As we close out 2024, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the accomplishments and hard work of the District 4 community, park board staff and board members.
This year has been marked by significant projects, thoughtful planning and meaningful investments in the Minneapolis park system.
Together, we’ve poured out our effort, love and best ideas to make our parks stronger, more vibrant and more accessible.
Parkland and Community Projects
The past year brought exciting developments for District 4 parklands.
In Lowry Hill East, plans to purchase new parkland for Wedge Point Park represent an important step forward for this densely populated corner of the neighborhood that lacked access to green space.
Bryn Mawr Meadows celebrated its grand opening, adding a new community asset to the park system.
Planning for a new North Loop park is also underway, aiming to bring much-needed green space and recreational opportunities to this thriving part of the city.
Meanwhile, the redesign of Elliot Park was approved, with construction set to begin next year. The new design prioritizes safety while enhancing usability for parkgoers.
Restoration efforts also commenced at the west Cedar Lake peninsula, ensuring this beloved area remains a community gem.
A community-led effort has resulted in the installation of a trash boom on the east side of Lake of the Isles, designed to capture debris and prevent pollution in the waterway. This new feature supports ongoing initiatives to enhance water quality and protect the lake’s ecosystem.
Trails, Gardens and Restorations
Investment in trails and green spaces remained a priority throughout 2024.
The Luce Line Trail saw $500,000 in designated funding provided to preserve its condition and accessibility.
Planning and soil remediation are underway at the Soo Line Garden, while discussions with MnDOT continue over securing a long term lease or land purchase for Overlook Gardens, with the goal of naming the space in honor of Robert Skafte.
The redesign process for Franklin Steel Park is progressing, and Loring Park saw significant improvements, with half of its current paths fully reconstructed this year.
Environmental Improvements
In northeast Cedar Lake Woods, contracted buckthorn removal and restoration efforts will begin this winter, funded by Southwest Light Rail easement fees. This multi-year project will ensure the area’s long term ecological health.
The Integrated Pest Management policy was also revised this year, allowing for targeted pesticide use in specific areas to address invasive species like buckthorn.
Additionally, the park board joined forces with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and the City of Minneapolis, forming a joint committee to explore water quality improvements in Cedar Lake, Lake Nokomis and other parts of South Minneapolis.
Budget Wins and Key Investments
The 2025 budget brought meaningful progress for park infrastructure.
I introduced an amendment that allocated $363,326 toward repairing and reconstructing neighborhood park paths, improving accessibility across the district. It is critical that we are good stewards of our existing infrastructure.
Other highlights include a 2025 levy increase, nearly all of which will go toward employee wage increases. Additional budget reallocations funded new seasonal staff positions for environmental management and $50,000 to address copper wire theft, a persistent issue in public spaces.
State funding also supported historic preservation efforts, including $200,000 secured for the restoration of Berger Fountain, a cherished Minneapolis landmark.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
District-wide community engagement remained a cornerstone of this year’s success.
Two community meetings held in August included a Q&A session with Superintendent Bangoura in Thomas Lowry Park and a tour of the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, where attendees learned about state-funded research on the cutoff wall.
Partnerships also flourished, particularly with Owámniyomni Okhódayapi, as the park board continues rethinking the future of the St. Anthony Lock and Dam to better reflect its cultural and ecological significance.
Other Notable Actions
I put forward an amendment for the Midtown Greenway Regional Trail plan which removed warming houses as a proposed amenity, ensuring future designs align with community priorities and safety. The downtown plank sidewalk repairs are recently completed, improving walkability and accessibility in heavily used areas.
Looking Ahead
This year’s progress reflects the collective energy, vision and dedication of our park leaders, staff and community members. From restoring critical green spaces to securing funding for beloved landmarks, District 4 has much to celebrate as we look toward 2025.
