UPDATE

We’re excited to share that 27th Avenue has been selected to be on the proposed route for the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) Grand Rounds Missing Link project! This is a huge win for our community, and we sincerely thank everyone who signed the petition to help make this possible. Your voices and support are instrumental in shaping the future of our neighborhood.

While this is a moment to celebrate, we still need your support! MPRB is collecting feedback over the next month before presenting the proposed concepts to Commissioners in the spring. At that time, they will review, amend, and potentially approve a design concept. If approved, MPRB will determine the initial phase of construction based on various factors.

If you haven’t already, please sign this petition to support the approval and prioritization of this segment for construction and share your feedback directly with MPRB.

Thank you for being part of this effort to enhance bike and pedestrian safety, expand green spaces, and bring much-needed trail access to our neighborhood!

-Como Student Community Cooperative

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We, the residents, former residents, and supporters of Como Student Community Cooperative (CSCC) urge city and regional officials, including the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the Metropolitan Council, and the City of Minneapolis, to prioritize the completion of the Grand Rounds Missing Link along 27th Avenue SE. This route will bring significant benefits to the local community and the broader city, enhancing connectivity, recreation, and sustainability.

Background
The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway is a cherished regional trail system that has served Minneapolis for over a century, providing invaluable green spaces, recreation, and connectivity across the city. However, a 140-year gap—known as the Grand Rounds Missing Link—remains incomplete. This missing segment, located in an industrial corridor through Northeast and Southeast Minneapolis, hinders the full potential of the trail system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Completing the Missing Link Aims to Improve
Connectivity: The completion of the Missing Link will connect Stinson Parkway and St. Anthony Parkway in Northeast Minneapolis to East River Road and Franklin Avenue in Southeast Minneapolis. This will provide much-needed connectivity for cyclists, pedestrians, and other trail users, allowing seamless access between Northeast and Southeast neighborhoods.

Accessibility: The Missing Link will improve access to parks, green spaces, and the Mississippi River for residents in surrounding neighborhoods, including Southeast Como, Mid-City Industrial, and Prospect Park. It will also link with the University of Minnesota, providing more recreational and commuting options for students, faculty, and staff.

Health and Recreation: Trails like the Grand Rounds offer residents safe, off-street routes for walking, biking, and other physical activities, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Environmental Benefits: The trail will enhance local ecosystems, support green infrastructure, and improve stormwater management, aligning with the goals of the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization.

Why 27th Avenue SE as the Preferred Route?

Connection to Underserved Communities: The Como Student Community Cooperative (CSCC) is home to over 700 residents, including students, families, and international scholars. These residents currently face limited access to green spaces and safe recreational routes. Developing the Missing Link along 27th Avenue SE would directly connect this diverse community to the broader Grand Rounds system, enriching their quality of life and providing much-needed recreational and commuting opportunities.

Equitable Access:The 27th Avenue SE route offers equitable access to trails and outdoor spaces for a diverse population that includes low-income families, international students, and underserved communities. This project can help bridge gaps in recreational and commuting resources for these residents.

Sustainable Transit and Safety: Beyond recreation, the trail will serve as a vital corridor for sustainable commuting, especially for University of Minnesota students and faculty. By providing a safe, off-street route for cyclists and pedestrians, the Missing Link will promote greener transit options and reduce dependence on cars.

Community Enrichment: The completion of this trail segment will transform 27th Avenue SE into a vibrant community corridor, fostering stronger connections between neighborhoods and creating a shared space for outdoor engagement.

By signing this petition, we voice our strong support for this critical development and call upon decision-makers to take prompt and decisive action to make this vision a reality. Build the trail where it can ensure safe, accessible spaces for the surrounding community!