On April 29, the Kenwood Neighborhood Organization hosted a public safety fundraiser to continue its community programming at Cedar Lake East Beach, also known as Hidden Beach. With a goal of $10,000 to support a year’s worth of programming, the event raised over $22,000, securing its future for this year and next.
While Kenwood itself remains among the safest neighborhoods in Minneapolis, Hidden Beach has been a consistent problem area for longer than I’ve lived here. That has started to change noticeably in the last several years, due in good part to family-friendly “positive programming” at the beach, spearheaded by Kenwood Neighborhood Organization and a small group of community-minded volunteers. From concerts to yoga, plays to saunas (really!), the beach is becoming an area people take their families to, rather than a spot to keep kids away from.
The numbers are quite striking. In 2013, there were 134 police reports written for the area, which encompasses both citizen 911 calls and officer-initiated reports. By 2022, that number had dropped to 27, a decrease of over 80%.
What accounts for this decline in police reports?
It appears to be two factors. First, the Park Police made the area a focus for heavy enforcement in the years immediately prior to the pandemic. This led to a short-term rise in citations — largely alcohol-related — but also laid a groundwork for success as to the second factor, which is positive programming.
Park Police leadership has strongly supported the neighborhood's efforts, stating that positive programming is one of the most effective law enforcement tools available for areas like this. It’s purely preventative, in that it creates a culture where offenses are less likely to occur, which, in turn, keeps people out of the criminal justice system. Everyone wins.
Individuals and small groups can make a difference!
While the success of this project has truly been a group effort, particular credit is due to our neighbor Will Stensrud who studied the problem, developed creative solutions and has worked hard and persistently over a period of years to make that solution a reality.
Overall, this is a great example of how individuals and relatively small groups of neighbors can play an outsized role in addressing persistent problems in their communities — other great examples being neighborhood safety walking groups, Henry LaBounta’s lake clean-up efforts, and the Seven Pools restoration at Thomas Lowry Park.
So, if you have an idea for how to address a specific problem in your community, take heart and reach out to your local neighborhood organization. If the idea resonates, you may be surprised at the level of support from your neighbors!
Upcoming events at Cedar Lake East Beach include a beach barbecue on Saturday, June 10 from 3-6 p.m., concerts and yoga throughout the summer and a May “residency” by the 612 Sauna Society that lasts through May 29. All are welcome!
