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RICE CREEK NORTH REGIONAL TRAIL MASTER PLAN | 51 participated in the focus groups and self-reported diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Study findings reveal the most preferred outdoor recreational activities included walking, picnicking or barbecuing, and playground use. In terms of barriers were lack of awareness, available time, fear or safety concerns, language barriers, and weather. In 2017-2018 the Metropolitan council conducted additional community engagement to inform the 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan update. Engagement included follow up conversations with nine equity advocates and park partners, focus groups with 67 people from communities underrepresented in regional parks, and surveys of 92 current park visitors. Findings from the focus groups and surveys support the findings on preferred activities from the 2014 study and provide additional information. Walking remained the most frequently mentioned favorite activity for both groups. Notably, hiking/trails, camping, and dog walking were rarely mentioned by focus group members (the group from underrepresented communities) who more frequently named a desire for water activities, child-friendly spaces, playgrounds, family gathering and organized play spaces, and promotions and discounts to attract users. Reduction of Barriers The most frequently identified barriers to using the regional parks system were a lack of awareness, available time, fear or safety concerns, language barriers, and weather. Focus group participants identified key suggestions to enhance park use including: • Increasing awareness • Addressing safety • Enhancing capacity of gathering spaces • Creating a regional park ambassador program • Increasing and diversifying programming • Providing more events in regional parks • Creating a welcoming environment RAMSEY COUNTY EQUITY OUTREACH Ramsey County Parks & Recreation is committed to providing an excellent experience for all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, incomes, and abilities so that all communities may benefit from the parks and trails system. The department will employ various programs, communications systems, and development activity to make the Rice Creek North Regional Trail an accessible and equitable regional facility. Parks & Recreation will employ a complete suite of communications tools to increase awareness of the regional trail and all the recreational opportunities available. The public should be made aware of any events, future public engagement, online surveys, park amenities such as recreational equipment rentals, etc. by means of an online posting, newsletters, and social media. The county will should also make every effort to disseminate this information in multiple languages further increasing awareness among disadvantaged groups. Some equitable outcomes have been addressed through the conceptual design of the regional trail. Redevelopment and development of trailhead locations to increase parking, provide prominent wayfinding and entrance signs, as well as lighting will provide a more welcoming and safe environment. In the outdoor recreation area located near the multi-season trailhead programming and event spaces, large picnicking and group shelters, play amenities, and public art all play a role in enhancing the main gathering space within the regional trail corridor.