Funding for 11 parks and walkways is an early downpayment on a green grid of open spaces and nature reserves across Sydney, Planning Minister Rob Stokes says.

Mr Stokes has asked government architect Peter Poulet to map Sydney's green grids, pockets or channels through which people can or should be able to walk through the city's suburbs.

Connected: The NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes wants to create a green grid across the city. Credit:Max Mason-Hubers

"We've never conceived of parklands and open spaces as being connected," said Mr Stokes, who on Monday will announce $3 million in funding for the first projects focused on the green grid.

"It is more that they're somewhere you go, you drive with your dog or your kids to have a run around, then you get back in your car and drive home," he said.