Following yesterday’s sharing of summer plans, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) hopes the information below addresses the three primary questions it received today, “Why did the MPRB announce these plans so early in the season?”, “Why are pools, water parks and beaches not opening?” and “Are we not offering any summer programs?”

Why did the MPRB announce these plans so early?

The MPRB will continue to monitor the data and public health impacts being shared by the Governor and Minnesota Department of Health and adjust plans as resources allow.

“If the forecast changes and we able to provide summer services beyond what is currently planned, we will do so as resources allow,” explained Al Bangoura, Superintendent. “Right now, our planning is based on the March 25 scenario shared by Governor Walz that predicts the epidemic peak at 14 weeks, or early July. We interpret this to mean people will continue to get sick beyond that peak projection date, and public health and safety measures will be needed well into July and August.”

Bangoura also explains, “We take public service delivery, transparency and managing expectations seriously, particularly during this pandemic. As information was being shared with media and commissioners at the April 1 Board meeting, we felt obligated to share it with staff and the public.”

Unfortunately, some media coverage didn’t accurately reflect information shared. Yesterday the MPRB didn’t say all summer programs are cancelled; it said programs would be cancelled if they could not be modified or done virtually, to ensure social distancing. Staff are working hard to plan for spring and summer (see details below, in program section).

Why aren’t beaches, pools, waterparks and the Webber natural swimming pool opening?  The level of public congregation that takes place at our aquatic facilities and the level of staff required to operate these facilities will make it impossible to open and manage these facilities safely to accommodate social distancing. UPDATE: With almost 80 outdoor aquatic amenities (62 wading pools, 12 beaches, two waterparks, one natural swimming pool), we believe the MPRB has more aquatic amenities than any other city in Minnesota and possibly the country. Maintaining and operating these facilities takes significant lead time and requires significant staff resources. At this time, our workforce has already been impacted by COVID-19. Considering concerns about being able to provide these amenities in a way that would support social distancing, the timeframe and resources required to open them and demands on our workforce, we are not opening these facilities at this time.

Do event cancellations include only MPRB programed events or permitted events too? MPRB events held in neighborhood and regional parks that are produced by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will be cancelled through August. Staff will work to determine if an event can be moved to later in the year, but we anticipate the majority of all MPRB spring and summer MPRB produced events will be cancelled, as they are being cancelled throughout the country. UPDATE: This is for MPRB produced events such as Red White & Boom and smaller neighborhood park events; it does not include permitted events to outside organizations, such as:

• All permitted events and permitted programs as scheduled are still on, unless external organizers choose to postpone or cancel their events. For instance, the Red, White and Boom Half Marathon (which is a non-MPRB event) is still scheduled as planned.
• All weddings and wedding receptions in Park facilities are still on as planned after facilities re-open

If summer programs and team sports that do not allow social distancing are being cancelled, what is being offered? Unless a program can be done virtually or adjusted for social distancing, spring and summer programs, athletics and leagues will be cancelled. UPDATE: The MPRB is following MDH guidelines and intends to allow as many spring and summer recreational opportunities as possible, including:

• All restaurants/concessions still intend to open per usual, including takeout options as directed via the Governor’s orders.
• Sailing School (both in-house and contracted) programming is currently under evaluation for the opportunity of safe summer operation.
• All watercraft and other rentals are slated to open as normal, with social distancing and sanitization planning.
• Sailboat buoy program is still scheduled to operate, with a delayed buoy draw process
• Canoe rack storage are still scheduled to operate this season.
• Boat launches are slated open May 1.
• Fishing, sailing, canoe docks will be installed per usual.
• Lakes are open for boating and fishing.
• Summer recreation center programming is being evaluated for safe summer operation; however, registration is currently on hold. This includes Music and Movies daily summer programs.
• Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden intends to open for the season – with social distancing measures in place for safe enjoyment of the space.

Cedar Lake Parkway: Northbound lane closes between Sunset Boulevard and Cedar Lake Road

Lake of the Isles Parkway: Intermittent full and partial closures to accommodate residential and transit access

West River Parkway: Northbound lane closes between 46th and 11th Avenues S

At its April 1, 2020 meeting, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board of Commissioners passed Resolution 2020-179, which expanded a series of parkway closures to motor vehicle traffic to allow more space for trail users to follow social distancing practices and limit the spread of COVID-19.

The resolution also states that all parkway closures enacted in response to Gov. Walz’s Emergency Executive Order 20-20 Directing Minnesotans to Stay at Home will remain in place until the end of the executive order, which is scheduled to conclude on Friday, April 10, 2020 at 5 pm. Parkway closures will mirror any extension of the executive order.

Parking lots adjacent to the existing and new parkway closures will also be closed in order to limit parkway closures from becoming regional destinations. Please visit parks and open spaces closest to your home.

By 5 am on Saturday, April 4, new closures for Cedar Lake Parkway and Lake of the Isles Parkway, and an extension of a closure enacted last week on West River Parkway will join ones already in place for Lake Harriet Parkway, Lake Nokomis Parkway and Main Street SE. Maps of every closure are posted on the MPRB Road Closures page.

Once closures go into effect:

• Parkway roads will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic; cyclists should remain on bike trails.
• Walking paths will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic.
• Bike paths will remain bike paths in their current direction, if applicable.

Cedar Lake Parkway

The northbound lane along the lake and adjacent parking lots will be closed to motor vehicles and open for pedestrians between Sunset Boulevard and Cedar Lake Road. The southbound land will remain open for one-way motor vehicle traffic.

Map of Cedar Lake Parkway Closure [PDF]

Lake of the Isles Parkway

Full closures to motor vehicle traffic will be in place around the lake, with intermittent single-lane lane openings to allow residential access and both driving lanes open where needed for Metro Transit bus access.

Map of Lakes of the Isles Parkway Closure [PDF]

West River Parkway

The northbound lane along the river will close to motor vehicles and open for pedestrians between 46th Avenue S and 11th Avenue S. The southbound lane will remain open to one-way motor vehicle traffic.

Map of West River Parkway Closure (46th-11th Aves. S) [PDF]

Last week West River Parkway closed to motor vehicle traffic and opened to pedestrians between Plymouth Avenue N and 11th Avenue S, with one lane open to motor vehicles near Portland Avenue to provide access to the Water Works construction site and parking serving 200 2nd St. S.

Exceptions and Conditions

• Emergency vehicles will be allowed on closed sections of parkways and streets at all times.
• Service, delivery and sanitation vehicles will be allowed on closed sections of parkways and streets as part of their regular operations. Vehicle drivers will be required to move and replace barricades.
• Access to residential buildings and residential parking facilities on closed sections of parkways and streets will be maintained.

Social Distancing

The Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control offer the following guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19:

• Do not use parks if you feel sick or have symptoms, including fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose and sore throat.
• Cover your cough with your elbow, don’t cough into your hands.
• Wash your hands immediately before and after visiting a park or trail.
• Maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other people that are not a part of your household.

Stay Updated

Visit minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus for parkway closure updates and other MPRB FAQs, including facility closings and activity cancellations. Receive timely email updates by visiting minneapolisparks.org/subscribe, entering your email and selecting the “COVID-19” topic in the “News Updates” section.

Dear Downtown Residents and Friends of the Downtown Community:

We hope everyone in your life is staying safe and healthy.  It is difficult for all of us to make sense of this situation. Who would have thought in 2020 that we would be living this way. It is definitely an unprecedented time in history.

Just like all of you, the neighborhood association is navigating some uncharted waters. Our work relies on in person meetings and community gatherings. We have transitioned our meetings for the foreseeable future to virtual meetings via Zoom. On Tuesday, April 7, we will host our first virtual meeting with our Land Use Committee. We will do the same with our April 27, board meeting. We will post Zoom login information for the meetings on the agendas that are posted under the Events page on our Website.

During this challenging time, we encourage you to be especially neighborly.  We can still be friendly during this time of social distancing. If you are out for walk, don’t be afraid to wave, smile and say hello. Consider shopping for a neighbor who is unable to get to the store, or doesn’t have access to technology to shop online. Offer to tutor a student via Zoom who’s parents are still going to work. Order take out or delivery from one of our many local restaurants that are still open for business.

In an effort to create some virtual human connections, and to spread beauty and happiness across our neighborhoods, we are asking downtown residents to consider joining the #worldofhearts movement. Fill the windows of your home with hearts to show your neighbors and those passing by that we are in this together! If you have young kids, consider creating some sidewalk chalk art.  Post a photo of your window(s) or sidewalk on our Facebook page with the hashtag #worldofheartsdowntownmpls. 

Finally, please watch our Facebook page and our Website for the latest COVID-19 information and resources.  If you have any questions, please reach out to us at info@thedmna.org.

Stay safe, healthy and happy! We look forward to the day that we can see you in person at one of our meetings or events.

In response to the public health emergency due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Mill City Farmers Market will be limiting our upcoming indoor winter market on Saturday, April 4 to preorder pick ups only.

TO PLACE AN ORDER TO PICK UP THIS SATURDAY:

1. Follow the links below to shop from participating vendors. You will need to place a separate order for each vendor you wish to purchase from. You must place your orders by 9 a.m. on Friday, April 3.
2. Sign up for one pick up window to pick up all of your orders: calendly.com/mcfarmersmkt
3. Arrive at the market during your 15-minute pick-up window. Note: 9 – 10am is reserved for customers who are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and/or have compromised immune systems. Thank you. Pick-ups will take place on the paved Chicago Mall on the corner of S. 2nd St and Chicago Avenue (where the outdoor market is).

Payment using SNAP/EBT will be accepted on-site. Market Bucks matching dollars will be available. SNAP recipients can place orders through the vendor links below, by emailing the vendors or by calling our office at 612-341-7580 and pay using their EBT cards on-site at the market. In order to make the pick-ups as efficient and timely as possible, EBT is the only form of on-site payment we will be accepting.

VENDORS ACCEPTING PRE-ORDERS FOR PICK UP

April 4, 9:00 am – 12 pm

PRODUCE

• Bean Market (heirloom dried beans and vegetables)
• Holistic Health Farm (microgreens and value added products of the farm)
• Northwood Mushrooms
• Prairie Hollow Farm (vegetables, bread, cheese, jelly, wild rice)
• Women’s Environmental Institute (vegetables, eggs)

MEAT & DAIRY

• Braucher’s Sunshine Harvest Farm (eggs and meat)
• Cosmic Wheel Creamery at Turnip Rock Farm (cheese, meat and vegetables)
• Singing Hills Goat Dairy (goat cheese)
• Shepherd’s Way Farm (sheep milk cheese)

PANTRY

• 3 Bear Oats (frozen grain bowls)
• Ames Farm (honey)
• Cafe Palmira (coffee beans)
• FOOD Building (Baker’s Field Flour & Bread and Red Table Meat Co salami)
• Horner’s Corner (maple syrup)
• Kiss My Cabbage (sauerkraut, kimchi and other lacto ferments)
• Lowertown Bakehouse (bread and baked goods)
• Ommie (fruit and seed snack bars)
• Serious Jam
• Sunrise Flour Mill
• Well Rooted Tea

OTHER PRODUCTS

• Body Bliss (hand sanitizer, body care and cleaning products)
• Olsen Naturals (soap and body care)

Pick Up Instructions: Arrive at the market during your 15-minute pick-up window. If you are driving, please park on the street at the meters. Pick-ups will take place on the paved Chicago Mall on the corner of S. 2nd St and Chicago Avenue in between the Guthrie Theater and Humboldt Lofts/Mill City Museum building (where our outdoor market takes place). Vendors will be parked here with your pre-paid order.

SAFETY

Community health and wellness have been at the core of our mission since we opened 15 years ago. We take our role in local food access seriously and we also value the guidance shared by city, state and federal authorities, recommending that physical distancing is essential to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Please help us ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone:

• If you are not well, please stay home.
• Maintain a distance of six feet from other people while picking up your orders.
• We will be limiting numbers of customers on-site this Saturday to be in compliance with CDC’s physical distancing guidelines. Please limit number of shoppers picking up your order to one or two to help us manage this.
• Be sure to schedule your pickup time in advance, here: calendly.com/mcfarmersmkt
• We will have handwashing, disposable gloves and sanitizing products available on-site.

We are monitoring this situation very closely and will communicate any additional changes to our April indoor markets and outdoor season as soon as possible on our website, email newsletter and social media.

Stay At Home order does not mean you need to show paperwork. The goal is social distancing.

The resources found at mn.gov/deed/critical can help you determine eligibility for Critical Sector worker exemptions and help answer any other questions you may have #OneMinnesota.

Posted on 26 March, 2020

Following Gov. Walz’ Emergency Executive Order 20-20 Directing Minnesotans to Stay at Home, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) President Jono Cowgill and District 1 Commissioner Chris Meyer announced today that sections of West River Parkway and Main Street SE will close to allow more space for trail users to follow social distancing practices to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The riverfront parkway closures will begin by 5 pm Friday, March 27 and remain in place until the end of the Emergency Executive Order on Friday, April 10, 2020 at 5 pm. MPRB Commissioners are working with staff to consider additional parkway closures in the Minneapolis park system during this time.

“I am thrilled we’re able to open road and parkway segments next to our busy central riverfront park, and I look forward to announcing additional parkway closures soon,” explained Jono Cowgill, President of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. “This has been a collaborative effort with the City of Minneapolis in response to the people we serve and their need for social distancing within parks and public spaces.”

Once the closures go into effect:

• Parkway roads will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic.
• Walking paths will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic.
• Bike paths will remain bike paths in their current direction, if applicable.

West River Parkway

West River Parkway will close between Plymouth Avenue N and 11th Avenue S. One lane will remain open to provide access to the Stone Arch Bridge Parking Lot and parking serving 200 2nd St. S. Modifications may occur during the closure.

Map of West River Parkway Closure [PDF]

Main Street SE

Main Street SE will fully close between Hennepin Avenue and 3rd Avenue SE. Merriam Street will also be closed. The eastbound lane of Main Street will close between 3rd and 6th Avenues SE. The southbound lane of 6th Avenue SE will also close between Main Street SE and the Stone Arch Bridge. Modifications may occur during the closure.

Map of Main Street SE Closure [PDF]

Exceptions and Conditions

• Emergency vehicles will be allowed on closed sections of parkways and streets at all times.
• Service, delivery and sanitation vehicles will be allowed on closed sections of parkways and streets as part of their regular operations. Vehicle drivers will be required to move and replace barricades.
• Access to residential buildings and residential parking facilities on closed sections of parkways and streets will be maintained.
• Intermittent construction vehicle access related to the Water Works project will be allowed. Water Works is under construction near Stone Arch Bridge on West River Parkway.

Social Distancing

The Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control offer the following guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19:

• Do not use parks if you feel sick or have symptoms, including fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose and sore throat.
• Cover your cough with your elbow, don’t cough into your hands.
• Wash your hands immediately before and after visiting a park or trail.
• Maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other people that are not a part of your household.

Stay Updated

Visit minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus for parkway closure updates and other MPRB FAQs, including facility closings and activity cancellations. Receive timely email updates by visiting minneapolisparks.org/subscribe, entering your email and selecting the “COVID-19” topic in the “News Updates” section.

We know you are going stir crazy, and we encourage you to get outside, but please be safe and respectful of your fellow neighbors. Practice social distancing in public parks and trails. Be well everyone!

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) priority is the health and safety of our park visitors and employees. The MPRB is actively monitoring and responding to the coronavirus COVID-19 in partnership with the Minneapolis Health Department, Minneapolis Office of Emergency Management, and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), which is leading the statewide response to COVID-19.  MPRB leadership staff are discussing COVID-19 daily and determining strategies related to COVID-19 impacts to the MPRB, the public we serve, and our employees.

Additional local, state and national resources and recommendations are available on their COVID-19 webpages:

• City of Minneapolis – view how COVID-19 is impacting city services and read city FAQ
• Minnesota Department of Health(MDH) – guidance and updates for all Minnesotans, including videos and materials in multiple languages
• Centers for Disease Control – guidance and resources for everyone in the country

For those who are able, it is vital that you continue to support local retail and dining operations. To help you, help the local business community, we’ve begun compiling a list of local restaurants and coffee shops that are open for delivery and take-out and need your support.  If you notice something missing, please let us know at info@thedmna.org.

Bacon Social House 9am-4pm [OPEN]
700 S 3^rd Street
Minneapolis, MN 55415
https://www.baconsocialhouse.com/location/bacon-social-house-minneapolis/

Caribou Coffee (Washington Ave & 5^th Ave S) [OPEN]
509 S Washington Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Beginning March 24^th: Mon-Fri 5:30 am-6:00 pm, Sat 6 am-6 pm, Sun 6 am-5 pm

Collins Restaurant and Café’ (at Parkside Building, Elliot Park) [OPEN, CARRYOUT ONLY]
825 S 8^th Street #L108
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-2pm

Crooked Pint Ale House [OPEN]
501 S Washington Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55415
https://www.crookedpint.com/
Online Ordering: Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm

D’Brian’s Kitchen and Catering (#4-Wells Fargo DTE Skyway) [Closed through April 10]
Delivery Fees Waived, Minimum Order $25
Hours: 7am-2pm
Phone: 612-338-2951
600 South 4th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
https://dbrians.com/order-now/skyway-downtown-east/

Einstein Brothers (Wells Fargo Skyway) [OPEN until 1 pm]
550 S 4th St Suite 230, Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 333-9088
Hours: 6 am-1 pm Monday-Friday

Finnegan’s Brew Co. [OPEN]
817 S 5th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 454-0615
Curbside pickup is available Monday-Friday: 3-6 pm: Growlers, 750 ml bottles, Merchandise

Jimmy Johns at East End [OPEN]
720 S 3rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Mon-Thursday-10:30 am-10 am, Friday-Sat 10:30 am-11 pm
(612) 338-7827

Kindi Thai Restaurant [OPEN]
719 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 465-8303
Monday – Friday: 11:30 am-9 pm
Saturday: 11 am-9 pm
Sunday: 3 pm-9 pm

Pog Mahones Pub and Grill [OPEN]
903 S Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 236-4724
Everyday: Noon-7pm

Sarpino’s Pizzaria [OPEN]
1028 S. Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-455-8385
https://www.gosarpinos.com/pizza-delivery/downtown-minneapolis-sarpinos#!/Info/4
Sunday-Thursday: 10 am-1 pm; Friday-Saturday: 10 am-3 am

Sawatdee (11am-9pm) [OPEN]
607 S Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 338-6451
https://www.sawatdee.com/

Starbucks at the East End [OPEN]
713 S Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 383-2274

Starbucks at the Edition [Closed through May 3]
515 S 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 357-6344

Subway Restaurant (at 701 Building) [OPEN]
701 S 4th Ave Suite 230, Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 333-3109
Monday-Friday, 7 am-5 pm

Umbra (at the Canopy Hotel) [OPEN]
708 3rd Street South
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 540-7323
11 am-7 pm for take-out
https://umbrampls.com/

Zen Box Izakaya [OPEN]
602 S Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 332-3936
We are OPEN with a Pay-what-you-can Take Out menu.
Orders are accepted by phone 612-332-3936 or online anytime from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Mon to Fri only. We have GIFTCARDS available online, click here​​