At the MPRB, sustainability is also meeting current park and recreation needs without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs by balancing:

• Environment – Sustain and enhance parklands, waters and urban forests.
• Economic – Develop short-term and long-term financial stability of the park system.
• Equity – Provide residents with the opportunity to improve their quality of life and well-being through outstanding parks and recreation services that are suited to their respective needs.

In September 2009, a sustainability plan prepared by GreenMark was approved by the Board of Commissioners. The plan includes a strategic outline, Sustainability 2013, for implementing and enhancing sustainable practices throughout the MPRB. Implemented in concert, these efforts will help the MPRB become the park and recreation system of the future.

Create. Activate. Innovate. Communicate.

The strategies for Sustainability 2013 are:

• Create the foundation to clearly articulate what sustainability means for the MPRB;
• Activate the MPRB’s existing assets in addressing issues of sustainability;
• Innovate signature projects and relationships that will help to leverage new assets, deliver higher quality services to customers and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Minneapolis
• Communicate the MPRB’s initiatives to cement relationships with key audiences, attract public and staff buy-in, and bring other jurisdictions to the table. Implemented in concert, these efforts will help the MPRB become the park and recreation system of the future.

The “Activate” strategy of the sustainability report builds on the comprehensive plan with the following action steps:

• Make building energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions.
• Broaden the strategic application of the Urban Forest to include multiple benefits.
• Use purchasing power to demonstrate the value of sustainability.
• Re-organize waste management strategies.
• Events go green!
• Seek incremental income from green sponsorships.
• Educate residents and staff on current sustainability practices.
  

Be the Park
To illustrate MPRB’s commitment to sustainability, Be the Park has been implemented as a campaign to raise public awareness that both supports and celebrates the Minneapolis Park System. The poster features key messages that describe sustainability as well as goals.

GreenMark Plan

Sustainability in Action