From the opening of the innovative new Water Works Park and Pavilion, to the launch of Spark’d Studios initiative, to the continued reactivation of the Mississippi riverfront, the past three years at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board have been a story of innovation, equity, and expansion. This fall, MPRB also earned a Gold Medal for excellence from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration at the annual National Recreation and Park Association Conference in Atlanta, Ga.  

“I’m incredibly proud of our talented and hard-working staff and thankful to serve a city like Minneapolis, which truly loves its parks and passionately supports them,” said MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura. “Our park system was built through more than 140 years of ambitious plans and fierce advocacy and this recognition shows we’re continuing to honor that legacy with a new emphasis on equity and innovation.”

While MPRB has been a finalist for the award multiple times, in 1988, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2021, this was the first Gold Medal win for the Minneapolis parks since 1989.

“This honor highlights what we at the Minneapolis Parks Foundation see daily: our partners at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation board are visionary, committed parks professionals,” says Anne Hoyt Taff, executive director of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. “We’re honored to have been a part of transformative projects like Water Works and the 26th Avenue Overlook, and now, in the midst of our campaign for North Commons Park, to see them earn national attention from parks professionals around the country for their commitment to equity and innovation is affirming and timely.” 

As a finalist for the award, the top honor in the park and recreation industry, MPRB created this highlight reel, showcasing some of the new parks projects and programs that are setting the Minneapolis parks apart from their peers. 

As a parks supporter, you play an important role in helping to make a more accessible park system for all. Thank you!

Featured image credit: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board