The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) will be developing a master plan for neighborhood parks East of the Mississippi River, which will set a vision and priorities for future park improvements.  The planning process will be informed by a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) appointed by various neighborhood organizations, MRPB staff, and elected officials.  Appointers are strongly encouraged not to seek candidates merely through personal contacts and networks in order to carry out a formal and transparent appointment process.  Community members that offer diverse perspectives across race, age, physical ability, income, and interest are encouraged to apply.
 
The Service Area Master Plan will take a comprehensive look at each park asset within the Northeast Southeast Service Area; set a vision for operations, outreach, management, programming, and capital improvement; and create a master plan for each non-regional park within the service area.  Specifically, the master plan will include:
  • Characterization of the service area: demographics, recreational needs, current park service, projected change, etc.
  • Condition assessment of all parks and exterior park amenities (excluding golf courses and regional parks), including development of a template that can be used as a standard across the entire system
  • A culturally responsive park and recreation needs assessment
  • Determination of a systematic approach to service delivery across the entire service area
  • Programming models for each park in the service area
  • Operations models for each park in the service area
  • General plans for outdoor facilities in each park in the service area, to include amenities, phasing, and budget
 

What is a Community Advisory Committee (CAC)?

Community Advisory Committees provide volunteer opportunities for diverse stakeholders to share insight and resources and serve to build and sustain relationships between the community, partner agencies, and the MPRB in ways that give equitable power to voices that have been historically underrepresented. Members of the CAC are expected to represent the views of park users and to work collaboratively with each other and the public to provide comprehensive recommendations to the Board about the project. 

Responsibilities of CAC Members:

Through this process, CAC members are expected to become knowledgeable about the project and its scope, understand and represent the park and recreation needs of the community and park visitors and act as community liaisons for the project.  Members will participate in public CAC meetings, advise MPRB staff and consultants throughout the planning process, collaborate with the Youth Design Team, and recommend to the Board of Commissioners a preferred plan. 

MPRB Promise:

The MPRB will work with the CAC and diverse stakeholders for advice and innovation in formulating solutions, and will incorporate recommendations to the maximum extent possible. 

Time Commitment:

The total time commitment for CAC members is estimated at 25-40 hours.  The majority of meetings will occur on weekday evenings from (September 2017 through 2018).  The CAC will have 7-10 official CAC meetings of about two hours each plus any relevant work group meetings that individuals or the committee initiate. Stipends are available for childcare and transportation.

Appointment process:

All completed CAC applications will be forwarded to all the appointers.  All appointees are asked to complete a CAC application. Applicants may be contacted directly by an appointer to discuss the project and interest.  All those who apply will be contacted.
 

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