Itasca County Park and Recreation Commission  

The Park and Recreation Commission was established in 1979 by a forward-minded group of citizens and elected officials in Itasca County.  This group saw the need for the coordination of recreation resources throughout the County.  The commission membership includes nine citizens who are appointed for three-year terms by the County Board.  Ex officio members include representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the United States Forest Service as well as the County’s Deputy Director of Land Management, Recreation Resource and Planning Coordinator, and Park System Manager all of whom are non-voting members.  These nine citizens volunteer their time for monthly meetings and additional committee meetings to help provide direct advice to the County Board and Park System staff regarding recreation in the County.  The Commission is an Itasca County resident’s direct recreation link to County government.  

Mission

To assist and advise the county, townships, and recreation organizations on improvements and the development of existing and new park and recreation facilities and services throughout Itasca County for current and future generations.  

Vision

To assist and advise recreation organizations, townships, and the county on improvements and the development of existing and new park and recreation facilities and services throughout Itasca County for current and future generations and guided by the following vision (from Park and Recreation Commission Constitution):  

• To serve as an advisory body providing recommendations to the County Commissioners and Park and Recreation Director on matters pertaining to the planning, programming, evaluating, and funding of park and recreation facilities and programs in accordance with Minn. Statutes 398.31 to 398.36.
• To serve as a coordinating body for the recreation needs of all citizens without regard to ethnic origin, sex, creed, age, or disability.  Coordination shall be carried out in response to the expressed needs of local citizens and with the financial and human resources available and under authorities granted by the County Board and applicable statutes.
• To encourage and promote development of recreation facilities and services when they are in the best interest of local citizens and cannot be adequately or economically provided by the private sector.
• To recommend priorities, with the advice and assistance of technical advisors, for the development, operation, and maintenance of recreation areas, facilities, and programs.
• To work together with public land managers to insure appropriate measures are taken in resource management plans to provide recreation opportunities.

Park and Recreation Commission meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month from 6:00-8:30pm at the County Courthouse and various locations throughout the County.  The meetings are open and anyone is invited to attend.  Citizens are encouraged to bring or submit their thoughts or concerns regarding parks and recreation to the Commission.  Please contact the Commission’s office for a list of the meeting dates and locations or to speak with a staff member.  

2010 Park and Recreation Commission Members