System Plan

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Engagement has concluded for the System Plan survey.

Prairie in autumn

Can you imagine what Three Rivers’ system of parks and trails would be today without the vision, work and dedication of the leaders before us? Would our prairies and forests be houses and office parks? Would the Trumpeter Swan be missing from the Minnesota landscape? Would people have convenient access to connect with nature?

As we look to and plan for the future as part of the 2040 System Plan work, we have an opportunity to carry Three Rivers’ natural legacy forward. The System Plan will include a vision for Three Rivers’ future and serve as the road map to achieving that vision.

The Three Rivers Park District Board of Commissioners has been discussing the 2040 System Plan for over a year. In 2017, the process kicked off with a series of five inventories to understand current goals, resources, offerings, visitation, and more. The inventory findings document where Three Rivers was in 2017 and identify opportunities and challenges for preparing for the future. The challenges and opportunities generally fall into one of three themes: change, limited resources and partnerships. To view the five inventories, click on the links under Benchmark Inventories to the right.

With that information in hand and through robust, thoughtful conversation, a draft vision statement and three key goals for the 2040 System Plan were formed:

Vision: Every person can discover, explore and enjoy the wonder of nature every day.

Goal 1: You belong here.
Three Rivers is relevant, convenient and welcoming to all people.

Goal 2: Parks Matter.
Three Rivers is essential to vibrant, healthy and livable communities.

Goal 3: Lead by Example
Three Rivers is intentional and innovative in meeting the needs of today while anticipating & protecting the needs of tomorrow.

This vision statement carries forward the great work we are already doing but sets the bar even higher. It is provocative and inspirational in that it calls for "every person" to have an opportunity to connect with nature "every day."

Imagine what this looks like – because we are looking to you to tell us how to do it!

Can you imagine what Three Rivers’ system of parks and trails would be today without the vision, work and dedication of the leaders before us? Would our prairies and forests be houses and office parks? Would the Trumpeter Swan be missing from the Minnesota landscape? Would people have convenient access to connect with nature?

As we look to and plan for the future as part of the 2040 System Plan work, we have an opportunity to carry Three Rivers’ natural legacy forward. The System Plan will include a vision for Three Rivers’ future and serve as the road map to achieving that vision.

The Three Rivers Park District Board of Commissioners has been discussing the 2040 System Plan for over a year. In 2017, the process kicked off with a series of five inventories to understand current goals, resources, offerings, visitation, and more. The inventory findings document where Three Rivers was in 2017 and identify opportunities and challenges for preparing for the future. The challenges and opportunities generally fall into one of three themes: change, limited resources and partnerships. To view the five inventories, click on the links under Benchmark Inventories to the right.

With that information in hand and through robust, thoughtful conversation, a draft vision statement and three key goals for the 2040 System Plan were formed:

Vision: Every person can discover, explore and enjoy the wonder of nature every day.

Goal 1: You belong here.
Three Rivers is relevant, convenient and welcoming to all people.

Goal 2: Parks Matter.
Three Rivers is essential to vibrant, healthy and livable communities.

Goal 3: Lead by Example
Three Rivers is intentional and innovative in meeting the needs of today while anticipating & protecting the needs of tomorrow.

This vision statement carries forward the great work we are already doing but sets the bar even higher. It is provocative and inspirational in that it calls for "every person" to have an opportunity to connect with nature "every day."

Imagine what this looks like – because we are looking to you to tell us how to do it!

Tell your story

What's your favorite nature memory or experience? As we plan for the future, we want to know how people connect to nature. Share your story or upload a photo here.

Thank you for taking time to share! We appreciate your support of Three Rivers Parks!

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
  • Share CarverParky on Facebook Share CarverParky on Twitter Share CarverParky on Linkedin Email CarverParky link

    CarverParky

    by carverparkuser, over 5 years ago

    Hi,

    I love Carver Park and the remote feeling I get when I am there.  However, your park is kind of confusing.  There are not very many signs telling me where to go.  My gps told me that the roundabout was Lowry Nature Center.  I went to Grimm Road first and only found a closed up house and no staff.  The second road was nature center driveway and that worked.  I would like to see a lot more signs like Hyland and Elm Creek have.  There are a lot of facilities in the park (dog park, campground, nature center, Grimm... Continue reading

  • Share An active lifestyle on Facebook Share An active lifestyle on Twitter Share An active lifestyle on Linkedin Email An active lifestyle link

    An active lifestyle

    by BethIna, over 5 years ago

    I run, hike, cycle, or snowshoe through Richardson Nature Center and Hyland Park trails several times every week. I am tickled by all of the animals I see and awed by the beauty of the changing landscape. This park system is a very precious and special gift, for which I am very grateful.

    I am also a volunteer at the two sites. I am thrilled that they provide high-quality, engaging classes for children, and support community events (especially athletic opportunities such as the Ski Rennet). 

    Retirees (and other adults) will find Three Rivers to be a welcoming and supportive source... Continue reading

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    Thank You

    by Valerie, over 5 years ago

    As a teenager, finding something to do with friends on a small budget with limited options and not far from home could be a challenge.  Not all kids have sports or other activities to occupy them.   Fortunately we discovered a few hours hiking the trails in the woods or enjoying the beaches and open spaces were fun, healthy and affordable.  Now I enjoy all these and more with my own kids, and I want to say thank you to the Parks for this.