The Process

The city is dedicated to listening to residents and working together to figure out the best way to improve parks, trails and outdoor amenities for everyone.

Beginning in 2018, the city began engaging residents to gain a comprehensive understanding of community needs and desires. These efforts have included:

  • A social pinpoint interactive online engagement map

  • Pop-up engagement events

  • Public meetings

  • Steering committee meetings

  • Stakeholder interviews

  • Social media and press

From 2020-2022, planning was put on hold because of the pandemic and staff turnover. In 2023 the city restarted the process, taking a close look at the parks and trail system to determine their quality, accessibility and how they can contribute to conservation efforts and community health.

The city finalized its Parks and Trail System Plan to reflect the community’s priorities and the findings from its assessments. The plan was approved by city council in March 2024 and is available to the public on the city’s website: Park and Trail System Plan | City of Prior Lake, MN.

Moving forward, the city will continue engaging residents and the community to determine next steps and the most appropriate funding mechanisms for putting the plan into action.

Find answers to frequently asked questions