CenterPoint Energy Project Status Update for Downtown Minneapolis

MN Limited, LLC. and Michels Corporation, two authorized CenterPoint Energy contractors, will continue installing natural gas pipeline in the following locations:

Hennepin Avenue, from Washington Avenue N. to 2nd Street N.:

•Construction will begin Wednesday, June 10th at 7:00 p.m. until Thursday, June 11th at 5:00 a.m.
•Crews will be working overnight with extended hours until 5:00 a.m. Monday, June 15th.
•Northbound Hennepin Avenue traffic will be closed during construction. Please follow the posted detour. Southbound Hennepin Avenue traffic will remain open.
•Please anticipate intermittent lane closures for eastbound and westbound Washington Avenue N. traffic.
•Construction will continue for four weeks in this area.

2nd Street S., from 3rd Avenue S. to 5th Avenue S.:

•Traffic is reduced to one lane in both directions as crews continue to work eastwards.

2nd Street S., from Park Avenue S. to Chicago Avenue S.:

•This area will reopen to traffic on Tuesday, June 9th.
Parking lots and ramps are accessible.

At the intersection of 2nd Street S. and 9th Avenue S.:

•This intersection will be closed beginning Tuesday, June 9th for approximately one week.

2nd Street S., from 11th Avenue S. to 13th Avenue S.:

•Traffic is reduced to one lane in both directions as crews continue to work eastwards.

At the intersection of 2nd Street S. and 12th Avenue S.:

•Traffic going east and west at this intersection is open.
•There is no through traffic going north and south at this intersection.

Restoration is underway in the following areas:

•2nd Street N., from 2nd Avenue N. to 1st Avenue N. will be completed on Friday, June 12th.

Please visit our website often to receive project updates, traffic alerts and any anticipated road or lane closures.

For further information, please contact Ashley Osteraas at 612-321-5546 or Ashley.Osteraas@centerpointenergy.com. Thank you.

Video: Backyard on the Mississippi

From the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization.

Poliça and Ra Ra Riot to Headline The Bachelor Farmer's 4th Annual Kräftskiva! Block Party

POLIÇA AND RA RA RIOT TO HEADLINE FOURTH ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY FOR THE BACHELOR FARMER, ASKOV FINLAYSON AND MARVEL BAR

Minneapolis (June 3, 2015) – The Bachelor Farmer, Askov Finlayson, and Marvel Bar will host Kräftskiva!, their summer block party, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 1.

The fourth annual festival will bring The Bachelor Farmer and Marvel Bar out onto the streets of Minneapolis for the evening – shutting down 2nd Ave North alongside The Bachelor Farmer between Azine Way and North 1st St – for an evening of live music, food, and beverages.

Kräftskiva! will be better than ever this year, featuring multiple live music performances throughout the night, culminating with local standouts Poliça. Additional performing acts include Ra Ra Riot, Rogue Valley, and DJ Jonathan Ackerman.

Tickets will go on sale this week for $20, with all proceeds from the event benefiting the Mississippi River Fund. This is the first time the annual block party will benefit a charitable organization, building on the efforts of all three businesses, which have been active supporters of numerous local non-profits since opening in 2011.

“Kräftskiva! has become a cherished summer tradition for our entire team, and hopefully for Minneapolis,” said Eric Dayton, co-owner of The Bachelor Farmer, Marvel Bar and Askov Finlayson. “The support of the North Loop has been crucial to our success and this is really our way of saying thank you to the neighborhood. We’re proud to add a charitable aspect to the event this year, as giving back is fundamental to who we are as a company. Given our location, supporting the Mississippi River Fund and their efforts was a natural fit.”

Revelers will have the chance to purchase traditional Kräftskiva! menu items, including chilled crayfish with dill, as well as some classic favorites from The Bachelor Farmer, such as its beloved meatballs, grilled sweet corn and warm bannock with honeyed butter. To wash it all down, Fulton beer, adult snow cones and ice-cold aquavit, the traditional Scandinavian spirit, will be available.

Sticking with the local theme, this year’s bold Kräftskiva! event poster was designed by Charles S. Anderson Design Co., a legendary graphic design firm headquartered two doors down from Askov Finlayson.

Presale tickets are available beginning today for email subscribers or fans of The Bachelor Farmer, Marvel Bar or Askov Finlayson’s social media channels. Tickets will officially go on sale to the general public at 12:00 p.m. on June 4 and can be purchased by visiting Askov Finlayson or askovfinlayson.com. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door the day of the block party for $25, but purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended.

About Kräftskiva

Kräftskiva, which is Swedish for “crayfish party,” is a summertime eating and drinking tradition held in many Nordic countries during the month of August. The annual celebration originated in Sweden, where crayfish are a delicacy, during the 1900s when restrictions were placed on crayfish harvesting, delaying the start of the season to the first week in August. As a result, August became a month of crayfish parties, where family and friends would come together to feast on mass amounts of the small crustacean.

Franklin Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Update

Via a June 2 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

CLOSURE UPDATE:

Crews have been working on concrete removals on Franklin Bridge above West River Parkway trail. A flagperson(s) is on site for intermittent closures through the next few weeks.

Crews plan to close East River trail Thursday, June 4 for tree removals. The trail will be closed until fall 2015 for multiple construction activities. Detour signs will be in place.

TREE REMOVAL:

Tree removal is necessary to access the underside of the bridge for concrete removal. The crews will remove as few of trees as possible. The contractor will begin removing trees on the west bank today and east back Thursday.

IMPACT TO BICYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS:

Crews have been working on concrete removals on Franklin Bridge above West River Parkway trail. A flagperson(s) is on site for intermittent closures through the next few weeks.

Crews plan to close East River trail Thursday, June 4 for tree removals. The trail will be closed until fall 2015 for multiple construction activities. Detour signs will be in place.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Project website: http://www.hennepin.us/residents/transportation/franklin-ave-bridge

Email: FranklinBridge@hennepin.us

Phone:  888-474-8929

Hennepin County Board Schedules Public Meetings for 2016 Budget

Via a June 2 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Public meetings set for 2016 budget

A series of public meetings have been scheduled regarding the 2016 budget and property tax levy. There will be presentations from county staff to the county board about the proposed budget, followed by public comments on the proposed budget on the following dates:

•Tuesday, September 8 at 1:30 p.m. – proposed budget presentation
•Wednesday, September 9 at 1 p.m. – budget hearing for operations, library and public works
•Thursday, September 10 from 9 at 11 a.m. – budget hearing for human services and public health
•Monday, September 14 at 9 a.m. – budget hearing for public safety
•Tuesday, September 22 at 1:30 p.m. – Hennepin County Board adopts 2016 maximum tax levy and budget
•Friday, September 25 at 9 a.m. - budget hearing for human services and public health (follow-up if needed)
•Monday, November 2 at 1 p.m. - budget hearing for capital budget and fees

An additional public meeting will be held Tuesday, December 1 at 6 p.m. for public comment on the 2016 budget. The public meetings will take place at the Hennepin County Government Center downtown Minneapolis. The final levy adoption is scheduled for December 15, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at the regular county board meeting.

This Week at Piazza on the Mall

Wednesday June 3rd from 5:30-6:30pm is the first of the summer long weekly concerts.  It's a perfect way to enjoy your evening with some outdoor music.

Jelloslave, which originally formed as a duo in 2003 by cellists Jacqueline Ultan and Michelle Kinney, has since become an established quartet with the addition of drummer Greg Schutte and Gary Waryan on tablas. Known for their dynamic improvisational compositions, the foursome pours heart and soul into an eclectic original repertoire ranging from mesmerizing fusions of jazz, Afro-Caribbean, Middle Eastern and Indian rhythms, to surprising pop music interpretations.

- - -

Come join Ross Hackenmiller Music for the first summer Social Jam Session on Thursday, June 4th, 7:00-9:00pm!  These sessions are a fun way to do some outdoor improvised music-making at the Piazza! Any and all are welcome. There will be a stack of random percussion and noisemakers waiting to be played. Feel free to bring your own.

- - -

This Saturday, June 6th from 10am-11am is the first weekly free Saturday morning yoga class, brought to you by Yess Yoga.
 
The free classes will reflect Yess Yoga’s overall approach focused on connecting with yourself and the community around you. Whether you are new to yoga or a guru, Yess Yoga can help you improve your physical and mental strength and wellness. There are free yoga mats to use at each class and all levels are welcome.

Scenes From the May 30 Mill City Farmers Market

It's starting already - more produce variety!  I'm not yet sure how they're going to come together, but I have a fridge full of pea pods, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, lettuce, smoked trout, cheeses and other goodies.  One thing is for sure, there will be HeathGlen Harissa and Sunrise Flour Mill pasta involved!  :)

We are absolutely delighted to welcome two new vendors to the Mill City Farmers Market - Northern Waters Smokehaus and Body Bliss. Look for future separate posts on these vendors under our Farmers Market blog.

The goat!

Northern Spark 2015 Partner Projects Spotlight: University of Minnesota (Northrop, Weisman Art Museum and the Bell Museum of Natural History)

Via a May 29 e-newsletter from Northern Spark/NorthernLights.mn:

NORTHERN SPARK 2015

Head over to the University of Minnesota's East Bank by foot, bike, or the Green Line for a night of music, spectacular dance performances, and more wildlife than you can (or should!) shake a stick at. Our partners at the Weisman Art Museum, Northr0p, and the Bell Museum of Natural History are preparing some wonders for NORTHERN SPARK 2015. Including . . .

 

 

A 20 x 20 ft live iron pour of the Mississippi by the artist Tamsie Ringler on the lawn of the Weisman Art Museum. Focusing on the importance of the Mississippi watershed to the US---as essential as the iron in our bloodstreams. (project hashtag: #nspk50)

Inside the Weisman, 3 ensembles choreographed by Morgan Thorson will perform Still Life (#nspk53). These endurance-based dance segments play with time as a central theme to movement-based performances (9 pm-midnight, June 13th & 2:30-5:30 am, June 14th).

Besides an iron pour and powerful dancers, you'll also find live owls, picnics, and a chance to share your musical tastes with strangers! Learn more about projects at the Weisman here. 

 

Follow the beat over to Northrop for an all night performance by the Sumunar Gamelan Ensemble. Musicians perform a mix of traditional and contemporary Javanese gamelan music from dusk til dawn. 
The first half of the evening will also feature several pieces choreographed by dance director Tri Sutrisno and performed by the Sumunar Dance Ensemble (project hashtag: #nspk62).  With 10+ projects at Northrop alone, there's lots of discoveries to be made here. 

 

Animal, insect, and diorama lovers, this is your chance to live your fantasy, cross the UMN campus to the Bell Museum of Natural History to spend a night at the museum.

 

3 artist-in-residence (Miranda Brandon, Sam Easterson, and Diane Willow) present their work inspired by the natural world and the museum's collection. Find out more here. 

CenterPoint Energy Project Status Update for Downtown Minneapolis

MN Limited, LLC. and Michels Corporation, two authorized CenterPoint Energy contractors, will continue installing natural gas pipeline in the following locations:

2nd Street N., from 2nd Avenue N. to 1st  Avenue N.:
•Beginning Monday, June 1st, final service lines replacements and restoration will occur

Near the intersection of 2nd Avenue N. and 2nd Street N.
•Final construction will occur from Wednesday, June 3rd to Thursday, June 4th. Restoration to follow.

Near the intersection of 3rd Avenue N. and 1st Street N.
•Final construction will occur from Wednesday, June 3rd to Thursday, June 4th. Restoration to follow.

At the intersection of 3rd Avenue S. and 2nd Street S.
•Construction is underway along southbound 3rd Avenue S. until Sunday, May 31st.
•Crews will cross this intersection and continue construction in the northbound 3rd Avenue S. lanes until Monday, June 1st.

2nd Street S., from 3rd Avenue S. to 5th Avenue S.:
•Beginning Tuesday, June 2nd, crews will work eastwards along 2nd Street S.

2nd Street S., from Portland Avenue S. to Park Avenue S.:
•Restoration is underway

2nd Street S., from Park Avenue S. to Chicago Avenue S.:
•This area is closed to traffic.
•Access is maintained to parking lots and ramps.

2nd Street S., from 11th Avenue S. to 12th Avenue S.:
•Crews continue to work eastwards along 2nd Street S.

At the intersection of 2nd Street S. and 12th Avenue S.:
•Traffic going east and west at this intersection is maintained.
•There is no through traffic going north and south at this intersection.

Please visit our website often to receive project updates, traffic alerts and any anticipated road or lane closures.

For further information, please contact Ashley Osteraas at 612-321-5546 or Ashley.Osteraas@centerpointenergy.com. Thank you.

Parkway Closures for Sunday, May 31

Via a May 28 Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter:
 
The following parkways will be temporarily closed May 31, 2015 for the Minneapolis Marathon:

6:30am to 3:00pm
Theodore Wirth Parkway Closure: From just north of Highway 55 going north to Memorial Parkway
Memorial Parkway Closure: From Theodore Wirth Parkway to 40th Ave N, then from 42nd Ave N to Webber Parkway
Webber Parkway Closure: From Memorial Parkway to Lyndale Ave N
St Anthony Parkway Closure: From 37th Ave NE to Marshall St NE
Main Street Closure: From 5th Avenue NE to the Stone Arch Bridge
East River Parkway Closure: From University Ave SE to Franklin Ave Bridge
West River Parkway Closure: From Franklin Ave Bridge to Godfrey Parkway
Godfrey Parkway Closure: From West River Parkway to Minnehaha Ave
West River Parkway Closure: From the Stone Arch Bridge to near 22nd Ave S
Stone Arch Bridge Closure
 
To see a map of this event route please click here.
 
*Please note that the duration of the closures is subject to change based on the event's start and finish times.
*A complete list of current and upcoming parkway closures is available online.

2015 Summer on the Plaza Event Schedule at Hennepin County Government Center Announed

Via a May 28 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Health and safety fair June 3 kicks-off Summer on the Plaza events at Hennepin County Government Center

Hennepin County will host a Health and Safety Fair on Wednesday, June 3 on the North Plaza of the Hennepin County Government Center. More than 25 health and safety resources will be available during the fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

We have a great line up of exhibits including emergency preparations, bike and pedestrian planning, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s department and local fire departments.

In the event of inclement weather, the Health and Safety Fair will be held indoors on the Skyway Level of the Government Center. 

This event is just the first of many Summer on the Plaza events. The series runs June through August during the lunch hour on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Performers include singers, drummers, dancers and educators.

A schedule can be found at www.hennepin.us/summerontheplaza. June events include:

• Wednesday, June 3 - National Safety Month Health and Safety Fair - 25 exhibitors on health and safety topics
• Thursday, June 4 - Jessska - Singer/songwriter
• Friday, June 5 - Tower Bell Foundation – Instrumental music from historic bell tower
• Wednesday, June 10 - Rock of Ages – Rock and roll band
• Thursday, June 11 – Jaztronauts – Four person jazz ensemble
• Friday, June 12 - New Ulm Summer Band – 5th – 7th grade band students
• Wednesday, June 17 - 2nd Annual Black Expo – vendor exhibits, speakers and performers
• Thursday, June 18 - Master Gardeners - presentation and questions
• Friday, June 19 - Wayzata Summer Band – 6th, 7th and 8th grade band students
• Wednesday, June 24 – Fairlanes ­– A cappella quartet
• Thursday, June 25 - Hennepin History Museum - exhibits about the history of Hennepin County
• Friday, June 26 - HubCap - Two person band featuring keyboard and drums

Week 3 at the 2015 Mill City Farmers Market

The theme of the May 23 Market was "Celebrating our 10th Season!".  Indeed, there is much to celebrate.  :D

Cute little shoppers.

Sunrise Creative Gourmet has a line of gluten free pastas.

The goat!  :)

Primrose Park Announces First Annual Spring Sale

Primrose Park Announces 50% Off Spring Sale

MAY–2015 Northeast Minneapolis based women’s boutique, Primrose Park, announces its “First Annual Spring Sale.” Everything in the shop will be discounted at 50% off the regular or sale price (excludes: jewelry, watches and scarves). 

The “First Annual Spring Sale” officially kicks off on Friday, May 22 and will run through the end of the month:  Sunday, May 31, 2015. 

Inspired by the charming, quaint and tony lifestyle of Primrose Hill, London, Primrose Park offers an array of fashion-forward clothing, jewelry, accessories, apothecary and gift items. From simple weekend wear to cocktail dresses, the boutique has something chic for every occasion.

Primrose Park appeals to multiple generations and price points, with the majority of pieces being under $125. Notable lines include Bella Luxx, See U Soon, Color Block, Red 23 and State of Being. 

About Primrose Park:

Primrose Park is located at 20 University Ave NE in Minneapolis, across the street from Surdyk’s in between JL Beers and Keegan’s in Northeast Minneapolis.  Primrose Park is open:  Monday – Saturday, 11-6 PM and Sunday, 12-4 PM.  Follow Primrose Park on Facebook and Instagram.

Northern Spark 2015 Partner Projects Spotlight: Peavey Plaza and Orchestra Hall + the Walker Art Center

Via a May 21 e-newsletter from Northern Spark/NorthernLights.mn:

NORTHERN SPARK 2015

Join us at the Electronic Playground at Peavey Plaza and the Game Bar in Orchestra Hall as these spaces are activated late into the night and early morning. In this area you'll find . . .

A Chamber Concert at Orchestra Hall titled from Amber Frozen by the MN String Quartet at 10:15 pm. A music mashup of contemporary electronica and traditional Indonesian gamelan on the main stage. (project hashtag: #nspk8)

The UCLA Game Lab  fosters the production of experimental computer games and other game forms. Orchestra Hall will keep going all night long until 5:26 am with UCLA Game Lab’s Game Bar offering a variety of unique artist-driven games and Fulton Brewery providing delicious brews. Witness and engage with games across platforms and formats—enter virtual realities, projection installations and performances; sit down for a board game; or pick up a deck of cards designed to question racial bias. The arcade offerings feature faculty, award-winning alums, and up-and-coming students. Test the limits of how games can be everything from a spectator sport to a full-body virtual experience.

VIETNAM ROMANCE Highlights (Dec 2014) from Eddo Stern on Vimeo.

Also at Peavey Plaza you'll find John Kim and Ben Moren's Game Grid a multi-player retro-arcade inspired game accessible to Northern Spark attendees and displayed on 3 big screens in the round. Players are required to interact IRL and move around the installation to play this game. (project hashtag: #nspk9)

The delightful folks at Can Can Wonderland (an arts and entertainment space opening in St. Paul in Fall 2015) invite you to be a part of their game Tron Human Foosball. It's the human-scaled version of the classic bar game---and yes, it will glow in the dark. (project hashtag: #nspk13)

The Orchestra Hall-Peavey Plaza area will be a game (and beer) lover's paradise! 

A big thanks to Fulton Brewery for sponsoring the Game Bar and the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District for sponsoring the one-night only Electronic Playground.

Let us know what projects you're looking forward to on Facebook & Twitter! @Northern_Spark #nspk.

Additional details about all Northern Spark Partner Projects online here. 

2015 Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Award Recipients Announced

Via a May 21 News Release from the City of Minneapolis:

2015 Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Award Recipients Announced

Thursday, May 21, 2015 (Minneapolis, MN) - Earlier today, Preservation Award partners Preserve Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission announced the recipients of 2015 Annual Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Awards during a luncheon at International Market Square. 

The following honors were presented at the 25th Annual Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Awards:

Historic Restoration, Rehabilitation, or Adaptive Reuse Project
ASI Turnblad Mansion Kitchen Restoration
Bennett-McBride House
Grain Belt Office Building Rehabilitation
Sandbo Roof Replacement
Valspar Headquarters/VAST Rehabilitation

New Addition to an Historic Building
Emanuel Housing

Grassroots: Advocacy & Education
Legendary Homes of the Minneapolis Lakes

The Steve Murray Award
Barbara Bezat

The Minneapolis Preservation Awards highlight the year’s best achievements for transforming a historic property, building, or landscape and reinventing it to incorporate both new and old elements in a way that is respectful to the past. Projects are judged on attention to the quality of design, architecture, workmanship, and materials as well as the positive impact on the surrounding neighborhood and community.

Awards are made based on nomination materials submitted. Projects were judged based on their careful attention to the quality of design, architecture, workmanship, and materials as well as their positive impact on surrounding neighborhoods and community. A jury comprised of three Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commissioners, two members of the American Institute of Architects Minneapolis Chapter, and two board members from Preserve Minneapolis reviewed the nominations.

The 2015 Minneapolis Preservation Awards program is attached for additional details on each of this year’s awards recipients. To learn more about the awards visit the Preserve Minneapolis website.

For more information about each project visit AIA Minnesota’s website.
 
About the Partners

American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects Minnesota, founded in 1892, is dedicated to strengthening our communities, improving our built environment and providing exceptional design. For more information on the organization and Minnesota architectural firms, reference our Web site at www.aia-mn.org and pick up a copy of Architecture Minnesota, the award-winning architectural magazine of the Midwest.

Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission
The Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) was formed in 1972 to serve as a citizen advisory body to the Minneapolis City Council. The HPC is part of a nation-wide network of groups dedicated to the preservation and celebration of our local and national heritage. The Commission holds public hearings on matters related to preservation twice each month. Projects that come before the commission are administered through professional preservation-planning staff in the City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development Department (CPED). 

These meetings are specifically held so that the Commission can hear from the public on matters related to heritage preservation. The public is welcome to attend and highly encouraged to participate.

Preserve Minneapolis
Preserve Minneapolis is a newly registered non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Minneapolis by recognizing, preserving, and revitalizing the architectural and related cultural resources of the city of Minneapolis.

City of Minneapolis Receives Three Proposals for 800 South Washington Avenue or the “Guthrie Liner Parcel”

Via a May 21 News Release from the City of Minneapolis:

City of Minneapolis Receives Three Proposals for 800 South Washington Avenue or the “Guthrie Liner Parcel”

Thursday, May 21, 2015 (Minneapolis, MN) – On Wednesday, May 20, 2015 the City of Minneapolis closed its request for proposal period seeking proposals for 800 South Washington Avenue, commonly referred to as the “Guthrie Liner Parcel.”  The 24,419 square foot site is the undeveloped portion of the block  on the north side of Washington Avenue between Chicago Avenue and Ninth Avenue and is immediately adjacent to the Riverfront (Guthrie) parking ramp. Three proposals were submitted to the City.

The City’s development goals for the site include maximizing the its development potential and contributing to the vibrancy of the Mill District area with a well-designed development that will bring employees, residents, customers, hotel guests and/or visitors to the area.  If housing is included in the proposal, the City would like to see a mixed-income project with at least 20% of the proposed units affordable to households at or below 50% of Area Median Income.  Additionally, the City would like to see proposals that, at a minimum, include retail at both corners fronting along Washington Avenue.
 
Proposals were received from the following:
· M.A. Mortenson Company
· Saturday Properties, LLC
· Sherman Associates Development LLC

All three proposals are anchored by a hotel project, with varying combinations of additional retail, office and restaurant space.

City staff will conduct an internal review of the proposals through June. Following this review, staff will engage in community outreach in collaboration with the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) and the Mill District Neighborhood Association. Minneapolis City Council is expected to select a developer by August with authorization on the sale of the property and terms for the redevelopment scheduled for fall 2015. Construction is anticipated to begin in early- to mid-2016.

The Piazza on the Mall Summer Programming Schedule

The Musicant Group is pleased to invite you to Piazza on the Mall, their flagship project on Nicollet Mall, produced with the support of Westminster Presbyterian Church.  Below is an overview of their summer programming schedule.

Minneapolis and Saint Paul Tie for First Place on The Trust for Public Land’s 2015 ParkScore® Index

Twin Cities Share Prestigious Title as Nation’s Best Park System, Edging Washington D.C., San Francisco, New York, and Portland

In a historic finish, the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul tied for first place on The Trust for Public Land’s 4th annual ParkScore® index, with each city earning a perfect 5 “park bench” rating from the nonprofit organization. Saint Paul Mayor Christopher Coleman and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board President Liz Wielinski will join Trust for Public Land officials to commemorate this historic achievement at Minneapolis’ East River Parkway at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

Saint Paul was included in the ParkScore rankings for the first time in 2015, as the index expanded from the 60 largest cities in the United States to the 75 largest (Saint Paul is the 66th largest city in the U.S., according to the Census Bureau). Minneapolis is ParkScore’s defending champion and retained its title for the third consecutive year. Washington D.C., San Francisco, New York, and Portland rounded out the top six.

“We're thrilled our park systems are getting the recognition they deserve. But we can’t rest on our laurels. As our cities grow and draw families to new and redeveloping neighborhoods, our park systems must evolve. At The Trust for Public Land, we’re working especially hard to increase safe and vibrant park space in underserved neighborhoods throughout both Minneapolis and Saint Paul, along key opportunity corridors where investment is occurring, in both cities’ downtowns, and along the world class Mississippi riverfront for all of us to forever enjoy. That’s what it will take to stay number one into the future,” said Susan Schmidt, Minnesota Director of The Trust for Public Land.

ParkScores are based equally on three factors: Park Access, which measures the percentage of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park (approximately ½-mile); Park Size, which is based on a city’s median park size and the percentage of total city area dedicated to parks; and Facilities and Investment, which combines park spending per resident with the availability of four popular park amenities. The park amenities evaluated by ParkScore are: basketball hoops, off-leash dog parks, playgrounds, and recreation & senior centers. The addition of basketball, dog parks and recreation & senior centers was the most significant change to the ParkScore system in 2015.

Minneapolis and Saint Paul scored strongly on all ParkScore rating factors. In Minneapolis, 95 percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, nearly equal to Saint Paul’s 96 percent. Minneapolis outranked Saint Paul for median park size (6.8 acres vs. 3.7), but Saint Paul came out ahead on park amenities, significantly outscoring Minneapolis for basketball hoops and playgrounds.

“We’re honored to stay in the top spot on the ParkScore Index and are thrilled to share this honor with our friends across the river. Though it’s great to be number one, we recognize the responsibility we have to take care of such an amazing park system. We will continue our work to ensure that parks and park services meet the needs of the community and are accessible to everyone, with a focus on the most diverse, underserved areas of the city.” said Liz Wielinski, President of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

“The legacy of Saint Paul’s beautiful and expansive parks reflects our commitment to sustainability and livability for people of all ages,” said Mayor Chris Coleman. “It is an honor to receive this recognition today. I know the people of Saint Paul join me in inviting visitors from all over the state, country and globe to come to our city and experience for yourselves the incredible Mississippi, the streams and lakes, the open spaces, the pathways, and the nature that is all around us.”

In addition to Saint Paul, several of the 15 new ParkScore cities had strong debuts in 2015. Cincinnati ranked as the nation’s 7th best park system and Plano finished in 17th. However, no city could match Saint Paul’s historic debut atop the ParkScore index.

“Our goal is for every American to live within a 10-minute walk of a park, and ParkScore is a good snapshot of how America's largest cities are doing in meeting that goal,” added Will Rogers, President of The Trust for Public Land.

“You can't have a great city without great parks,” said Adrian Benepe, Senior Vice President and Director of City Park Development for The Trust for Public Land. “Parks provide places for children and adults to be physically active, and they serve as community meeting places where friendships are built and a sense of community is strengthened.”

ParkScore uses advanced GIS (geographic information system) computer mapping technology to create digital maps evaluating park accessibility, making it the most realistic assessment system available. Instead of simply measuring distance to a local park, ParkScore's GIS technology takes into account the location of park entrances and physical obstacles to access. For example, if residents are separated from a nearby park by a major highway, ParkScore does not count the park as accessible to those residents (unless there is a bridge, underpass, or easy access point across the highway).

In addition to the one-to-five park bench summary rating, ParkScore features an in-depth website that local leaders can use as a roadmap to guide park improvement efforts. The website, parkscore.tpl.org, provides extensive data and analysis that pinpoints the neighborhoods where parks are needed most critically. The website includes interactive maps of each ParkScore city that allow users to zoom in and study park access on a block-by-block basis. The website is free and open to the public.

According to The Trust for Public Land, the 10 highest-ranking city park systems in the United States are:

1. Minneapolis (tie) 5.0 park benches
1. Saint Paul (tie) 5.0 park benches DEBUT YEAR
3. Washington, D.C. 5.0 park benches
4. San Francisco 4.5 park benches
5. New York (tie) 4.5 park benches
5. Portland (tie) 4.5 park benches
7. Cincinnati 4.5 park benches DEBUT YEAR
8. Boston 4.0 park benches
9. San Diego (tie) 4.0 park benches
9. Seattle (tie) 4.0 park benches

The 12 lowest-ranking park systems are:

64. Stockton (tie) 2.0 park benches DEBUT YEAR
64. Tucson (tie) 2.0 park benches
64. Wichita (tie) 2.0 park benches
67. Memphis 2.0 park benches
68. Jacksonville 2.0 park benches
69. Santa Ana, CA 1.5 park benches
70. Mesa, AZ (tie) 1.5 park benches
70. Oklahoma City (tie) 1.5 park benches
72. Louisville 1.5 park benches
73. Indianapolis 1.5 park benches
74. Charlotte (tie) 1.5 park benches
74. Fresno (tie) 1.5 park benches

For more information about ParkScore, visit parkscore.tpl.org and join the discussion on Twitter @TPL_org, #ParkScore.

On Wednesday, May 20, Saint Paul Mayor Christopher Coleman and Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board President Liz Wielinski will join Trust for Public Land Senior Vice President and Director of City Park Development Adrian Benepe to commemorate the Twin Cities’ ParkScore ranking at Saint Paul’s East River Parkway at 10 a.m. The East River Parkway is located at 2120 E. River Parkway in Minneapolis.

About The Trust for Public Land
The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. Nearly 10 million people live within a one-half mile walk of a Trust for Public Land park, garden, or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year. To support The Trust for Public Land and share why

June and July Volunteer Opportunities at MacPhail Center for Music

MacPhail Center for Music, 501 South Second Street, is in need of 2-4 people to help supervise Piano Camp II students during their lunch hour (Noon -1:00pm) during the following two weeks this summer:

June 22-26
July 13-17

Volunteers will monitor students during the lunch hour to assure everyone is fed and ready to return to class on time.

If interested, please contact Kjersti Francis, Corporate and Community Engagement Officer, at 612-767-5343 or email francis.kjersti@macphail.org.

Comment on the Pillsbuty A-Mill Hydro EAW

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has prepared the attached Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) to describe the environmental effects associated with the Pillsbury A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project, located in Hennepin County, Minnesota. This document has been prepared as a Mandatory EAW pursuant to Minnesota Rules, part 4410.4300, subpart 24 Water Appropriation and Impoundments. The DNR is the Responsible Governmental Unit for the environmental review of this project. The EAW is based off of an Environmental Assessment (EA) that has been conducted in accordance with Federal NEPA Requirements. This EA and its supporting studies have been incorporated into the EAW as Attachment 1.

Download the EAW (zip file, 12.8MB)...

A 30-day public review and comment period will begin on May 11, 2015, with the publication of the notice of availability of this EAW in the EQB Monitor.  The DNR invites public comments on the EAW during the public review period from May 11, 2015 to June 10, 2015 at 4:30 pm.  A copy of the EAW is available for public review at:

·         DNR Library, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4025

·         DNR Central Region, 1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN55106

·         Minneapolis Central Library, Government Documents, 2nd Floor, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1992

The EAW is also posted on the DNR’s website at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html è Public Inputè Environmental Reviewè See Pillsbury A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project EAW in the drop down list.

Written comments must be received by Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at 4:30 pm and sent to: 

Kate Frantz, EAW Project Manager

Department of Natural Resources, Division of Ecological and Water Resources

500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55155-4025

Electronic or e-mail comments may be sent to Environmentalrev.dnr@state.mn.us with “Pillsbury A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project EAW” in the subject line.  If submitting comments electronically, please include your name and U.S. mailing address.  Signed written comments may be sent via facsimile to (651) 296-1811.  For additional information, or copies of the EAW, please call (651) 259-5082.

Attachments:

Pillsbury A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project EAW

Pillsbury A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project Figures

Attachment 1: Environmental Assessment. This document is appended by the following reports:

-          Final Report: Unionid Survey for the A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project

-          Fish Entrainment and Mortality Study (A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project)

-          Hydraulic Modeling of Channel Downstream of the A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project

Download the EAW (zip file, 12.8MB)...