Park Board Seeking Public Input on Proposed Park and Trail Plan for Upper River

On Wednesday, September 21, 2011, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Commissioners accepted the draft RiverFIRST: A Park Design Proposal and Implementation Framework for the Minneapolis Upper Riverfront for new parks along the North and Northeast sides of the Upper Riverfront.

The proposal recommends that the Park Board partner with the City of Minneapolis and other government and non-profit partners to develop five new green and public spaces within five years.

Riverfront Trail System with Farview Park phase one greenways – which integrate with existing city and regional parks and trails to create a cohesive, user-friendly network of commuter and recreational connections, most notably across the Interstate 94 trench cutting off Northsiders and the West Metro from the Mississippi.

BioHaven® Islands – offering water quality rehabilitation while providing scenic views and habitat for native plants and animals, including migrating birds.

Scherer Park – an existing Minneapolis Parks property along the Northeast side of the riverfront, and located in a burgeoning neighborhood and adjacent to compatible properties, including existing parks and bridges.

Northside Wetlands Park – which transforms significant acreage from the existing Port of Minneapolis from asphalt to amenity, without adding industry, and becomes a destination point for Farview Park and other envisioned Northside greenways.

Downtown Gateway – the restoration of a historic park at the front door of downtown.
 
The Park Board has actively sought public input during each phase of plan development and is now asking the public to share its thoughts about the four proposed new parks during a formal public comment period, September 22 – November 6, 2011.

In addition to wide distribution of a news release announcing the public comment period to local media outlets, neighborhood and community associations and via the MR|DI’s online blog and e-newsletter, the Park Board is advertising the MR|DI public comment period in four Minneapolis newspapers: Finance & Commerce (legal notices), North News, Camden News, and the Northeaster (flyer inserts).

The public is encouraged to view the proposal and/or the executive summary and submit comments at Park Board Headquarters and any Minneapolis Parks recreation center or online at Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative.com.

The Week Ahead in Mill City / September 26 - October 2

Each Monday morning we provide an easy to reference list of events and activities for the week ahead in the Mill City neighborhood.  Submit your events here...

Tuesday, September 27

Upper River Forum: Above the Falls 2011: Development Research and Recommendations

Local History Round Table: Minnesota and the Civil War at Central Library

Wednesday, September 28

Free Bar & Patio Party at the Depot

Talk of the Stacks: Calvin Trillin at Central Library - CANCELLED

Harvest Desserts Class at Local D'Lish

Thursday, September 29

Talk of the Stacks: Lisa Randall at Central Library

Midwest Photo Safari St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail Tours

6-Course "Pink" Tasting Menu to Benefit Breast Cancer at Sanctuary

Friday, September 30

Annual Piano and Instrument Sale at MacPhail

Quick Weeknight Meals Class at Local D'Lish

Saturday, October 1

Annual Piano and Instrument Sale at MacPhail

Origami Pocket Book Cover and Western Pamphlet-Stitch Bookmaking at MCBA

Alcina’s Island: A Picnic Operetta at Nicollet Island Farm

The Soap Factory Presents: The Haunted Basement 2011

Autumn Blaze Paddle with Wilderness Inquiry

Great Minnesota Pet Together

SlutWalk Minneapolis

Mill City Farmers Market

Sunday, October 2

Annual Piano and Instrument Sale at MacPhail

NT Live Filmed Presentation of One Man, Two Guvnors at the Guthrie

Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon

Fall Comfort Foods Cooking Class at Local D'Lish

Week 21 at the Mill City Farmers Market

It was an action-packed day as the Market celebrated Oktoberfest in conjuntion with the Mill City Museum.  We tried a donut from Sweetland Orchard for the first time - WOW - now I understand what all the fuss is about!

Wow! - Things are Hopping This Weekend in Mill City / September 23-25

Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis and across the Stone Arch Bridge in Old St. Anthony.  Submit your events here...

Friday, September 23

Farmers Market Feast Cooking Class at Local D'Lish

Central Library Book Store Fall Clearance Sale (9 days)

Big Wine Tastings at Sorella Wine & Spirits

Live Music at Aster Cafe

Saturday, September 24

Minneapolis Beer Fest (near the Dome)

How'd They do That Workshop: Much Ado About Nothing

Gabriel James at The Southern Theater

Paws to Read at Central Library

Spotlight on Local Presses: Coffee House Press at Central Library

Minneapolis Riverfront Tour at Mill City Museum

Mill City Oktoberfest at Mill City Museum

Mill City Farmers Market

Heart and Soul Gala for People Serving People

Live Music at Aster Cafe

Live Music at Crooked Pint Ale House

Sunday, September 25

Autumn Colors Paddle with Wilderness Inquiry

Minneapolis Riverfront Tour at Mill City Museum

Herb Garden Fun Cooking Class at Local D'Lish

Vikings and Detroit Lions at the Dome

Live Music at Aster Cafe

Weekend Brunch

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch at Spoonriver
750 South 2nd St (at Chicago Ave S)
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-436-2236

Reservations recommended

10:00am - 2:00pm

See the menu...

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch at the Aster Cafe
St. Anthony Main
125 SE Main Street
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-379-3138

Until 2pm.

See the menu...

Sunday

Brunch at Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-339-3388

brunch buffet 10am- 2pm Sunday
$12/person (kids 3 and under eat free, 4-12 years are 1/2 price!)

includes: eggs, bacon, french toast, hash browns, fresh salad and fruit, pastries, build your own omlette bar and more...

featuring absolut bloody bar for $5.

also offering fair trade coffee and full bar.

Positions Open on Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission

The City of Minneapolis currently has four seats available for appointment or reappointment on the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC). All four seats will be appointments of the City Council. The HPC, Minneapolis CPED Department and the Minneapolis City Council seek your help in filling appointments to the HPC. If you or someone you know is a resident of Minneapolis, has an interest or knowledge in historic preservation, architecture, archeology, social history, restoration, rehabilitation or another closely related field, and would like to serve on the HPC, please see the posting on the City Clerk’s website and fill out an application:

http://www.minneapolismn.gov/boards-and-commissions/open/HPCVacancy%202011%20Fall%20Cycle.asp.

Persons may apply on their own behalf, nominate others for consideration or inform the Office of the City Clerk of persons to whom they wish application materials be sent. Please note that, at this time, there is a particular need for appointees with demonstrated expertise in the fields of historic property development and/or preservation architecture. Applications are due by Friday, September 30, 2011.

Central River Forum 9/15/2011 [Video]

David Wiggins of the National Park Service highlighted the big stories this place tells, and previewed how and when you can most effectively inform public decision makers. Developers Dominium Apartments and Doran Companies shared their proposals for developing the area, including this National Historic Landmark.

People Serving People 'Change a Life Coalition Matching Gift Challenge'

There are numerous ways to help People Serving Peoplecontinue the great work they do day in and day out.  In previous postings we've mentioned donating items such of children's books, toiletries and baby items, and women's career clothes.  There are fund raisers such as ongoing Chefs for Change dinners, and the Heart and Soul event coming up this Saturday night.  Here's a new opportunity:  Change a Life Coalition Matching Gift Challenge.

Join the Change a Life Coalition with a monthly gift and the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation will match your gifts 100% for 12 months.  (First donation must be made by October 15 to qualify.)

The Change a Life Coalition is a group of individuals acting together to provide homeless children and families with new opportunities for healthy and stable family life. Members make monthly recurring donations to People Serving People’s Family Support Services. This includes employment services, family advocacy, financial fitness, early childhood education, tutoring, family activities and more. The Coalition ensures that People Serving People keep programs going continually.

Vote to Preserve Minnehaha Park and Mill Ruins Park

Just received from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

Help us out! If you love our parks, take a minute each day to vote for Minnehaha Park or Mill Ruins Park in the Partners in Preservation contest!

Both parks were announced Tuesday as two of 25 historical sites competing for a share of $1 million in funding for proposed projects aimed at preserving the sites’ historical significance.

Vote now, vote often

How to vote:

Please support our Parks System by taking the time to vote daily for Minnehaha Park or Mill Ruins Park and encourage your friends and family to do so as well. To vote:

1. Go to www.facebook.com/PartnersinPreservation
2. ‘Like’ the page
3. Click the VOTE tab on the left side
4. Scroll down to find Minnehaha Park or Mill Ruins Park among the list of 25 sites
5. Cast your vote!
6. Vote once each day through Oct. 12

Site with most votes is guaranteed funding of up to $125,000

If funding is received, the parks will address important preservation projects.

Minnehaha Park proposes to address repairs needed for its limestone retaining walls along the creek as well as replacing stones in four of the five bridges along the creek. Mill Ruins Park proposes to implement Dig In!, a program that will engage people of all ages in a transformative, hands-on, archaeological experience within the Milling District of St. Anthony Falls in effort to unveil historical features that remain buried within the park.

Open houses: Oct. 8, 2011 

Please join the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board at open houses for each site Saturday, Oct. 8. Mill Ruins Park will host an open house from 9 a.m.-noon while Minnehaha Park will host its open house from 1-4 p.m. The open houses, free and open to the public, will allow visitors to learn about each sites’ history, its bid to win funding for proposed preservation projects and details about the projects and the effort to preserve historical significance.

Share your stories

We’d love to hear your stories about Minnehaha Park and/or Mill Ruins Park. Tell us what the parks mean to you and how they may be significant in your life. You are encouraged to share photos, too! Visit our Minnehaha Park and Mill Ruins Park Facebook pages to share your stories and photos.

About the parks

Overlooking the Mississippi River, Minnehaha Park, one of Minneapolis’ oldest and most popular parks, is home to several historic structures dating from 1894 and the WPA era of the 1930s. Minnehaha Park’s 850,000 annual visitors enjoy numerous summer activities, as well as the park’s natural beauty.

The 193-acre park features a 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs and river outlooks. The park contains oak, elm, silver maple, basswood, hackberry and cottonwood trees, as well as native prairie and woodland wild flowers.

The park currently offers a number of activities. Concerts, picnics, a disc golf course, volleyball courts, a bike and pedestrian trail and the wading pool are popular during the summer months. Many visitors enjoy viewing the falls and the park has become a popular site for weddings. The proposed project will preserve the historic structures currently in the park and ensure the enjoyment of Minnehaha Park’s current amenities for future generations.

Mill Ruins Park is located along the Mississippi River adjacent to St. Anthony Falls. The falls were the literal driving force behind the development of Minneapolis, providing power for lumber and flour mills. Minneapolis served as the Midwestern hub to transform wheat to flour and was known as the “flour capital of the world.” Iconic companies, mill owners and civic leaders that got their start at the river have left their mark on the Minneapolis landscape including Pillsbury, General Mills, Washburn, Cargill, Peavey and Loring.

As part of the Central Mississippi Riverfront Park with its 1.6 million annual visitors, Mill Ruins Park is mostly used for its trails, its up close access to ruins and the tailrace canal, its scenic overlooks and self-directed river quest. The proposed project would reveal mill features, engage the public in archaeology and increase opportunities for interpretation. The proposed use will contribute to the preservation of the Mill district for future generations.

Zen Box Izakaya Opens Tomorrow!

The newest eatery in the Mill District opens tomorrow.  We'll be there.

Zen Box Izakaya Japanese Pub and Kitchen

602 Washington Avenue South, Minneaspolis, MN 55415

Phone - 612-332-3936

Web - http://zenboxizakaya.com/?adv1=1
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/zenboxizakaya

Tonight - RiverFIRST Presentation to Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board

Download - RiverFIRST: A Parks Design Proposal and Implementation Framework for the Minneapolis Upper Riverfront

 

Time:  5:00pm

Location:  Minneapolis Park and Rec Board, 2117 West River Road

NOTE - Included on the agenda:  Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative (MR|DI) formal presentation.  During the meeting, Park Board planning staff anticipate asking Commissioners to authorize a 45-day comment period on the MR|DI draft report.

Click here for the September 21 Agenda.  

For timely information regarding news and developments, community members are encouraged to sign up for the e-newsletter athttp://minneapolisriverfrontdevelopmentinitiative.com/newsletter or subscribe to the blog athttp://minneapolisriverfrontdevelopmentinitiative.com/feed.

Rainbow Over the Metrodome

From yesterday morning...

Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam Tour - Fun, Free, Informative

Remember the dog in the animated movie "Up" that was immediately and frequently distracted by "Squirrel!"?  Well, that's how I react to "Tour!" 

I've wanted to tour the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam since moving to the Mill District two years ago, but our work schedules and packed weekends always seemed to take precedent over making time for the tour.  So, when Mill City Commons organized a private tour for members earlier this month, I signed us up right away. 

What a great way to spend an hour on a beautiful afternoon.  From the vantage point of the Lock and Damn facility, we gained a whole new perspective of the river, falls, bridges and riverbanks.  Our tour guide, Josh, provided a wealth of information, and we were able to get up close and personal with some of the powerful mechanics.  

In addition to the history, facts and figures discussed during the tour, the US Army Corps of Engineers has a variety printed materials available to take home.  Tours run through September, so if you haven't had a chance to enjoy one yet, there's still time this season.

Vote for Mill Ruins Park

From September 20 through October 12, 2011, local residents and people across the country are encouraged to vote for their favorite historic place from a diverse slate of 25 sites throughout the seven-county Twin Cities Area.

The winner of the public vote is guaranteed grant funds.  The remainder of the $1 million in grants will be given to a number of the other sites after review by American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and an advisory committee. The committee, co-chaired by R.T. Rybak and Chris Coleman, mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, respectively, is composed of Twin Cities civic and preservation leaders.

Cast your vote for Mill Ruins Park here...

(voting results shortly after launch on 9/20/2011)

Constructed: 19th Century

Location: 103 Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN

About

Mill Ruins Park is located along the Mississippi River adjacent to St. Anthony Falls. The falls were the literal driving force behind the development of Minneapolis, providing power for lumber and flour mills. Minneapolis served as the Midwestern hub to transform wheat into flour and was known as the “flour capital of the world”. Although most of the mills are gone, their stone foundations and elaborate races that powered the mills survive on the Mississippi riverfront. Some of these have been exposed at Mill Ruins Park, but much more exists underground. The park is open year round, providing over 1.6 million annual visitors with access to the park and trails for recreational use, guided tours and programs, and large public events.

Need

The "Dig In!" project at Mill Ruins Park will engage people of all ages in a hands-on archaeological experience within the Milling District of St. Anthony Falls. The project will be an on-going public archaeological dig. Participants (who will be trained and supervised by professional archaeologists and field technicians) will help with excavation, documentation, and artifact processing. The project will provide people of all ages with the opportunity to actively engage in the preservation and enhancement of Minneapolis’ historic river resources.

Cast your vote for Mill Ruins Park here...

Day of the Dead / Dia de los Muertos Postcards on Display at the Open Book

Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) sponsored a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) postcard competition, and the 253 entries are now on display in the Open Book Lobby Gallery until November 6.  The 4"x6" postcards incorporate a number of artistic methods, including collage, paint, drawing, printing, sewing, photography and digital imagery.  

The below slide show will give you an idea of how diverse the entries are, but we strongly recommend you stop in (1011 Washington Avenue South) to appreciate this creative collection in person.  It's wild!

Tonight - Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative Draft Report Presentations at MPRB

Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Location:  Minneapolis Park and Rec Board, 2117 West River Road

With the change of seasons comes the prospect of a change of Upper Riverfront scene, as finance consultants HR&A and design team TLS/KVA return to Minneapolis, September 19-21, to present the Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative’s (MR|DI) draft report to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, MR|DI committees and the public.

HR&A, TLS/KVA and the MR|DI project team will jointly author the draft report, which is scheduled for release on September 20. In it, the authors will summarize the RiverFIRST vision for Upper Riverfront parks development, along with research, engagement and other steps taken to gather relevant information; detail recommendations for priority sites and projects, timing and funding; and suggest steps and structure for maintaining project momentum.

On Tuesday, September 20, the Minneapolis Park Board invites the community to join Advisory and Technical committee members to a 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. briefing on the draft report at Park Board headquarters.  HR&A, along with TLS/KVA and Project Manager Mary deLaittre, will present to the MR|DI Steering Committee on Wednesday, September 21, beginning at 7:30 a.m., also at Park Board headquarters.

Minneapolis Park Board Commissioners will hear the MR|DI team’s formal presentation during the regularly scheduled board meeting on September 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the board room at Park Board headquarters. At that meeting, Park Board planning staff anticipate asking Commissioners to authorize a 45-day comment period on the MR|DI draft report. For timely information regarding news and developments, community members are encouraged to sign up for the e-newsletter at http://minneapolisriverfrontdevelopmentinitiative.com/newsletter or subscribe to the blog at http://minneapolisriverfrontdevelopmentinitiative.com/feed.

The Week Ahead in Mill City / September 19-25

Each Monday morning we provide an easy to reference list of events and activities for the week ahead in the Mill City neighborhood.  Submit your events here...

Monday, September 19

John Hiatt and the Combo at the Guthrie

Next Generation of Parks 2011 Speaker Event: Projects of the RiverFirst Design Team

Tuesday, September 20

Surdyk's Scotch Tasting at Ginger Hop

Talk of the Stacks: Nuruddin Farah at Central Library

Nancy Paddock Publication Reading at the Loft

Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative Draft Report Presentations at MPRB

Wednesday, September 21

Happy Hour with a Preservationist: Special Tour of Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory

Simple Stocks Cooking Class at Local D'Lish

Minneapolis Park and Rec Board Meeting

Thursday, September 22

Spanish Wine Dinner at Spill the Wine

Midwest Photo Safari St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail Tours

Big Wine Tastings at Sorella Wine & Spirits

Friday, September 23

Farmers Market Feast Cooking Class at Local D'Lish

Central Library Book Store Fall Clearance Sale (9 days)

Big Wine Tastings at Sorella Wine & Spirits

Saturday, September 24

Minneapolis Beer Fest (near the Dome)

How'd They do That Workshop: Much Ado About Nothing

Gabriel James at The Southern Theater

Paws to Read at Central Library

Spotlight on Local Presses: Coffee House Press at Central Library

Minneapolis Riverfront Tour at Mill City Museum

Mill City Oktoberfest at Mill City Museum

Heart and Soul Gala for People Serving People

Sunday, September 25

Autumn Colors Paddle with Wilderness Inquiry

Minneapolis Riverfront Tour at Mill City Museum

Herb Garden Fun Cooking Class at Local D'Lish

Vikings and Detroit Lions at the Dome

FREEDOM Film at St. Anthony Main Theatre

Tonight - Next Generation of Parks 2011 Speaker Event: Projects of the RiverFirst Design Team

Time: 7:00pm

Where: U of M College of Design, Rapson Hall, 89 Church Street SE

Admission: Free

Their vision for a renewed and revitalized Upper Riverfront - focusing on water, health, mobility, and green economy - won them the Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition.  Join us to hear Tom Leader, Sheila Kennedy, and Frano Violich of the bi-coastal urban and landscape design team, TLS/KVA, share project highlights from their other creative works outside of the Twin Cities and discuss the next phase of implementing their work on the much-anticipated RiverFirst project.

Click here to learn more about the Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition and TLS/KVA.

Co-presented by the Minneapolis Parks Foundation, the Walker Art Center, the University of Minnesota College of Design, and the American Association of Landscape Architects, Minnesota Chapter.

The Great Minnesota Pet Together Seeks Volunteers for October 1 Adoption Event

Although this event isn't in our neighborhood (it's at the MN Fair Grounds), we know there are a lot of pet lovers here who might want to do a few hours of volunteer service at this October 1 adoption event.

Download Great Minnesota Pet Together

View more documents from Mill City Times

Job Posting at the Loft Literary Center

Download - Loft Development Assistant Posting 9 2011_final

View more documents from Mill City Times

Week 20 at the Mill City Farmers Market

With just four Saturdays remaining in the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market season, it's time to get serious with our shopping lists.  The Market is a great place to pick up unique gifts - house warming, birthdays, hostess gifts, and of course Christmas.