North Mississippi Regional Park Plan The development of the North Mississippi Regional Park Plan is intended to set the priorities and vision for short and long-term development/improvements at North Mississippi Regional Park

Milestones (anticipated project schedule by month/season)

Spring 2024: Project start up
Summer-Fall 2024: Vision and Discovery
Summer-Winter 2025: Design
Spring 2026: Park Plan approval

History

The Metropolitan Parks Act established a collaborative effort among regional park implementing agencies to develop a master plan for each regional park under their jurisdiction. In 1985, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) was mandated to create the inaugural Regional Park Master Plan for North Mississippi Regional Park. Operating under joint jurisdiction, North Mississippi is overseen by three agencies: Three Rivers Park District, Anoka County, and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

In 2013, the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commissioner approved an amendment proposed by MPRB staff, which included the eastern portion of Webber Park within the park boundaries. Additionally, in 2002, the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commissioner approved another amendment, also brought forth by MPRB staff, to incorporate a section of the 49th Avenue corridor between Shingle Creek and Park Trail into the park boundaries.

Subsequently, in 2017, MPRB finalized the first master plan for North Minneapolis, known as the North Services Area Master Plan. Encompassing the northern and western city limits south to I-394, and extending east to the Mississippi River, this service area plan takes a comprehensive approach to evaluating each park asset within the region. Its objectives include setting a vision for operations, management, programming, and capital improvement, as well as developing individual master plans for each non-regional park within the service area.

Funding

North Mississippi Regional Park was previously master planned by the MPRB in 1986 and 2002. The Park runs between I-94 and the shoreline of the Mississippi River, from N 42nd Ave to 53rd Ave N. The park further extends to the west to include a portion of Webber Park and the 49th Ave. Corridor. Webber Park is administratively split between the neighborhood park called Webber Park, and North Mississippi Regional Park.

Funding: Parks and Trails Legacy Fund : $400,000

CAC Application

The MPRB is actively recruiting members for its Community Advisory Committee (CAC), offering volunteer opportunities for stakeholders to contribute insights and resources while fostering relationships between the community, partner agencies, and the MPRB. CAC members will represent the perspectives of park users and collaborate with each other and the public to offer comprehensive recommendations to the Board.

As part of their role, CAC members must attend public meetings, provide guidance to MPRB staff and consultants during the planning process, and ultimately recommend a preferred plan to the Board of Commissioners.