Planning processes - an example of consultation

We thought readers might be interested to read and see material relating to a plan to improve part of Minnehaha Creek in Minneapolis, MN, USA. It seems to us to be a desirable process to put ideas out, seek feedback and modify plans in light of the responses received.

This park system run by the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board is one of the highest rated in the USA. Our ideas for linking to this example came after a visit to that city in July 2019 by two of our members. Previously we put up some images of this park area under our Inspirations tab. Click on this link to view these images: LAKES, CREEKS, BIKE TRAILS AND RECREATION IN MINNEAPOLIS

Below is an image of the Park & Recreation Board’s Home page which invites readers to “help create a vision for the future of Minneapolis parks”. Of course, Minneapolis is a much bigger city than Armidale - we just wish to point out some good features of consultation between the Park Board and the community. We look forward to a similar level of engagement when our Armidale Regional Council is conducting its city-wide Master Plan process.

And below is a snapshot of an email one receives after joining the Park Board’s email listing via their web page. Again this is just an example of how the community can be updated about progress and meetings.

Below is an example page from the Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail Master Plan. To see higher resolution details of these colour maps showing concepts and flood lines - for Segment 2 of the creek - follow this link.