Paula Chesley Understands What Our Parks Need
I was so pleased to learn that Paula Chesley is running for the open Park Board seat in District 4.
Although I supported Elizabeth Shaffer as a delegate at the Ward 7 City Council Convention, I was im- pressed with Paula’s message and her thoughtful approach as a candidate.
For the past six years, I’ve volunteered as a Park Steward with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, focusing on Cedar Lake — especially the Point Beach area.
My goal has been to help restore and maintain our parks as healthy, welcoming spaces — for both people and the natural environment.
That’s meant ecological restoration, removing invasive species, planting native vegetation, and, just as importantly, pushing the Park Board to address long-neglected public assets badly in need of repair.
A couple of weeks ago, my wife Jen and I had the chance to take Paula on a walk through the area we help care for.
The place was buzzing with activity — a reminder that this is truly a regional park, drawing people from many diverse neighborhoods.
We talked about the importance of making Point Beach healthy and safe — from removing invasive buckthorn and restoring native plants, to improving beach sand quality, addressing pedestrian and e-vehicle safety on the paths, and fixing the hazardous crosswalk at the busy parking lot.
We agreed these concerns aren’t unique to Point Beach — they echo across our entire park system.
We even had a fun conversation about how to honor “Lumpy,” the massive cottonwood tree that recently came down near the parking lot.
Paula suggested turning the stump into a community sculpture — a playful nod to the LOTI Pencil — a sharp “point” for Point Beach. What a cool idea!
Like any candidate, Paula will have a learning curve. But she proved to be an attentive listener, genuinely curious, and full of thoughtful questions.
Jen and I came away confident that she will show up for this com- munity — for both the natural spaces and the people who enjoy them.
Paula has the passion and energy to help advance the goals so many of us care about for our parks. We’re excited to support her in November.
Steve Kotvis | Bryn Mawr
So Glad to See Hill & Lake Press in Bryn Mawr
It was a great surprise to find the June issue of Hill & Lake Press in my Bryn Mawr mailbox.
I lived in Lowry Hill for years and always appreciated the paper — smart, local reporting with actual depth. Since moving, I’ve missed it.
With local papers vanishing everywhere, it’s pretty incredible that this neighborhood still has two. Let’s not take that for granted.
I’m hoping this wasn’t a onetime delivery — my neighbors and I would love to keep seeing Hill & Lake Press out our way.
Keep it rolling. We’re paying attention.
Amber Senn | Bryn Mawr
