Trust for Public Land recently announced that Minneapolis climbed to second place on the annual ParkScore index and St. Paul ranked third. Last year, St. Paul ranked second and Minneapolis placed third. Washington, D.C. narrowly outscored both cities to retain its position atop the ParkScore index.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board also acquired a new 20-acre park along the Mississippi River, which will increase park and riverfront access in a racially diverse and economically challenged area of the city. The Board also added two new dog parks this year, increasing its score for park amenities and providing momentum to pull the city into second position for 2024.
Both Minneapolis and Saint Paul received strong marks on all ParkScore rating factors. Ninety-nine percent of Minneapolis and Saint Paul residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, far above the national ParkScore city average of 76 percent. Both cities also far exceed the national ParkScore average for park investment and park acreage.
Accompanying the annual ratings list, Trust for Public Land published new research reporting that residents of cities with high ParkScore rankings are, on average, more socially connected and engaged with their neighbors than are residents of cities with lower-ranking park systems. The research report, The Power of Parks to Strengthen Community, found that residents of cities ranking in the top quarter of the ParkScore index are 60 percent more likely to volunteer than are residents of lower-ranking cities. Residents of higher-ranking cities are also 26 percent more likely to form friendships with people in different socio-economic groups. A strong body of research indicates that relationships crossing income divides increase economic mobility and reduce inequality. Social connections also lead to better physical and mental health.
The Power of Parks to Strengthen Community details many strategies used by civic leaders to facilitate social connection at parks. Some common tactics include hosting movie nights and other gatherings at public recreation centers, sponsoring arts and fitness classes, and supporting voter registration drives. The research is based on nearly 900 examples shared with Trust for Public Land by city park leaders.
Minneapolis and Saint Paul are among the national leaders working to promote community connection at local parks. For example, Minneapolis has created intergenerational programs, including puzzle competitions, ceramic and knitting programs, fishing and kayaking nights and trisahw bike rides, and Saint Paul offers numerous voter education and voter registration opportunities at public parks.