Minnesota in mourning

Greetings - here’s city-related news for residents of Ward 1 and beyond. 
 
Minnesota in mourning: Like all Minnesotans, I’m devastated by the political violence last weekend that resulted in the deaths of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark and the injuring of Rep. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. We lost a brilliant leader who contributed so much to the people of this state, and we lost something ineffable too – perhaps it’s a sense, among Minnesotans I know, that if we stick with it, things will come out all right in the end. 

Last weekend, things did not come out all right in the end. Minnesota was forever changed, in ways that are hard to understand right now. We’ve lost a great leader, and we’ve lost important measures of trust and innocence too.

Let’s not also lose hope. Let’s instead lean in, sad but resolute, and work together to build the safe, loving world we all want to live in. Let’s direct our vital energy toward creating a community and society where our public servants, all of our citizens, and our democracy are safe.
 
Climate Fund ROI: I’m proud of what our city has accomplished around Climate Action, with results that include a 20 percent reduction in electricity consumption citywide since our groundbreaking Climate Action Plan was adopted in 2018. Since greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from buildings account for nearly 60 percent of all GHG produced in SLP, we established a Climate Investment Fund (CIF) in 2021 to incentivize and support property owners ready and able to invest in cleaner energy - and enjoy reduced energy costs, cleaner indoor air, and increased property values. Last year, the city spent just over $270,000 from the CIF which leveraged more than $1.3 million in private investment from individuals and businesses. Council recently expressed support for continuing the CIF, with more detailed budget information to be provided in the coming months to inform decision making for the 2026 budget. 

Spin & Lime are back: After a hiatus in 2024 due to lack of interest from vendors, scooters are back in SLP. Scooters offer a convenient, low-emission transportation option for short trips around the city. Each vendor will deploy 50 scooters, for a total of 100 scooters this season. Find information here, including how to report an abandoned or unsafe scooter.
 
Healthy amount of park & open space: Last fall, council discussed potentially rezoning four parcels of city-owned land, ultimately voting to preserve or rezone three parcels as park and open space (POS) and rezone one parcel to allow future residential development. As part of that discussion, council asked staff to determine if the percentage of POS in SLP aligns with generally accepted standards for a preferred, or healthy amount, of POS. Here's what we learned: 

• St. Louis Park, population 50,010, has 922 acres of POS. The World Health Organization recommends 620 acres of POS for a community with a population of 50,000. 
• SLP has 8.44 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, that’s 74% more than the national average.
• Eighty-one percent of residents live within ¼ mile of a park, and 100 percent live within ½ mile of a park. According to the Urban Land Institute and Trust for Public Land, a 10-minute walk metric (equivalent to ½ mile) is essential to creating an equitable park system.

It looks like we’re doing well in this area, particularly compared with other communities. For the curious, here’s a map of areas currently designated POS in SLP.  

Webster Park update: Sorensen neighborhood residents have been waiting many years to re-envision Webster Park as an amenity that reflects the needs and priorities of residents living nearby. A portion of the park is on land owned by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and leased back to the city, which limits what we can do on land we don’t own. Staff have been diligently working with MnDOT for years; new and next defined steps are for the city to obtain clear title to the land, another potentially drawn-out process. Once that’s complete, Sorensen residents will be invited to help develop a comprehensive, community informed plan for the park. 

Public art and the Dakota-Edgewood Pedestrian Bridge: The Dakota-Edgewood ped bridge is a $10M+ piece of infrastructure that provides a valued connection between the north and south parts of the city. An initial plan to include public art that recognizes and honors the Native people and communities after whom the Dakota Avenue, Dakota Park, and the bridge are named got lost in the shuffle of Covid and staffing changes. I’m hoping council can make a plan to eventually complete this work as envisioned, and recently re-introduced this goal to my colleagues. Stay tuned. 
 
Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction west of Hwy. 100: In recent months Hennepin County, the leading entity on Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction, has gathered feedback on residents’ vision for this stretch of county road. The key takeaways: 1) Make Minnetonka Boulevard safer for everyone, 2) Add better bike lanes and crosswalks, 3) Improve lighting and 4) offer better access to transit and local businesses. Read more and participate in a survey here. Hennepin County is hosting another Open House on Thursday, June 26 to hear feedback on the draft project goals, transportation priorities, and community visions. Details in the upcoming events section below. 
 
Bronx Park Pavement Management Project: Thanks to residents who've shared their perspectives so far on the Bronx Park Pavement Management Project planned for the 2026 construction season. The project will include road reconstruction, watermain replacement, and potentially new sidewalk. The next open house is set for August (date TBD); sign up here for project updates including the August meeting date.  

Be a water quality monitor: Here’s a unique volunteer opportunity for science lovers in SLP: collect surface water samples, measure temperature and clarity, observe weather, and provide perceptions about the physical and recreational conditions of a specific water body in our community. Here’s a map of bodies of water in SLP indicating which still need monitors, including Twin Lake in Ward 1. Find more information on the program here. 

Make art for an organics cart: Did you know that SLP has 11 dropoff sites where residents of multifamily properties can bring their organics for recycling? To increase awareness and interest in organics recycling, residents are invited to submit artwork for display on carts at the dropoff sites. Details of the contest here. The deadline for submissions is June 23. 

M.V. Tree: When my youngest daughter was in elementary school, she was assigned to identify and measure the tree with the biggest circumference she could find. I have such fond memories of walking around our neighborhood with her and really looking at the trees, appreciating them for their distinct qualities. Here’s a similar opportunity to appreciate our local trees. Through a fun contest, the city is inviting residents to submit nominations for M.V. Tree (Most Valued Tree). Contest details here. Nominations accepted through July 31.

New businesses in town: I love it when new businesses open shop in our city. Here are three that have opened in recent weeks. Find out about all the support that’s available for opening your own business in SLP here. 

Open Studio Sewing & Fabric Shop: I’m particularly fond of this new, woman-owned shop that offers a range of sewing classes and other fun events. Located on Minnetonka Blvd. just west of Yum. Check it out! 

Sota Shop: Sota Shop sells “dirty sodas,” a combination of soft drinks or sparkling water with syrups, creamers, fruits and other flavors. The shop is located in the former Nautical Bowls space in the West End. Info here.

The Archery Collective offers cosmetic tattoo services including microblading, ombre brows, lip blushing, and lash line enhancement tattooing. Info here. 

Fern Hill Newsletter: Neighborhood newsletters are the best. If you live in Fern Hill, make sure you’re on the email list for the Fern Hill Flyer. Email here to get on the list. 
 
Vision 4.0 Community Survey: Help shape the future of our community by participating in Vision 4.0. A community survey is now live that asks three simple but impactful questions –  find it here.  

Candidate filing period opens soon: Our next local election is November 4 – just a little over four months away. Three school board seats and four city council seats will be on the ballot. The filing period opens July 29 and closes August 12. I won’t be running for re-election to the Ward 1 seat. Interested in becoming a candidate? Find information here.
 
Here’s a select list of upcoming events in our community: 

Open Studio Sewing Fabric Swap, Saturday, June 21, 12-2 pm, Open Studio Sewing. Bring your fabrics, patterns, and notions to swap; take what you want. All are welcome.
 
Juneteenth Storytelling, Saturday, June 21, 2-3 pm, SLP Library. Hosted by the Black Storytellers Alliance. 
 
Latin Expo Fair, Saturday, June 21, 1 - 6 pm, the ROC. Demonstrations, tastings, raffles, prizes, live music with local bands, arts and crafts, children’s shows and entertainment and more.  Info here.
 
District 46 Town Hall, Wednesday, June 25, 6:30-8:30 pm, Council Chambers, SLP City Hall. Hosted by State Representatives Larry Kraft and Cheryl Youakim and State Senator Ron Latz.
 
Minnetonka Boulevard Open House, Thursday, June 26, 6-8 pm, Lenox Community Center. This is an open house-style event; no formal presentation is planned. The focus will be the stretch of Mtka Blvd. between Vernon and Xylon Aves set for reconstruction in 2027. 
 
Birchwood neighborhood garage sale, Saturday, June 28, beginning at 9 am. More than 20 homes signed up so far. Stop in the park warming housestarting at 9 to pick up a map, check out mini-sales, and enjoy free coffee and a doughnut.

Fern Hill Neighborhood get together & beautification event, Sunday, June 29, 1-3 pm, Rock Island Park. Join Fern Hill neighbors to schmooze, snack, and help beautify this undeveloped park.

SLP Fireworks Celebration, Thursday, July 3, 7-10:30 pm, Aquila Park. Food truck, music, and entertainment. 
 
Trail of Small Wonders Opening Day Festival, Monday, July 7, 4:30-8 pm, Westwood Hills Nature Center. Music, puppet show, storytelling, and much more. Detailed schedule here. 
 
St. Louis Park Walking Tours, Tuesday, July 8, 5 pm and Sunday, July 13, 1 pm. A collaboration with the MN Historical Society, these paired tours shine a light on the fascinating undercity of St. Louis Park including Skunk Hollow and “the Great Swamp.” Info and tickets here.
 
Birchwood Food Truck Night, Tuesday, July 8, 6-8 pm, Birchwood Park. Food by Tin Fish Truck, Kurbside Ice Truck, and Rolln Nolan’s BBQ. All are welcome! 

W.E. chalk festival, July 26 & 27, 10-6, The Shops at West End. Watch chalk artists from around the world create 2D and 3D masterpieces while enjoying art vendors, food trucks and more. Info here.  

National Night Out, Tuesday, August 5. Join your neighbors for an evening of connecting and community building. Here's a map of registered parties so far. The deadline to submit applications for street closures is July 29. Info and register here. 
 
Thanks for reading and please stay in touch! 
Margaret