Ramsey County Parks and Recreation wins innovation in equity award
Chosen from a competitive field of over 50 projects nationwide, Ramsey County Parks and Recreation has been honored with the Innovation in Equity Award for its "Signs of Belonging" project. The award, announced by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), will be presented at the NRPA Annual Conference in October, where the Best in Innovation Award will also be revealed.
The "Signs of Belonging" project began in 2021 as a collaboration between Ramsey County and the Metropolitan Council. Together, they enlisted five local artists — Andrés Guzmán, CRICE, Marlena Myles, Xee Reiter, and Witt Siasoco — to create unique designs welcoming visitors to county and regional parks. This initiative is part of Ramsey County's 21st Century Parks Vision, which aims to provide artists of color with a prominent platform in the parks.
Each artist brought their unique perspective and identity to their designs, based on the prompt: “What would make you feel welcome and a sense of belonging in the park?” These designs are now featured on park kiosks, which include updated maps and artwork, installed at all park entrances throughout the system. The new signage was unveiled Saturday, June 3, 2023, offering a vibrant and unique perspective on traditional park signs.
The NRPA Innovation Awards recognize park and recreation agencies across the country that have strengthened their communities through innovative practices in park design, health and wellness, conservation and equity. Ramsey County's award highlights its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, making parks more welcoming and representative of the entire community.
View the artists and their artwork