Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is an independently elected, semi-autonomous public body that governs, maintains and develops the Minneapolis park system. Created in 1883 by Minnesota state legislation and a vote of Minneapolis residents, it operates parks, recreation centres, athletic facilities and citywide activities. MPRB provides youth and adult sports leagues and programmes in softball and baseball, soccer, basketball, broomball, volleyball, kickball and other activities. Adult athletics are organised citywide through 13 leagues, while youth athletics offers 11 sports opportunities, including baseball, softball, flag football and track and field. Its athletics, aquatics, golf and ice-arenas department also supports pools and swimming programmes, golf courses, ice arenas and athletic-facility permitting. Recreation centres across the city deliver local programmes, and MPRB provides inclusion support for participants with disabilities as well as income-based youth programme fees and free youth sport and programme opportunities at selected locations. The Board is a public park and recreation authority rather than a national or independent sports federation.