a criteria based system to ensure investments address racial and economic equity.”