About The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Welcome to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), one of the premier park systems in the United States. Its picturesque lakes, neighborhood parks, recreation centers and diversified programming have made the park system an important component of what makes Minneapolis a great place to live, play and work.

The Minneapolis Park System consists of 197 park properties, including local and regional parks, playgrounds, golf courses, gardens, picnic areas, biking and walking paths, nature sanctuaries and the 55-mile Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. Together, these properties total nearly 6,732 acres of land and water. The backbone of the park system is its 47 full-service neighborhood recreation centers.

The nine-member Board of Commissioners is an independently elected, semi-autonomous body responsible for maintaining and developing the Minneapolis Park system to meet the needs of citizens of Minneapolis. This unique structure allows independent decision-making so the MPRB can efficiently oversee a diverse system of land and water. Every four years commissioners are elected to this Board: one from each of the six park districts within the city and three that serve at-large.

The MPRB’s organizational structure provides administration, planning, programs, development, maintenance and police protection for the city's park and recreational facilities. Environmental, recreational and other park programs and services are provided for all ages and abilities.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board annually serves nearly 400,000 citizens of Minneapolis. Approximately 18 million visits are made to the system each year, with an estimated five million visits to neighborhood parks. The Chain of Lakes draws over five million visits annually.

Many cultural and historic amenities are located on park land or administered by the Park Board, such as:

• Godfrey House
• Historic Fort Snelling
• Longfellow House
• Minneapolis Institute of Arts
• Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
• Stevens House
• Stone Arch Bridge

Locally Treasured

The 2009 Minneapolis Parks Foundation survey affirmed the public perception that the Minneapolis Park System is the “jewel in the crown” of the city. Ninety-nine percent of Minneapolis residents polled saw the parks and lakes as a unique and valuable asset for the city. Ninety-six percent favorably rated the quality, overall appearance and maintenance of the system.

Nationally Recognized

The Board has been honored with the Gold Medal by the National Recreation and Parks Association for excellence in park and recreation administration.

The MPRB has a 4-star rating (highest point value awarded) from the Trust for Public Land, indicating the Minneapolis Park System is one of the best in the nation.

USA Today describes the Minneapolis Park System as being the "closest to park nirvana."

More Information

Overviews of Parks and Lakes, Recreation Centers, Gardens and Historical Sites – See dropdown menus at the top of the Home Page.

History – The MPRB was created in 1883 by an act of the Minnesota Legislature.

Find a Park

Park Histories

Mission and Vision

Park Board Budget

Code of Ordinances

Comprehensive Plan

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Headquarters
2117 West River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55411
612-230-6400

MPRB Federal Tax ID #: 41-6005375