DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
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Adoption Of 2050 Parks, Greenways, And Natural Systems Vision Plan
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Adopt the 2050 Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems Vision Plan.
SUMMARY
The Dakota County Parks Department has been updating the 2030 Parks System Plan with the 2050 Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems Vision Plan (Vision Plan). The plan frames future work and investment in Dakota County’s parks, greenways, and natural systems for the next 25 years. The plan is designed to be visionary, aspirational, and optimistic while also addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced today and anticipated in the future. The updated vision statement is “Nature Protected, Community Reflected, All Are Connected.” The vision is supported by goals and strategies. The plan prioritizes continued support and development of healthy ecological spaces, providing residents with access to and a sense of belonging in nature-based settings, and a strong organization with appropriate funding to achieve the vision. Detailed tactics, along with the necessary metrics and targets to operationalize the vision, will be identified in updates to the Natural Resource Management System Plan, the Visitor Services Plan, and the Greenway Guidebook.
By Resolution No. 25-196 (April 22, 2025), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners (County Board) authorized the Vision Plan to be released for public review April 22 - May 20, 2025. During the review period, over 400 people were reached at in-person events, and 66 responses to the online questionnaire were received. Participants were asked if they supported the updated vision and their highest priority goals, and they had the opportunity to provide open-ended comments. Online participants were asked additional questions about draft plan strategies. Input received was weighted toward interests already engaged in the County and city park systems rather than non-park users.
For the most part, feedback was supportive. For those who provided feedback, the five most important goals are:
• Protect, improve, and manage the natural resources of Dakota County.
• Nurture the reciprocal relationship between people and nature.
• Expand environmental stewardship through outdoor programs, learning, and volunteerism.
• Locate new park units close to people or protect natural areas and recreational assets.
• Provide safe and positive core services, amenities, and experiences.
Plan changes are summarized in the 2050 Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems Vision Plan Public Review Comment Summary and Plan Response and are highlighted in yellow in the plan document. A more robust summary of comments can be found in the 2050 Vision Plan Document, Appendix B, Community Engagement, pages 162 -169. Full comments and meeting summaries are in Appendix B, Community Engagement, pages 318 - 356.
Vision Plan links:
• 2050 Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems Vision Plan
<https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks/About/VisionPlan/Documents/2050VisionPlanJune.pdf>
• 2050 Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems Vision Plan Appendices
<https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks/About/VisionPlan/Documents/2050VisionPlanAppendiciesJune.pdf>
On June 26, 2025, the Dakota County Planning Commission recommended adoption of the Vision Plan. The Planning Commission minutes contain a summary of their discussion.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff and the Dakota County Planning Commission recommends adoption of the 2050 Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems Vision Plan.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Dakota County Parks Department has been updating the previous 2030 Parks System Plan with the 2050 Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems Vision Plan (Vision Plan); and
WHEREAS, the plan frames future work and investment in Dakota County’s parks, greenways, and natural systems for the next 25 years; and
WHEREAS, the updated vision is “Nature Protected, Community Reflected, All Are Connected”; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 25-196 (April 22, 2025), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners (County Board) authorized the Vision Plan to be released for public review April 22 - May 20, 2025; and
WHEREAS, for the most part, feedback was supportive; and
WHEREAS, the plan document has been revised to reflect public comment; and
WHEREAS, on June 26, 2025, the Dakota County Planning Commission recommended adoption of the Vision Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby adopts the 2050 Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems Vision Plan.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
24-218; 4/27/24
25-196; 4/22/25
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: 2050 Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems Vision Plan Public Review Comment Summary and Plan Response
Attachment: 2050 Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems Vision Plan Executive Summary
Attachment: Presentation Slides
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☒ A Healthy Environment
☒ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Niki Geisler
Author: Lillian Leatham