Minneapolis Downtown Parks Fall Fest - October 13 at The Commons

Enjoy your favorite things about Fall at this FREE event hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board!

Fall Fest highlights include:

• Drag Bingo with great prizes from restaurant gift cards to Joji concert tickets!
• Glow in the Dark Mini Golf
• Cornhole
• Live Music featuring:
  • DJ Jacques
  • Tre Aaron and the Undergroove
• Bonfires
• Enjoy local food trucks: Phal's Best Steak & Gyro and KCM Eggrolls
• Fall Beverages including Beer, Wine and food for purchase!

Help Light the Merriam Street Bridge!

There is a fundraising initiative currently underway to fund a $75K lighting project for the Merriam Street Bridge.

Here is the community campaign donation page: https://givebutter.com/lightthebridge. We were happy to contribute, and hope our neighbors will join us in helping take this project come to fruition!  :)

New MPRB Online Tool Lets You Explore Minneapolis Parks Projects

A new interactive tool offers information about improvements and other projects in parks throughout Minneapolis. 

View of the dashboard map showing 71 park locations where projects are in progress.The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's (MPRB) new Park Projects Dashboard features information on capital improvements as well as rehabilitation and other projects.

Through the dashboard's charts, maps, tables and various filters, users can get information about specific projects as they cycle through phases from pre-planning to completion. Projects that are on hold or pending assignment are also included.

As a convenient resource for the public and Park Board Commissioners, the MPRB Park Projects Dashboard also complements another interactive tool, the MPRB Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Dashboard, which focuses on funding allocations for planned physical improvements in the park system.

Links to both dashboards are featured on MPRB's page for Current Projects. 

Don’t Miss the 2023 Posters for Parks Show, October 14, 3-7p

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Do you love our local award-winning parks system? Do you also love our local artist community? Here’s a fun event that combines the two – the annual Posters for Parks sale to support the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. We talked to Christine Moir, Director of Development for the Minneapolis Park Foundation, to learn more about the sale and how you may participate. You’ll want more than one poster! 

Q: Could you please tell us the history of the Posters for Parks program? What are the dates for this year’s program? 

A: Posters for Parks is an annual art show featuring limited-edition posters created by local artists and designers who are inspired by Minneapolis parks. Fifty percent of all profits from the show are donated to protect and preserve the award-winning Minneapolis Parks system, with the other 50% going directly to the artists. Posters are limited edition, 18x24 inch numbered prints made specifically for this event. The only requirement for the art is that the subject is park-inspired.

This year’s Posters for Parks event will be Saturday, October 14 from 3-7pm at the Minnehaha Park Pavilion (next to Sea Salt by Minnehaha Falls).

Posters for Parks was started nine years ago by local designer Dan Woychick. Since 2020, we’ve worked with Dan to create both an in-person and online event. This strategy has more than doubled the poster sales benefiting both the artists and our parks!

Q:  How will the funds raised through the Posters for Parks program be used to benefit Minneapolis parks? 

A:  Well, Fifty percent of the proceeds from Posters for Parks benefits the Minneapolis Parks Foundation’s People for Parks Fund. Created by the merger of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation and People for Parks, the People for Parks Fund supports community-driven ideas by inviting Minneapolis residents to enjoy a closer connection to nature. From free swim lessons for underserved families and snowboarding programs for BIPOC kids, to multi-language fishing clinics and free pickle-ball equipment in under-resourced parks, the People for Parks Fund helps connect diverse communities through the parks we share.

Q:  How are the artists selected and vetted to participate in the program? 

A:  Artists apply for the show in May and are informed at the end of June if their application was accepted. Dan Woychick, a People for Parks Fund committee member, and another designer/artist act as jury. The jury looks for a diversity of styles, mediums, and backgrounds of the artists and evaluates their portfolio and previous experience. New and emerging artists are encouraged to apply.

Q:  Please tell us about the pricing for the posters. 

A:  Posters are $50 each with 50% of the proceeds supporting the artist and 50% benefiting the People for Parks Fund of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation.

Q:  Are there any sponsorship or volunteer opportunities available for businesses or individuals interested in supporting Minneapolis parks? 

A:  Well, of course, there are! Sponsorship information is available here. This is a great way to show your support of our amazing park system while connecting with over 10,000 active and engaged citizens.

The Minneapolis Parks Foundation welcomes volunteers to help with our events. Please sign up for our newsletter to learn of current opportunities and we would love for your readers to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Scenes from last years event:

October 2023 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via an October 3 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis.

The new tunnel is being constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River is being expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.

Project Map

Latest Project News

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews continue to work on lining the existing storm tunnel at the Mississippi River with concrete. Excavation will resume later this fall when they can access the storm flow again.

2nd Ave

• Crews continue to work on lining the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection.

Portland Ave

• Crews continue to work on lining the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection.

Lining progress

In September, crews continued to work on the concrete tunnel lining pouring about 1,500 cubic yards of concrete. To date 9,700 cubic yards of concrete have been poured. As noted in the infographic above, this is just under three times the volume of an Olympic swimming pool. This process is approximately 64% complete.

Long-term closures/restrictions

• The north westbound lane, bike lane, and parking lane remains closed on Washington Ave between Portland Ave and Park Ave. These closures will remain in place until the project is completed.
  • During this closure, pedestrians can still use the sidewalks along Washington Ave.
  • Crosswalks across Washington Ave and Portland Ave will remain open.
  • Bicyclists will share the traffic lane.
  • The existing left turn lane on Washington Ave at the Portland Ave intersection will temporarily become a left turn and through lane.

• Northbound lane of Portland Ave will be periodically closed between Washington Ave and 2nd Closures will happen during the workday only.
  • Closure is for the placement of concrete into the tunnel.
  • East crosswalk across Washington and north crosswalk across Portland will be closed.
  • Sidewalks will remain open to businesses and residences.

• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains restricted between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall.
  • During these restrictions, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remains open.

• The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains restricted through the end of the project. The dewatering well and pumps are installed in this area.
  • Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of 4th Ave S.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 4th Ave intersection remains open.
  • Access to driveways off 4th Ave S remains open.

• The west sidewalk of Portland Ave south of Washington Ave will remain restricted to pedestrians around the dewatering well and pumps until the project is completed.

• The parking lot and trail near Mill Runs Park remains open until November 1.
  • The trail will continue to have flaggers to allow concrete trucks to pull into and out of the work site until the parking lot closes for the winter on November 1.

• 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Ave and 1st St S. Access will be restricted until the project is completed.
  • Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S remain open. There may be short-term access delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

Stay Connected

There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates.

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

New Bde Maka Ska Pavilion Opens October 20

Rebuilt pavilion area features Pimento on the Lake restaurant and Pimento Market space for local entrepreneurs, outdoor gathering spaces, public art, and improved trails, landscaping and restrooms

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will open the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion area on Friday, October 20. This high-profile lakeside attraction at 3000 E Bde Maka Ska Parkway has been completely rebuilt and expanded over the last 15 months.

The $6.5 million project features two new buildings totaling 4,400 square feet that will host a restaurant and market from the team behind Pimento Jamaican Kitchen, Indigenous art, and the return of naval artifacts that were previously displayed at the lake. The project also includes improved outdoor seating with 3,000 square feet of open covered space, a small performance stage, upgraded landscaping and trail safety, and a six-stall, year-round restroom area that opened today.

“We could not be more excited to open the new Bde Maka Ska Pavilion and provide another welcoming, open space in our park system,” said Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Superintendent Al Bangoura. “As beloved as the original pavilion was, I believe this new building will quickly become a favorite gathering space and a Minneapolis icon.”

The former Bde Maka Ska concessions pavilion, also called a “refectory,” was built in 1930 and was operated seasonally until it burned down in 2019.

“We’d like to thank the partners who contributed to make this project possible, including Louis King, Tomme Beevas and the Pimento Jamaican Kitchen team, Cunningham, Concrete Pig with Juxtaposition Arts, Hennepin Theater Trust, Native American Community Development Institute and the upcoming muralists, artist Adrienne Zimiga-January, who created the ‘We are on Dakota / Native Land’ decals, Morcon Construction, and, of course, the dedicated MPRB staff members who spent countless hours making this a reality,” said MPRB President Meg Forney. “It was truly a team effort.”

“I am thrilled the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion and restaurant are back!” added MPRB District 4 Commissioner Elizabeth Shaffer. “It’s an important site for the local community and a major regional attraction for our city as the Chain of Lakes is the second-most visited destination in Minnesota.”

Pimento on the Lake and Pimento Market

Pimento on the Lake team

Two new buildings will each host distinct experiences from Pimento Jamaican Kitchen.

Pimento on the Lake is a new lakeside restaurant offering beach-inspired twists on Pimento Jamaican Kitchen’s authentic, award-winning Jamaican cuisine and libations. It will be open seasonally out of the north building at the pavilion site.

“We’re bringing the magic of Jamaica to the shores of Bde Maka Ska! This is an amazing opportunity to showcase our authentic, award-winning cuisine and host lively lakeside events at one of the most iconic and picturesque places in Minneapolis,” said Tomme Beevas, Chief Strategic Officer of Pimento Jamaican Kitchen.

Pimento joined forces with the team behind Lola on the Lake, which operated the Bde Maka Ska concessions building before it burned down, to create Pimento on the Lake.

“I’m really excited about being a part this next chapter of concessions at Bde Maka Ska,” said Louis King with Lola’s on the Lake. “The Park Board and Pimento have partnered with Lola’s to bring a world-class concept to the lake and region. I applaud the efforts.”

Pimento Market will offer a curated selection of goods, gifts and treats from local BIPOC businesses and entrepreneurs. It will be open year-round in the south building at the pavilion site.

“We’re proud to support BIPOC entrepreneurs, celebrate their talents, and offer a platform for their products to shine,” said Beevas. “Our market will be more than just a place to shop; it's a cultural experience to foster unity and showcase the rich tapestry of talent in Minnesota.”

Follow Pimento on the Lake (Facebook/Instagram) and Pimento Market (Facebook/Instagram) for updates and more information, and visit pimento.com to sign up for email updates and offers!

Pavilion Area Highlights

The entire pavilion area was renovated in addition to the construction of the two new buildings. Highlights:

• Ample outdoor seating areas, including a new community table designed by a Youth Apprentice with Juxtaposition Arts
• Small performance stage
• Improved trail safety and 51 bike parking stalls
• All-gender indoor restroom area with six stalls, including one fully accessible stall with an adult changing table
• Redesigned landscaping with native plants, trees and flowers
• Rebuilt boat launch

Public Art and Memorials

A new mural is planned on the pavilion thanks to a partnership with the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI), and Hennepin Theatre Trust (HTT).

NACDI and HTT have an ongoing collaborative program called We Are Still Here, a multiyear partnership creating large-scale, high-profile public artworks in the Twin Cities. The mural on the Bde Maka Ska Refectory building will serve as the capstone project for the emerging and mentor artists in the current round of the We Are Still Here program, which is funded in partnership with the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Arts Board – Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment.

In addition, Dakota language signs are found on steel columns throughout the buildings, including decals designed by artist Adrienne Zimiga-January.

Two naval artifacts – the Wheel from USS Minneapolis and Bell from USS Minnesota – have returned to the shores of Bde Maka Ska. The American Legion gifted the Bell of the USS Minneapolis to the MPRB in 1928 and the Wheel from the USS Minnesota in 1932. The Navy Memorial at the northeast corner of Bde Maka Ska displayed these naval artifacts for decades, where annual Memorial Day services were also held.

Artistic Director Hebe Tabachnik Gives Her Top Picks for the 11th Annual Cine Latino Film Festival

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Hebe TabachnikMSP Film Society proudly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with the 11th Annual Cine Latino Film Festival. The festival highlights the best new Latin American, U.S. Latinx, and Ibero Cinema – and it happens in our neighborhood at The Main Cinema, 115 SE Main Street. Artistic Director Hebe Tabachnik gave us her top picks for the festival. See the full line-up here and purchase tickets here. Daily parties at Pracna, food trucks and visiting filmmakers round out the event.

Please also note that Cine Latino presents ¡Hola Cine! at the Minneapolis Institute of Art's Family Day on Sunday, October 8. See the family-friendly collection of Spanish-language short films for free between 10:30am-2:30pm at Mia, 2400 Third Avenue S.

*  *  *  Hebe’s Picks  *  *  *  

RADICAL - Cine Latino's Opening Night film is based on a true story about an unconventional teacher who resorts to creative methods to inspire in his students a contagious curiosity and love for learning and discovery. A more than healthy dose of laughs and tears is warranted!

GOING VARSITY IN MARIACHI - An unforgettable ode to identity, belonging, and resilience alongside youth Mariachi bands. Please come prepared to leave the theater singing and dancing. Mariachi of all ages are welcome! Filmmaker Daniela Quiroz will be in attendance.

ELIS & TOM - IT HAD TO BE WITH YOU - In 1974, Tom Jobim, one of the creators of Bossa Nova, and Elis Regina, the most popular singer in Brazil at that time, met to record what would be the most iconic album of Brazilian music. One of this year’s Cine Latino's tribute to the powerful musical heritage of this magic region.

THE EXTORTION - High-octane entertainment up in the skies and across the Atlantic with lots of twists and turns with unpredictable consequences makes this a great film for a fun night out with friends and family.

20,000 SPECIES OF BEES - Cine Latino's Closing Night film is definitely one of the best films of the year, Winner of the Best Performance Award at the Berlinale 2023 for the eight-year-old protagonist played by Sofía Otero, 20,000 Species of Bees is an emotional and very satisfying tale about diversity, dialogue, and tolerance. 

POWER ALLEY - SNEAK PREVIEW! - Driven by compelling performances, energetic editing, and a dazzling score, this hopeful and spirited celebration of sisterhood and resistance in the face of Brazilian conservatism is the luminous debut feature of Writer/Director Lillah Halla and the Winner of this year’s FIPRESCI Award at the Cannes Critics' Week.