The Process
A Plan Built on Community Feedback and Priorities
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:
Public meetings
Steering committee meetings
Stakeholder interviews
A social pinpoint interactive online engagement map
Pop-up engagement events
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 plan to reflect community priorities and findings from its assessments. Approved by City Council in March 2024, the plan is available to the public on the city’s website: Park and Trail System Plan.
Looking Ahead
The city is moving forward with a November ballot referendum that will ask voters to consider a property tax increase to fund improvements to our park and trail system for the next 20-plus years.
Leading up to the election on November 4, 2025, the city will continue to engage residents and gather community input about the plan. Residents are encouraged to connect with us and share ideas.
Prior Lake residents helped shape this plan and will have the final say when they cast their ballot on or before Tuesday, November 4, 2025.