Why is this Important?
The decline in outdoor recreation participation is an alarming trend. A smaller percentage of Minnesotans is taking part in outdoor recreation, which means fewer who receive-and understand-the benefits those activities bring, everything from physical activity to social and family bonding to education for children. People who engage with nature are more likely to have an appreciation of the natural world-and to want to support and maintain it for future generations. Participants in the Legacy Plan Public Engagement Workshops emphasized the importance of building Minnesota's next generation of stewards for the state's natural areas. One of the most effective ways to do that is by increasing outdoor recreation participation.
Desired Outcome
Over the next 25 years, the state's population is projected to increase by 19 percent; the number of visits to Minnesota's parks and trails of state and regional importance should increase by at least this much. This increase would encourage life-long visitation by individuals and families and foster a sense of stewardship passed on from generation to generation.
How to Get There
People are more likely to take part in outdoor recreation if they feel welcome, can get to outdoor areas easily, know what's available, and have good experiences. Seven key strategies are designed to retain existing users as well as create increased participation by a broad range of Minnesotans and new visitors of different ages, ethnicities, physical abilities, and interests.
The seven key strategies are:
- Welcoming environment
- Access
- Marketing
- Quality
- Programming and special events
- Partnerships
- Infrastructure and amenities
Benchmarks for Desired Outcomes
In order to determine progress, providers should measure the following:
- Visits to Minnesota's parks and trails of state and regional significance.
- Visits from youth and young adults to Minnesota state parks and trails.
- Visits from youth and young adults to regional parks and trails.
Target markets were identified based on statistical research that shows key areas of declining or underrepresented participation in outdoor recreation as well as key areas of growth in Minnesota's population over the next 25 years. If we're to successfully increase outdoor recreation participation, there is a need to develop strategies geared towards addressing the needs of these groups. Target markets include:
- Youth
- Young adults
- Families w/children
- Racial and ethnic minorities
- New immigrants
- Older adults
Top Priorities for the First Five Years of Legacy Plan Implementation
- Do more effective marketing. Time and again, Minnesotans expressed a need for better information, including more integrated web-based offerings, to increase awareness of recreational opportunities.
- Provide a welcoming environment with programs and special events to attract first-time visitors to parks and trails. Adapt to Minnesota's changing demographics, which suggest a more diverse and older population.
- Physically connect communities with parks and trails and make them accessible to people of all abilities.