Facilities and Programs — Accessibility and Culture

**Parks and Recreation Department summer camp participants**

Facilities and Programs actions focus on strategies for ensuring equitable access to employment, facilities and recreational programming opportunities for residents of color.

In recent years, efforts to provide more no- and low-cost opportunities to experience Eden Prairie's parks and recreational amenities has increased significantly.

Free access to recreation equipment is offered for multiple activities year-round and the Passport to Fun program is available to residents who live or work in Eden Prairie and would like to participate in a program but cannot afford the registration fees. Approved participants receive 50% off the regular cost of recreation programs.

Throughout the summer there are several opportunities each week for residents to participate in free fitness classes at Staring Lake Park and neighborhood parks located near higher populations of residents of color.

In 2022, the Women-Only Swimming program was revived and expanded at the Community Center to provide reserved pool time exclusively for women who wish to swim in adherence with their religious customs and personal choice. Women-only swimming lessons were also introduced at that time. During these programs there is an all-female staff, privacy curtains covering all windows and restricted door and locker room access.

The strategies underway are described in four areas of recommendations which are outlined in the Race Equity Report:

#1 | Diversify Parks and Recreation workforce to reflect community.

Activity/Goal	Measurement	Department	Timeline
Increase and build upon partnerships to establish a diverse pipeline of candidates	Attract, hire and retain people of color	Administration	End of 2023

#2 | Ensure everyone has equitable access to facilities and programming, and are treated with dignity and respect.

Activity/Goal	Measurement	Department	Timeline
Support community engagement activities as outlined in the Human Rights and Diversity Commission's work plan	Implementation of work plan goals, activities and events, number of residents engaged	Community Development	Ongoing
Offer subsidized summer camp options at multiple sites and provide additional fee assistance based on individual circumstances	Participation, new households served	Parks and Recreation	Ongoing
Pursue grants and partnerships to serve underrepresented residents of color	Specific to individual grant outcomes	Parks and Recreation	Ongoing

#3 | Expand diverse and inclusive programming through the City's facilities, parks and events.

Activity/Goal	Measurement	Department	Timeline
In partnership with EP Schools Community Education, serve children of color who have been referred for targeted program services	Program frequency, number of youth served	Parks and Recreation	Ongoing
Offer free access to recreation equipment for multiple activities year-round	Participation	Parks and Recreation	Ongoing
Allocate budget toward finding and serving underrepresented residents of color in fee-based programs	Number of youth impacted	Parks and Recreation	Ongoing
Expand free outdoor group fitness classes to neighborhood parks located near higher populations of residents of color	Attendance	Parks and Recreation	Ongoing
Provide "Public Art" opportunities for artists of color	Artist participation	Parks and Recreation	Ongoing
Implement new programs for the purpose of creating a safe space for people of color	Participation	Parks and Recreation	Starting in 2024
Convene panels of individuals representing diverse cultures for Senior Center's "Who's Your Neighbor?" series	Attendance	Parks and Recreation	Ongoing
Offer modified aquatics programs to accommodate cultural diversity	Participation	Parks and Recreation	Ongoing

Race Equity Implementation Progress