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RICE CREEK NORTH REGIONAL TRAIL MASTER PLAN | 4
<br />Thrive articulates a long-range vision for the region. The vision aims to foster and contribute to the five desired
<br />outcomes through the use of the three principles described above. While the focus in Thrive is on the overarching
<br />vision for the region, Thrive provides direction for the 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan. Thrive specifies that the
<br />Council will collaborate with the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission, regional park implementing
<br />agencies, and state partners to:
<br />• Expand the Regional Parks System to conserve, maintain, and connect natural resources identified as being
<br />of high quality or having regional importance, as identified in the 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan.
<br />• Provide a comprehensive regional park and trail system that preserves high-quality natural resources,
<br />increases climate resiliency, fosters healthy outcomes, connects communities, and enhances quality of life
<br />in the region.
<br />• Promote expanded multimodal access to regional parks, regional trails, and the transit network, where
<br />appropriate.
<br />• Strengthen equitable usage of regional parks and trails by all our region’s residents across age, race,
<br />ethnicity, income, national origin, and ability.
<br />The Rice Creek North Regional Trail Master Plan supports the desired outcomes, principles, and additional
<br />directives for the 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan by:
<br />• Maintaining a unique ecosystem in an urban area, working to preserve native habitats and protecting
<br />water resources through sustainable development and low impact recreational activity along Rice Creek
<br />• Preserves high-quality natural resources along a regional trail helping to increase climate resiliency, foster
<br />healthy outcomes, connect communities, and enhancing the quality of life in the region
<br />• Providing a vital link in the regional trail system connecting the Rice Creek North Regional Trail to the
<br />Rice Creek West Regional Trail, East Anoka County Regional Trail, local trail systems, and beyond. This
<br />provides both transportation choices and recreational opportunity
<br />• The master plan will work towards an equitable outcome by increasing awareness, addressing safety,
<br />enhancing capacity of gathering spaces, increasing and diversifying programming, providing more
<br />events at the regional trail, and creating a welcome environment
<br />RAMSEY COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION
<br />Ramsey County is the most densely populated county in the State of Minnesota and the parks and open spaces
<br />held by Ramsey County Parks & Recreation represent the largest undeveloped land area in the county at nearly
<br />8,000 acres. Within the system there are six regional parks, six regional trails, nine county parks, nine protected
<br />open spaces, five golf courses and numerous recreation facilities. Ramsey County Parks & Recreation works
<br />in cooperation with the Metropolitan Council, the National Park Service, Saint Paul Regional Water Services,
<br />the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR), its municipalities, and other government units to
<br />advance park, recreation, and leisure opportunities for all Ramsey County residents.
<br />The vision of Ramsey County is “A vibrant community where all are valued and thrive,” and the mission within the
<br />county is “A county of excellence working with you to enhance our quality of life.” The Ramsey County Parks &
<br />Recreation department follows this mission by preserving, developing, maintaining, and managing a system of
<br />parks, open space, trail corridors, and special use areas as well as providing year round recreational programs,
<br />services, and facilities which are responsive to changing needs, compatible with the resource base, and most
<br />effectively provided at the county level.
<br />Ramsey County Parks & Recreation supports the county vision and mission through:
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