2 days Ago By Cynthia Yi
Minneapolis residents will soon have the opportunity to voice their opinions on whether a section of the riverfront trail should be named after a local running enthusiast, Rick Recker. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is calling upon the community to participate in a public hearing, set for Wednesday, April 16, to discuss the proposal.According to a recent announcement by the MPRB, the section in question extends from 8th Avenue NE to about 16th Avenue NE, connecting several parks along the east bank of the Mississippi River.
Rick Recker, having laced his running shoes and taken to the city's trails nearly every day from the 1960s up until early 2022, left behind a legacy tied closely to these paths. Moving on to the next steps after the hearing, which is a part of the naming process, requires a two-year wait before the Board of Commissioners can cast its final vote. This follows the earlier public consultation held back in 2023.
Those interested in participating can either join the meeting in person by placing their name on the sign-up sheet outside the Board Room at MPRB Headquarters or by calling in advance. Written comments are also welcome and should be directed to [email protected] no later than noon on the day of the hearing to be included in the record.
Further details and clear instructions on how to participate have been outlined in the MPRB statement.The trail segment, unveiled in the fall of 2016, plays a pivotal role in connecting local green spaces, including Boom Island Park, Graco Park, and Sheridan Memorial Park. Reminiscent of the Mississippi's meandering flow, the proposal to name it after Rick Recker reflects the impact one dedicated individual can have on a community's outdoor culture.
In memory of a man who made the trails his daily ritual, this gesture stands to honor Recker's longstanding commitment to Minneapolis' scenic routes, as noted in the public invitation for the hearing.As the date for the hearing approaches, stakeholders from all corners of Minneapolis will have the chance to lay down their thoughts on what this trail — a homage to both nature and human perseverance — should be called. Once collected, the feedback will set the stage for a decision that resonates with the community's spirit and recognizes the footsteps of Rick Recker, which have, quite literally, paved the way for future generations of Minneapolis runners and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
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