MPRB Announces Updates to Parkway Closures to Allow For Social Distancing by Pedestrians
Friday, April 10, 2020 at 4:51AMVia an April 9 e-announcement from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Southbound lane of East Bde Maka Ska Parkway closes to motor vehicle traffic West River Parkway reopens to motor vehicles between Plymouth and 4th Avenue N All other existing closures to allow pedestrian use of parkways extended through May 3.
Today the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) announced adjustments to ongoing parkway closures to motor vehicle traffic to allow pedestrians more room for social distancing. Cyclists are asked to remain on the bike paths.
East Bde Maka Ska Parkway
Beginning at 5 am on Friday, April 10, the southbound lane of East Bde Maka Ska Parkway (Lake Street to 36th Street) will close to motor vehicle traffic to allow more space for pedestrians to stay six feet apart. This closure will remain in place until Gov. Walz's Stay at Home Order is lifted, which is scheduled for May 4.
Map of Bde Maka Ska Parkway Closure [PDF]
West River Parkway
Beginning at 5 pm on Friday, April 10, West River Parkway will reopen to motor vehicle traffic between Plymouth Avenue and 4th Avenue N. That section of parkway has been closed since March 27.
This segment of West River Parkway is being reopened at the direction of MPRB Commissioner Kale Severson, who represents North Minneapolis, including this segment of parkway.
Updated Map of West River Parkway Closure [PDF]
Parkways Closed to Motor Vehicles are for Pedestrians Only
Once closures go into effect:
- Parkway roads will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic; cyclists should remain on bike trails.
- Walking paths will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic.
- Bike paths will remain bike paths in their current direction, if applicable.
All other parkway and park road closures already in place will remain until the Stay at Home Order is lifted. Maps of every closure are posted on the MPRB Road Closures page.
Exceptions and Conditions
- Emergency vehicles will be allowed on closed sections of parkways and streets at all times.
- Service, delivery and sanitation vehicles will be allowed on closed sections of parkways and streets as part of their regular operations. Vehicle drivers will be required to move and replace barricades.
- Access to residential buildings and residential parking facilities on closed sections of parkways and streets will be maintained.
Social Distancing
The Minneapolis Health Department, Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control offer the following guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 when visiting parks:
- Bring a water bottle. MPRB water fountains remain turned off for the health and safety of park users.
- Bring disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizers. MPRB restroom buildings remain closed.
- Do not use parks if you feel sick or have symptoms, including fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose and sore throat.
- Cover your cough with your elbow, don’t cough into your hands.
- Wash your hands immediately before and after visiting a park or trail.
- Maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other people that are not a part of your household.
Stay Updated
Visit minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus for more information on the MPRB's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Receive timely email updates by visiting minneapolisparks.org/subscribe, entering your email and selecting the “COVID-19” topic in the “News Updates” section.
