Don Fraser and Sharon Sayles Belton: Minneapolis' parks didn't just happen

Minneapolis has a world-class parks system. The preeminent jewel of our city, our park system is nationally recognized, one of our biggest tourist attractions and what truly makes our city unique. Parks and lakes are the heart and soul of Minneapolis.

As former mayors of Minneapolis, we understand the significance of our parks and the importance of transparency and accountability in how these resources are managed. The services provided by our park system -- from the water quality of our lakes to youth sports, recreation and open spaces for all to enjoy -- are essential in making Minneapolis a great place to live and work.

This park system didn't develop by accident. It is the result of over a century and a quarter of foresight, dedication and investment by thoughtful residents and of an independently elected Park and Recreation Board. Preserving our lakes and parks and making our part of the Mississippi River accessible and enjoyable for all are a priceless legacy for future generations.

The future of our park system is now in question. On the ballot in this fall's election is an amendment to the City Charter that would eliminate the Board of Estimate and Taxation and transfer to the City Council total control over the property tax levy for the Park and Recreation Board. If successful, this amendment would result in the City Council controlling the money allocated to our park system for which it has no direct responsibility. This arrangement has trouble written all over it.

Fortunately, Minneapolis voters have another option. This summer, hundreds of city residents circulated a petition -- ultimately signed by more than 17,000 individuals -- to let Minneapolis voters decide on the future of our park system. This proposed amendment to the City Charter would make the Park Board fully independent. It would allow the Park Board to continue to protect our parks while ensuring that accountability for the quality of the services we receive for our tax dollars remain in the hands of a single, independently elected body.

We don't need to look far to see how this system would work. The Three Rivers Park District manages parkland throughout Hennepin County. It is governed by an independent board that is directly accountable to county voters, yet operates separately from the county and within limits set by the Legislature. We believe Minneapolis would be well served by this model of balanced, effective citizen governance.

Difficult times require difficult choices. Already, staffing for our park system has been reduced by 18 percent since 2002. With further cuts likely on the way, the importance of ensuring an open and efficient decisionmaking process has never been more critical.

Minneapolis families from every neighborhood depend on parks for vital services. These include not only youth sports but after-school programs, adult recreation for seniors and community meeting centers. They keep children off the streets, bring neighbors together and help sustain the quality of life we appreciate here in Minneapolis. Sacrificing these services, whether as part of a quick-fix city budget solution or a longer-term lack of investment, promises to diminish the health and vibrancy of our community.

Our lakes, parks, riverfront and open spaces are a significant part of our great city. They must be preserved and maintained as a public trust. Determining the best way to accomplish this is what Minneapolis voters must decide this fall.

We believe the ensuing debate over the future of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation system will make it clear that this city will be best served by an independently elected, publicly accountable Park and Recreation Board.

Don Fraser was mayor of Minneapolis from 1980 to 1993. Sharon Sayles Belton was mayor of Minneapolis from 1994 to 2001.