01-14-2002 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Three Riven P»rk Distrkt/2 “Hennepin Parks is a common name that has had many successes, but one that the Park District has outgrown,” said Douglas Bryant, superintendent of the Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District. “The name Hennepin Parks no Itniger adequately identifies the Park District. In fact, in a recent survey, 68 percent of Park Patrons and Volunteers, persons most familiar with the Park District, don’t understand our jurisdiction as an independent unit of government in the State of Minnesota. A new name is important for the Park District to better represent the geographic distribution of our park areas and facilities as well as our responsibilities as an implementing agency of the Metropolitan Regional Park System not affiliated with one single county. This new name is viul to the long-term success of the Park District, pursuant to our enabling legislation, as it will enable us to broaden public support for the tremendous quality of life resources that we have in our parks.” Established by the Minnesota Legislature in 1957 as the Hennepin County Park Reserve District, the Park District was renamed Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District by legislative action and adopted the informal name Hennepin Parks in 1985. As the only special park district in the state. Three Rivers Park District is responsible for the acquisition, development and maintenance of large park reserves, regional parks and regional trails for the citizens of the metropolitan areas and the State of Minnesota. A special park district is an independent unit of government responsible for parkland acquisition, operations, preservation and environmental stewardship. The Park District owns and operates parkland in suburban Hennepin, Scott, Carver and Dakota Counties. It also owns parkland in Anoka. Ramsey and Wright counties that it currently leases to other agencies. With more than 26,000 acres of park reserves, regional parks, regional trails and special-use areas, the Park District attracts more than three million visitors each year. The Park District provides numerous regional park facilities including three nature centers, four golf courses, a downhill ski area, extensive trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing, as well as areas for camping, swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, and snowshoeing. -more- •v i L.:TV -