The Minneapolis park system is one of the top reasons we live where we live.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board was established almost 140 years ago. Because of their foresight, parkland and trails permeate the city. 98% of Minneapolis residents live within a ten minute walk of a park. No other American city has this level of park access.
The Park Board is separate from the city council, with separate taxation powers. Their $126 million 2020 budget is raised mainly through property taxes from a city of about 426,000. Our share is an eye-watering line item on our property tax bill.
We’re heavy park users, we gladly pay our share. Sometimes we refer to the park system as our country club. It’s a bargain compared to country club initiation and annual fees, it’s egalitarian, and it’s far more enjoyable.
Walking and cycling trails radiate out from our neighborhood, some managed by the Park Board, some by the city itself. Minneapolis has 129 miles of on-street bikeways and 97 miles of off-street bikeways (2015 numbers). In May 2020, thanks to Covid-19, barriers have been erected across over 30 miles of streets to favor pedestrians and cyclists.
All these numbers translate into never getting bored with walking, cycling, and running routes. I can choose a 30-minute cycle loop, or an all-day ride, with many options in between. In a pandemic I can count on quiet places to air me out, and get me moving.
