Minneapolis Parks Foundation Commissions Study, Reviews Results

Survey provides valuable insight into use and preferences of Minneapolis park patrons

Minneapolis Parks Foundation just received the results from an independent survey it recently commissioned and had conducted by Decision Resources, Ltd. The survey of residents, from throughout the City of Minneapolis, was a statistically significant number of individuals providing an equal representation of each park district within city limits. Respondents were surveyed on the subject of Minneapolis parks including usage patterns, program preferences, priorities, and the independence of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

The resulting data shows interesting and, in some cases, pervasive preferences. Several key findings included:

96% of respondents answered either "excellent" or "good" on the subject of overall appearance and maintenance of the Minneapolis parks.
Among respondents, the parks most often used were: Wirth, the Riverfront, Minnehaha, and Lake Calhoun.
When asked what services currently provided in the parks are most important, 71% ranked maintaining the quality of water in the city lakes as "very important".
Asked about charging fees or taxing for various parks activities, a slim majority was opposed, or somewhat opposed, except where the charges would be imposed on nonresidents. In that instance a slim majority was somewhat supportive.
When asked what park system services they would like to see enhanced, the three highest responses were: "park police"; "water quality"; "park maintenance".
76% either supported, or strongly supported, maintaining Park Board independence when asked if they support or oppose maintaining an independently elected Park Board for the Minneapolis parks.

"The Foundation's Board felt, given the current discussions about the independent management of our parks, a survey of this kind would be very useful and informative for the citizens of Minneapolis," said Cecily Hines, the Foundation's President. "We also wanted to gain a better understanding of usage patterns and preferences in different sections of the city, so that as the Foundation selects where to place its efforts and resources, we are well informed about community needs and desires."

Download the executive summary (PDF)

Minneapolis Bike Tour —September 20, 2009

The 2009 Grand Rounds Bike Tour will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2009. Details to be posted shortly so SAVE THE DATE!

City of Parks: The Story of Minneapolis Parks

By David C. Smith

Stories you’ve never heard about places you know so well.

In the winter of 1883, a small, but influential group of determined Minneapolis citizens met to consider how to promote the interests of the rapidly growing city. They decided the city needed parks—an objective long sought, but never achieved. Bypassing a city council that had never liked the idea—and throughout history has often opposed the park board—they went straight to the state legislature for the authority to create an independent Board of Park Commissioners for the city.

City of Parks relates in a highly readable narrative the events leading up to that historic action and the decisions of the Minneapolis park board since then—the turning points in park history—that led to the park system that defines the city 125 years later.

Inspired by Horace Cleveland and guided by Charles Loring and William Folwell, the park board created a system of parks connected by parkways—today’s Grand Rounds—along the most scenic features of the city. But the board also acquired neighborhood parks that became centers of community life and planted the trees that shade city streets.

City of Parks relates in fascinating detail...
[read the entire story] [buy the book]

Cecily Hines named President of The Foundation for Minneapolis Parks

The Foundation for Minneapolis Parks announced today that Cecily Hines has been named President of The Foundation and will begin her duties mid-June.

“Combining her corporate executive experience with her commitment to parks and passion for strengthening communities, Ms. Hines is the perfect choice to lead The Foundation at this time; we are thrilled to have her join us,” said Frank Quilici, chairperson of The Foundation.

“We are unbelievably fortunate to have this partnership between the MPRB and The Foundation for Minneapolis Parks. The selection of Ms Hines to lead that organization gives me great confidence in the future of this partnership,” said Tom Nordyke, president of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board of Commissioners.

Ms. Hines’ career includes over 20 years serving as legal advisor for public and private institutions. In addition, she has been active as a community volunteer throughout her life, including serving on the boards of various arts organizations, the Minnesota Center of Environmental Advocacy, the Minnesota Women’s Campaign Fund and the Smith College Alumnae Association.

“With the changing demographics in our city, as well as the difficult economic environment we are experiencing, the need for a strong Foundation to help support and enhance our park system, and its programming, is more critical than ever. Our challenges are actually incredible opportunities for us to strengthen our communities and each other,” said Ms. Hines.

Since 2001 Ms. Hines has served as vice president and general counsel, legal advisor or consultant with ev3, Inc., Plymouth, MN, a provider of technologies and therapies for peripheral vascular and neurovascular markets. Other professional experience includes serving as Vice President and General Counsel – International for Boston Scientific (Natick, MA); Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for SCIMED (Maple Grove, MN); Of Counsel with The General Counsel (Minneapolis); Corporate Attorney with ADC Communications (Bloomington); Assistant Professor at Hamline University School of Law ( St. Paul); and Associate at Dorsey & Whitney (Minneapolis).

Ms. Hines holds a J.D. degree from Duke University School of Law (Durham, NC); a Master’s degree in Public Administration from New York University (NY) and a bachelor’s degree from Smith College (Northampton, MA).

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