Home
Departments
Parks
Park Equity

Equity in Parks and Recreation

Parks make life more enjoyable for everyone. Parks, trails, and other open and green spaces are important for creating healthy and vibrant communities. While parks are created for everyone, the reality is that not everyone has equal access to them. Many low-income individuals and families and people of color have limited or no green spaces.

Accessible features at parks

Some accessible features in parks may include

Accessible parking.
Accessible restrooms.
Inclusive playgrounds.
Paved trails.

Visit each park location to see a list of features.

All-terrain wheelchair

Only available at Lake Elmo Park Reserve and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park.

This self-propelled wheelchair, with lever-driven wheels and mountain bike tires, allows users to navigate the park with ease at no extra cost. The chair can also be pushed by a trail companion. It is free to use, and only available upon request. Call the park office to confirm availability at 651-430-8370.

Nordic Rocks sit ski

Only available at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park. This adaptive sit ski gives users the ability to ski independently, or with the help of another. With a seat width of 12.5 inches, users can sit while propelling themselves with adjustable ski poles, or a friend can use a push bar to guide them.

$5 to rent for 3 hours.
Available when conditions allow daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Available upon request.
Call the park office to confirm availability at 651-430-8226.

Community outreach programs

Featured programs

Availability of these programs vary throughout the year.

Kayaking program.
Learn to ride a bicycle.
Free family outdoor time.
Snowshoe program.
Partnerships with local organizations.

BIPOC Connect

Connect is a Washington County Parks series of free get-togethers in the parks for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and allies. These get-togethers offer a chance to connect to the outdoors, try new recreational activities, and meet new friends. This is a safe and open event to all BIPOC and allies.

Trails at Your Pace

Trails in Washington County Parks identified as short and easy to use, making it more accessible for all people to get out and enjoy a walk.

Translation services

Posters and flyers for programs and events could be available in other languages. If you are interested in any programs and events to be translated in another language, please send an email or call 651-430-4300.

Vehicle park pass

Free annual vehicle park pass for eligible individuals or families.

Learn About Park Equity

What is Park Equity?

Park equity means expanding park access and recreational opportunity for people of all races, ethnicities, incomes, abilities, and national origins.

Strategies to Promote Park Equity

Washington County strives for a future where everyone has fair and just access to quality parks and recreation. To build this future, we are focused on:

Learning from the past, including systematic inequities that have created different lived experiences in residents across the county.
Strengthening our organizational culture and practices centered around equity.
Embedding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in how we prepare the park and recreation field for the future.
Working to dismantle the barriers to equity.

Current Partnerships

Washington County has partnered with community groups, the Metropolitan Council and SHIP to reduce barriers and increase awareness and outdoor access in Washington County Parks through outdoor recreational programs or outreach events to underrepresented communities, including but not limited to:

Anyone who identifies as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
People ages 65 and older.
Anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+.
Anyone who lives with a disability (physical and/or cognitive).
Low-income individuals and families.

Contact Us

Washington County Parks
A division of the Public Works Department
Email Staff
Big Marine Park Reserve
Phone: 651-430-8200
Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
Phone: 651-430-8226
Historic Courthouse
Phone: 651-275-7075
Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Phone: 651-430-8370
Pine Point Regional Park
Phone: 651-430-8200
Square Lake Park
Phone: 651-430-8200
Point Douglas Park
Phone: 651-430-8240
St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
Phone: 651-430-8240

BIPOC Connect
Free Admission Days in the Parks
Parks & Trails
Programs & Events
Trails At Your Pace