Over the past eight years, East Cedar Lake Beach — affectionately known by many as “Hidden Beach” — has undergone a significant transformation.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of community volunteers from the Cedar Lake Park Association (CLPA), Kenwood School, the Kenwood Neighborhood Organization (KNO), and the team at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and Park Police, East Cedar Lake Beach has seen a marked decrease in crime and an increase in families from across the Twin Cities enjoying the natural beauty just a few miles from downtown Minneapolis.
Like the beach’s nickname, many of the stewardship efforts are hidden or unknown to area visitors. CLPA volunteers have envisioned, created and stewarded the surrounding Cedar Lake Park land since 1989. Their work has allowed the area to flourish with native species and recreation trails that now connect with the award-winning trail system throughout the metro area.
In 2019, another important milestone took place: The land surrounding East Cedar Lake Beach was designated as a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources School Forest.
For years, Kenwood School teachers have taken advantage of the area’s natural beauty, venturing with their students to learn and explore near the beach and Cedar Lake Park. Now it is an official School Forest. This designation was made possible through the vision and collaboration of CLPA, the Kenwood School PTA and teachers.
The plan for the five-acre area includes walking paths through distinct habitats — mesic forest, prairie, marsh and wet meadow — that can serve as an educational and wellness space for people of all ages.
The School Forest plan aligns with the recently approved MPRB Plan for Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles, which is set to receive funding in the near future. It also helps address the critical need for proactive community engagement to mitigate the environmental and public safety risks associated with the opening of the Southwest LRT Green Line Extension and the 21st Street Station in 2027.
Complementing these milestones, KNO has continued to focus on stewardship and community engagement efforts at the beach to create and maintain a safe and welcoming area for all. To kick off a summer of yoga, concerts and family events at the beach, KNO hosts an annual spring beach cleanup. This year, KNO expanded its efforts by partnering with the Kenwood School PTA, CLPA and MPRB.
On May 10, nearly 100 volunteers of all ages came together to embrace stewardship of the beach and the surrounding School Forest’s expanding vision. They groomed heavily used areas, outlined walking paths with logs to protect natural habitats, and removed invasive buckthorn to prepare the land for native species revival.
The collaboration helped raise awareness about the School Forest, highlighted ongoing stewardship efforts in the area and recruited volunteers to continue the critical work started by dedicated volunteers and MPRB staff to make the area a safe, welcoming and accessible park and beach for all.
Stewardship efforts are ongoing thanks to many hidden volunteers who dedicate their time, energy and effort for the betterment of us all. If you’re interested in joining this ongoing stewardship effort, contact KNO at kno55405@gmail.com.
