This summer, residents and visitors in the Twin Cities can take pride in knowing their parks are among the best in the United States.
The annual ParkScore index, released by the Trust for Public Land, placed parks in Minneapolis and St. Paul second and third, respectively. Washington D.C. claimed the top spot in this year’s rankings.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board credited the addition of two dog parks this year for boosting its amenities score. Last year, Minneapolis was ranked third, while St. Paul held the second position.
“It is an honor to rank among the very best city park systems in the United States,” said Al Bangoura, Superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
According to the Trust for Public Land, nearly 99% of Minneapolis and St. Paul residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, compared to the national average of 76%.
Both cities also surpass the national average for park investment and acreage.
This year marks the tenth consecutive year that St. Paul has ranked in the top three of the ParkScore index.
“Through continuous innovation and community engagement, we’re committed to ensuring that our parks remain vibrant, inclusive spaces where all who visit them can find joy, connection, and belonging,” said St. Paul Parks and Recreation Director Andy Rodriguez.
A new study by the Trust for Public Land indicates that residents in cities with high ParkScore rankings are generally more socially connected and engaged with their neighbors compared to those in lower-ranked cities.
Despite the high rankings, park equity remains a challenge. In Minneapolis, neighborhoods with a majority of residents of color have 54% less park space than predominantly white neighborhoods. Similarly, low-income neighborhoods have 64% less park space than affluent areas, compared to a national disparity average of 45%.
“We are committed to equitable investments in park improvements and programming, and to increasing access to parks in low-income neighborhoods and areas where residents identify as people of color,” Bangoura stated.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board recently acquired a 20-acre park along the Mississippi River, aimed at increasing park and riverfront access in a racially diverse and economically challenged area.
