Residents Invited to Help Shape the Future of Parks, Trails and Recreation in Coon Rapids

COON RAPIDS, MINNESOTA

Residents of Coon Rapids will have an opportunity to weigh in on the future of their city’s parks, trails, and recreation programs during an upcoming public open house focused on the city’s next Park and Recreation Master Plan.

The community meeting will take place Monday, March 9 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Coon Rapids Civic Center, where residents will be invited to review the draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan and offer feedback before the document is finalized.

The master plan will serve as a long-range roadmap guiding how the city maintains, upgrades, and expands its park system and recreation programming over the coming decade.

City officials say the open house is designed to give residents a direct role in shaping how public recreation spaces evolve as the community grows.

What the Master Plan Will Address

According to the City of Coon Rapids, the draft plan outlines priorities across several key areas of the city’s parks and recreation system.

Among the primary topics included in the master plan:

Park Maintenance and Replacement
The plan identifies aging playgrounds, park facilities, and amenities that may require repair, renovation, or replacement over time. The goal is to ensure parks remain safe, accessible, and functional for future generations.

Recreation and Events Programming
City officials are evaluating current recreational programs and community events while exploring opportunities to expand offerings for children, families, and older adults.

Trail Enhancements
The draft plan examines ways to strengthen the city’s network of multi-use trails, improving connectivity between neighborhoods, parks, and regional destinations.

Future Improvements for Al Flynn Park and Boulevard Plaza
One of the focal points of the plan is the continued evolution of Al Flynn Park, a popular community gathering space in the city’s downtown district that features splash pads, public events, and seasonal programming.

A Growing System of Community Spaces

Coon Rapids, a city of more than 60,000 residents in Anoka County, maintains dozens of neighborhood and community parks, athletic fields, and natural areas that support recreation throughout the year.

The local park system also connects to regional recreational assets, including Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, a major Mississippi River destination managed by Three Rivers Park District that draws visitors from across the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Officials say long-range planning helps cities ensure park investments keep pace with population growth, changing recreational trends, and evolving infrastructure needs.

Public Input a Key Part of the Planning Process

City planners have already gathered feedback through surveys and early community outreach as the plan has taken shape. The March 9 open house represents another opportunity for residents to review the draft strategy and share suggestions before it is finalized.

Public comments collected during the process may help determine:

• Which park facilities should be prioritized for upgrades
• Where trail improvements are most needed
• What types of recreation programs residents want to see expanded
• How major parks and civic spaces should evolve in the years ahead

Community engagement, city officials say, is essential to ensuring the final master plan reflects the needs and priorities of the people who use these spaces every day.

Event Details

Coon Rapids Park and Recreation Master Plan Open House

VENUE: Coon Rapids Civic Center
DATE: Monday, March 9, 2026
TIME: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Residents will be able to review the draft master plan, speak with city staff, and offer feedback that could shape future investments in parks, trails, and recreation programs across the city.

More information about the planning process is available on the City of Coon Rapids website.

MinneapoliMedia