At its July 5, 2023 Board meeting, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Board of Commissioners passed Resolution 2023-127, which directs staff to continue work to prepare a regional trail plan for the Midtown Greenway.
The resolution does not impact or change the current land ownership or operations of the Midtown Greenway. Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) or the City of Minneapolis (City), depending on the trail segment, are the underlying landowners of the Midtown Greenway. The City of Minneapolis owns the trail and both the HCRRA and City operate the trail, including providing trail maintenance.
Resolution 2023-127 allows for park staff to prepare a regional trail long-range plan. The plan must align with a related community engagement plan and may be considered for approval by the MPRB and the Met Council. The MPRB’s Midway Greenway community engagement plan will be limited to amenities along the Greenway, such as seating, picnic tables and kiosks. MPRB’s engagement will not cover any infrastructure improvements, lighting or other features that would be funded by the HCRRA or City of Minneapolis.
Once the long-range plan is complete, it may be approved by the MPRB and the Met Council. If approved, the Midtown Greenway would be given regional trail status and would be eligible for additional Met Council grant programs that require a long-range plan. They include:
- Parks and Trails Legacy Fund Program
- Regional Parks Bonding Program
- Park and Trail Acquisition Opportunity Fund
- Regional Parks Competitive Equity Grant Program
Responsibilities for operating the Midtown Greenway and other bike routes in Minneapolis was established in an October 2000 document, Bikeways Project Final Report. MPRB staff has been asked to provide Commissioners with an overview of MPRB’s responsibilities as outlined in the October 2000 report. The update will be presented at either the July 19 or August 2, 2023 Board meeting.