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| Teen Teamworks water quality testing. |
From programmable thermostats and motion detection light switches to electric utility vehicles and propane-powered vans, sustainable practices are evident in MPRB’s day-to-day operations, including:
Green Team & Teen Teamworks – These youth programs have worked with habitat improvement and stormwater runoff reduction projects.
Matthews Rec Center Solar Panels – The first photovoltaic (PV or solar) panels on a park building in the Twin Cities metropolitan area are on the roof of the Matthews Recreation Center.
Organic gardening at Longfellow Gardens– The gardens in Minnehaha Park are the testing ground for organic turf management. The project looks at the implications of organic gardening for the long-term and how it affects future generations.
Recycling Organic Waste – The MPRB has begun a pilot program to test the feasibility of recycling organic waste for re-use within the park system.
Recycling in Parks – The MPRB provide containers in the parks for the public to recycle glass, aluminum and plastic.
Toyota – This partnership includes the free use of six hybrid cars and funding. The vehicles are used for education and recreation program transportation, event organization, general park maintenance and security at MPRB venues. The 2008 funding was earmarked for achieving requirements of the State of Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines for Operations for the East Phillips community center project.
Vending Machine Timers - The Lakes District has installed timers on all of the pop and vending machines so they are not on when the buildings are closed in the evening. Estimated cost savings on electrical charges: $9,000 a year.
