Why Is This Important?
The state and regional parks and trails system is made up of many parts, with different providers in different parts of the state, funded by a number of different sources. This complex network poses a vexing challenge to state and regional providers interested in meaningful coordination, as well as end users, who seek high quality, connected, and accessible opportunities. Coordination is essential to achieve the vision laid out in this plan and to ensure that the principles the public developed for the use of Legacy Funds are achieved. Effective coordination results in wise use of funds and may result in cost savings. Efficiency and effectiveness are enhanced through coordination.
Desired Outcome
Minnesotans and visitors see parks and trails of state and regional significance as a seamless network; they may not know what agency is responsible for management of the natural area they are enjoying-and they don't need to. Emphasis is on the user experience. Outdoor recreation providers work together to provide recreation users with easy-to-use coordinated information and world-class outdoor recreation opportunities.
How to Get There
Coordination and cooperation are needed to do everything from providing information to park and trail users to ensuring that park and trail shortages are addressed. While agencies and organizations can do a great deal of coordination and cooperation on their own, an advisory body will encourage the coordinated development of a network of parks and trails. Results are needed in five key areas:
- Information for park and trail users.
- A statewide advisory body.
- Coordination at regional and site levels.
- Coordination among the four Legacy Funds.
- Coordination with other agencies, organizations and nonprofits.
Benchmarks for Desired Outcomes
In order to determine progress, providers should measure the following:
- Number of park and trail providers participating in the coordinated park and trail website.
- Number of unique visitors to the coordinated website.
- Established and operational statewide advisory body.
- Number of projects that leverage two or more of the Legacy or other traditional sources of funding.
Top Priorities for the First Five Years of Legacy Plan Implementation
- Provide interested users the ability to find what they want easily. Develop and maintain integrated an standardized information (e.g., website) about parks and trails of state and regional significance.
- Establish a statewide advisory committee to help foster a network of parks and trails with a seamless user experience.
- Enhance coordination among the four Legacy Funds.