It's Time to Vote!
 Minnesota's primary election is Tuesday, August 11th. Hennepin County voters can cast their ballots early in person now through Monday, August 10th, either at your city's designated absentee voting office or at the Hennepin County Government Center.
All early-voting locations will also be open Saturday, August 8th from 9am - 3pm.
If you are voting by mail, don't wait! Mailed ballots must be received by 8pm on Election Day.
Find voting locations, hours, and absentee-ballot information at: Absentee and early voting | Hennepin County
Want to know more about how Hennepin County is keeping our elections safe? Check out the Midterm Elections Update in Board Highlights below!
HCYAG Fall Funding Opportunities Now Available!
 The Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants (HCYAG) program is dedicated to enhancing youth access to various activities by offering grant opportunities to local government units within Hennepin County. Please see below for more information about Spring 2026 grant cycle recommendations and Fall 2026 funding opportunities.
Current Funding Opportunities
HCYAG is now accepting applications for the following grant opportunities for the Fall 2026 cycle:
- Play Areas (awards up to $300,000)
- Equipment (awards up to $10,000)
- Arts & Music (awards up to $25,000)
- Lifeguard Services (awards up to $50,000)
Applicants may submit up to 10 applications across all grant areas.
Please note that all grant opportunities have been combined into one application. Approximately $1.3 million has been allocated for this grant cycle, with the number of awards based on requests received and availability of funding.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for an HCYAG, the applicant must be a Local Government Unit (LGU) located at least partially within Hennepin County. For the purposes of HCYAG, LGUs are defined as:
- Municipalities
- Public school districts
- Park districts
- Watershed districts
Please review full eligibility criteria listed in the RFA. Community organizations, such as non-profits and charter schools, are not eligible to be the applicant but may partner with an LGU.
Important Dates
Questions? HCYAG staff are able to respond to questions about the Fall 2026 RFA from August 3–31 at 12:00 p.m. For general program inquiries, please contact youth.grants@hennepin.us.
Spring 2026 HCYAG Funding Projects
Calling all students! Desing the Official 2026 Election Judge Buttons
Hennepin County Elections is giving young creatives a chance to participate in the 2026 election season through an Election Judge Button Design Contest. Students ages 8-18 residing and/or attending school in Hennepin County are invited to design election buttons that will be produced and worn by more than 6,000 election judges throughout Hennepin County on Election Day (November 3, 2026).
Celebrating 100 years of protecting the Mississippi River
 The Mississippi River is a special resource that we are proud to have in the county. Over the last 100 years, the river has gone through quite a transformation!
A century ago, the Mississippi River through the Twin Cities was an ecological dead zone. In 1926, a water quality survey found only three living fish in the 42-mile stretch from Minneapolis to Red Wing, confirming that the river had become little more than an open sewer for a growing metropolis.
Today, the river is a thriving national park, a haven for wildlife, and a cherished recreational destination. The Sacred Water, Shared Future campaign marks this miraculous turnaround, celebrating 100 years of recovery and inspiring the next century of stewardship.
The next 100 years starts now
Hennepin County is committed to the continued restoration of the Mississippi River. We work with our watersheds, cities, partner organizations, and cities to reduce pollution and improve water quality in lakes and streams throughout the county that flow downstream into the Mississippi River.
You can contribute by taking everyday actions that protect our waterways.
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Adopt a storm drain near you to keep litter and debris out of our streams and lakes
- Plant native shoreline plants to prevent erosion
- Pick up after your pets
- Keep leaves, grass clippings, and other yard waste out of the street
Each small step reduces pollution and helps improve the water that ultimately flows into the Mississippi River.
We are looking forward to the next 100 years of protecting our sacred river! Share your story of the river and find an event near you at sacredwatersharedfuture.org.
Reusable Hygiene Products
 Low‑waste personal care products can be easy and convenient options to test or incorporate into your routine. Whether that’s trying package‑free soaps and shampoos, reusable menstrual products, or cloth diapering, you can care for both your body and the planet by shifting to lower‑impact personal care items. You might be surprised at how much waste these essentials generate over a lifetime. Neither menstrual products nor diapers are recyclable, and they add up quickly in landfills. Choosing reusable alternatives is one of the most effective ways to cut down waste at the source while still meeting everyday needs.
If you’re ready to dive deeper, read our blogs about low-waste menstrual products and cloth diapering to help you make informed, sustainable choices.
Opportunity Crossing: A new chapter for Lake Street
Hennepin County leaders joined community and government partners to celebrate the recent grand opening of Opportunity Crossing -- a development that reflects the resilience, creativity, and partnership of the Lake Street community in Minneapolis.
Built on the former Wells Fargo site impacted by the civil unrest of 2020 following George Floyd’s murder, Opportunity Crossing is a community-guided, mixed-use project that includes 110 affordable housing units and affordable commercial ownership opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Hennepin County has played a major role in the project, investing nearly $7 million across multiple programs, including the Affordable Housing Development Accelerator ($6.2 million), Community Investment Initiative ($750,000), and Environmental Response Fund ($48,000). The funding advances equitable development, strengthens small business ownership, and supports long-term recovery in communities most impacted by the pandemic and civil unrest.
Swap It: School Supplies!
When: Saturday, August 15 from noon to 2:30 PM
Where: Mount Olivet Lutheran Church; 5025 Knox Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Bring gently used school supplies you no longer need. Take supplies you can use. Swap it—for free! The theme for this Swap-It event is school supplies. From calculators and paint to pencil sharpeners, rulers, and more, there’s something for every student!
Early drop-off is available from August 1 through 13 at participating Hennepin County Library locations. Look for a collection container or ask a librarian where to bring your donation. Remaining items will be donated to Hennepin County schools and after-school programs.
Stewardship Award: Nina Vongpheth
 The Stewardship Award recognizes individuals whose work demonstrates deep care, responsibility, and long-term commitment to the communities we serve. Vongpheth’s contributions exemplify those values, grounding her work in cultural understanding and relationship-building to advance the county’s efforts to eliminate disparities.
When Vongpheth joined the county in 2023, she inherited the newly adopted Land and Water Acknowledgement and was tasked with bringing it to life. “One of my main responsibilities was to turn the acknowledgement into action,” she said.
She developed a comprehensive resource hub, supported departments in implementing the acknowledgement authentically, and built partnerships with urban American Indian organizations and Tribal Nations.
“I’ve always seen our culture as the root of what we need to support our community,” she said. “If we’re going to elevate the acknowledgement, it has to be connected to the people it represents.”
Her stewardship also extends to the county’s opioid response work, where she leads engagement efforts with American Indian communities disproportionately impacted by the epidemic.
Disability Pride Month
 July was Disability Pride Month—a time dedicated to celebrating disability identity, promoting awareness and acceptance, and reaffirming the importance of full inclusion for people with disabilities in every aspect of community life.
This month also marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law signed on July 26, 1990, that continues to shape a more accessible and equitable society.
Today, more than one in four adults in the United States report having a disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many people living with disabilities and their families continue to face barriers to essential services, along with persistent stigma and limited access to education, jobs and healthcare.
Hennepin County remains committed to removing these barriers, both for employees and the residents we serve.
Givens Collection of African American Literature
Recently, my staff and I learned about The Givens Collection currently held at the Elmer Anderson Library at the University of Minnesota. This is a collection of African American literature spanning 250 years of Black history in the United States.
As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary through many events and educational opportunities this summer, I wanted to share about this incredible resource of Black history right here in our county.
I am very excited that the curator of this collection, Davu Seru, was able to join our Board this week to share a little bit about the collection and its history.
To learn more about the collection and how to visit, click here.
Midterm Elections Update – presented by Ginny Gelms, Director of Elections
 Ginny Gelms, Director of Elections provided a Midterm Elections Update to the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026.
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August 11: Primary election day
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September 18: General election absentee voting begins
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October 16: General election early voting begins
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November 3: General election day
We Are Prepared:
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All hazards approach to risk management
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Routine coordination with state and municipal partners
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Election judges equipped with training and support
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Statutory testing and accountability measures
To learn more about how Hennepin County is keeping our elections safe, you can view the presentation here: https://youtu.be/UQyDE8s3HD0
See potential design changes to Cedar Avenue (Lake to 42nd streets)
 Hennepin County is working on designs to make it safer and easier to travel on Cedar Avenue (County Road 162) between Lake and 42nd streets in South Minneapolis. In 2028 and 2029, we plan to reconstruct this segment of the road.
You’re invited to share your thoughts about potential design changes to Cedar Avenue. Visit our BeHeard Hennepin website or attend the upcoming open house.
 Wednesday, August 12 from 5 to 7 p.m.
40th Street Park Recreation Center (formerly Sibley Park)
1900 East 40th Street, Minneapolis
Come and go as you are able. There will be no formal presentation.
At this event, we’re seeking input on future construction for Cedar Avenue south of Lake Street. Below is information on construction happening later this year.
Upcoming construction on Cedar Avenue north of Lake Street
In 2026-2027, we’re improving Cedar Avenue between 24th and Lake streets. Starting in early September, we will close this segment of Cedar Avenue to begin reconstructing the road. To learn more about this project, visit our construction project webpage.
 Work on South side of Franklin Avenue between 1st & 3rd Avenues started Aug. 4
Hennepin County crews will shift work from north side of Franklin Avenue (County Road 5) to the south side between 1st and 3rd avenues. If you are visiting the area, plan ahead, follow signage, and be aware of the following:
Started August 4
- 2nd Avenue is closed on the south side of Franklin Avenue.
Started August 5
- Northbound 3rd Avenue is closed on the south side of Franklin Avenue. 3rd Avenue is open on the south side of Franklin Avenue to southbound traffic only.
Dates are tentative and subject to change
Using Franklin Avenue during construction
Franklin Avenue will remain closed to westbound traffic between Lyndale and LaSalle/Blaisdell avenues and between First and Chicago avenues. Eastbound traffic will remain open for local access.
Local access
If you are visiting a business, call ahead or check their website to see if there is a change in business access or where to park.
If your home or business is directly on the project area, you will still be able to access your entrance. Contact the project team with any specific concerns.
Transit
Metro Transit will reroute buses traveling northbound on 3rd Avenue while the 3rd Avenue closure is in place. For information on affected stops, contact Metro Transit or visit their rider alerts website.
Driving or biking
If you drive or bike, continue to use one of our detour routes below:
- To travel around the closure at 2nd Avenue, use southbound 3rd Avenue or northbound 4th Avenue as an alternate route.
- For the closure at 3rd Avenue (south of Franklin Avenue), follow the posted detour route.
Walking or rolling
If you walk or roll, you will have access to Franklin Avenue. There will be one side of Franklin Avenue open (the opposite side of where construction is taking place).
Keep neighbors and crews safe
Pay attention to signs and crews on site to help direct you through/around the work area. Follow detours and allow for extra travel time.
Stay informed
Visit and bookmark our project website for the latest updates on the project.
Thank you for your patience as we work to improve Franklin Avenue
It is always a distinct honor to bring our local priorities to the national stage! Last month, my office attended the annual conference of the National Association of Counties in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. The conference was full of energy and a commitment to Counties First. This means, beyond any political affiliations, we are committed to promoting and advocating for policies that sustain County governance.
 I was thrilled to join colleagues from all over the state and country to introduce new policy resolutions to the national platform; my resolutions on foster youth housing vouchers and eliminating barriers for families experiencing homelessness passed their committees unanimously.
I completed my second year as Chairwoman of the Community, Economic and Workforce Development Committee (CEWD) - one of NACo's ten Policy Steering Committees.
 NACo recognized county leaders serving on its policy steering committees.
 Started the day off with the NACo Annual Business Meeting, where counties from across the nation come together to shape the association's federal policy agenda, elect leadership, and conduct the official business that strengthens the voice of county government nationwide. Proud to see Minnesota's 87 counties so well-represented!
 I've got so many ideas to share and learnings to explore. For the 2026-2027 term, I was appoined Chair of the Healthy Counties Innovation Council which prioritizes the public health and wellbeing of our residents, Vice Chair of the Large Urban County Caucus and Vice Chair of the CEWD committee of which I previously chaired.
 Bringing local priorities to National leadership is a big deal and I am humbled at the opportunity to continue doing this good work for all of us.
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative
 I met with constituents who lead Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative! We spent some time talking about our shared commitment to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring even amid Federal cuts and how those commitments will shape new housing.
Zero Waste conversation w/RISE
 It was truly a pleasure Reviving Sisterhood for a panel on zero waste management alongside Amanah Rec’s Executive Director - Nasrieen Habib and Minneapolis City Council Member Robin Wonsley. We had a comprehensive conversation about what waste reduction and management can be on a systems level and in our everyday lives. Thank you to the sisterhood and Asma Nizami for a grounded gathering.
District Day - St. Anthony Main
Our District Day took us to St. Anthony Main, where we stopped at a marker honoring Eliza Winston, the first person to successfully escape bondage from slaveowners in Minnesota. Her story is an essential but often forgotten part of this state and city’s history.
A great way to learn about Eliza Winston is to visit the Hennepin History Museum where there is a beautiful exhibition on her life and journey as a freedom seeker.
 Spending time along the trail highlighted the need to revisit how the history of this area is written about and to hold companies accountable for taking better care of the water and land along the trail (looking at you, Xcel Energy).
Welcome to the Farm
 “Welcome to the Farm” at your local Hennepin County Library! At Franklin this week we stopped by to learn about local food systems while meeting baby chicks and goat kids and making yarn friendship bracelets.
Transition Age Youth Advisory Board and 2026 Recognition of Success Emcees
 Nothing like discussions with youth who tell it like it is! I recently met with members of our Transition Age Youth Advisory Board and recent Recognition of Success ceremony participants. We spent beloved and needed time talking about breaking barriers and navigating systems.
Run Blk
This week my “Your Heart Beats for Generations” campaign partnered with RUN BLK! It was pure joy to connect with this community founded by Bria Black. Based on the Northside, RUN BLK draws people of all abilities from the Twin Cities.
There are options for both walkers and runners to go either 2 miles or 4 miles along Webber Parkway (4400 Dupont Ave N, Minneapolis, MN) with a live DJ. There are also healthy snacks and a good warm up and cool down to look forward to. Join us for the next one!
 Call For Art: Franklin Library
Call for Art: Franklin Library Calling local artists! Franklin Library is seeking new and emerging artists for temporary art exhibits.
Priority is given to artists who: • Reside or work in the neighborhood • Are new or have limited access to exhibiting their work • Represent the voices of diverse communities • Submit art with potential for broad community interest
Contact the Franklin Library Art Committee in person or at fr.artdisplay@hclib.org with any questions.
Nokomis Library Book Sale
 When: Saturday, August 8th from 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Bag Sale from 2:00 - 3:00 PM
- Bag sales offer reduced pricing on a bag full of books at the end of a sale.
Where: Nokomis Library; 5100 S 34th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Bargain hunters and book lovers take note: Friends of Nokomis Library will hold a used book sale on August 8, 2026. Proceeds benefit Hennepin County Library. Questions? Email nokomis@supporthclib.org.
Book Donations
For inclusion in this sale, donations are accepted on Friday, August 7 between 10:00am and 3:00pm. We do not accept damaged books, textbooks, encyclopedia sets, magazines, audiotapes, or cassettes. The general book donation policy for Hennepin County Library can be found here.
Friends of the Hennepin County Library helps promote the many book sales run by local Friends chapters in the library system.
Let's Read! Summer Drop-In @ Franklin
 When: Tuesday's & Thursday's from 3:00 - 6:00 PM
- Saturday's from 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: Franklin Library; 1314 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
For ages 5-12. Drop in and play literacy games and practice reading with a volunteer. Come as often or as little as you like!
Free in-person reading support for K-5 students. Students and trained volunteer tutors meet weekly one-on-one to work on grade level reading skills. Sessions are scheduled in advance by appointment only.
STEAM Hour: Bubble Printing
 When: Friday, August 7th from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Roosevelt Library; 4026 S 28th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Drop in for fun and creative STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) experiments and projects! Materials provided. Collaborator: Roosevelt Library's STEAM Squad. Sponsor: Friends of the Hennepin County Library.
Process Art Adventures
 When: Saturday, August 8th from 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Where: East Lake Library; 2727 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Entering PreK-grade 1 and caregivers. This is an interactive program that will have folks moving, singing, and creating through a rich play process! It includes process art and play stations designed specifically for ages 7 & under that focus on expanding sensory skills, building gross and fine motor skills, and creating connection between families.
Materials provided. This is a drop-in program where you can arrive and leave at any time. Collaborator: Now.Make.Art. This program is funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Bubble Show & Bubble Play
When: Wednesday, August 12th from 1:00 - 2:15 PM
Where: Roosevelt Library; 4026 S 28th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Youth and caregivers. Join Valarie from B-Town Bubbles for an exciting, hands-on bubble show! Discover the science behind bubbles in a fun and interactive demonstration, then head outside for a bubble play session. Materials provided. No registration is needed for the Bubble Show, but due to capacity limits, Bubble Play after the show requires registration. (Register spots for children only, not caregivers.)
Register Here.
Sponsor: MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency).
Voting and Election Resources with Hennepin County Elections
 When: Wednesday, August 12th from 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Where: East Lake Library; 2727 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Drop in to learn more about voting and the upcoming midterm elections. Staff from Hennepin County Elections will be on-site to answer questions about voter registration, absentee voting, polling locations, and more! Collaborator: Hennepin County Elections.
STEAM Ahead
When: Thursday, August 13th & 20th from 3:30 - 4:45 PM
Where: Hosmer Library; 347 E 36th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Entering grades 2-8. Explore STEAM activities! You are encouraged to drop in and participate in a different project every session. Materials provided. These workshops are the perfect opportunity to engage with science, technology, engineering, art, and math through fun, hands-on activities!
Read With an Animal
 When: Saturday, August 15th from 2:30 - 4:30 PM
Where: Nokomis Library; 5100 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Entering grades 1-3. Cuddle up with a certified therapy animal and practice reading aloud. Most libraries host dogs but you can call ahead to see if other animals will be visiting.
Sign up when you arrive for a 15-minute slot.
Collaborator: Reading Education Assistance Dogs.
Pride TTRPG (Tabletop Role Playing Game)
 When: Tuesday, August 18th from 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Where: Hosmer Library; 347 E 36th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Teen Session: 4-5:30 p.m.
Adult Session: 6-7:30 p.m.
Join us for a drop-in one-shot TTRPG (tabletop role playing game). We’ll be creating characters and teaming up for adventures and hijinks that will start and finish in one game session. No prior experience with TTRPGs is needed. Library staff will have all materials needed and will teach and guide participants in character creation and game play. Bring yourself, bring a friend, and connect with fellow players for an evening of fun, creativity, and collaboration. Sponsor: Friends of the Hennepin County Library.
This program is a LGBTQIA2S+ centered safe space open to all teen participants.
STEAM Hour: Shrinky Dinks
When: Friday, August 21st from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Roosevelt Library; 4026 S 28th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Drop in for fun and creative STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) experiments and projects! Materials provided. Collaborator: Roosevelt Library's STEAM Squad. Sponsor: Friends of the Hennepin County Library.
Galaxy Painting
When: Friday, August 21st from 1:30 - 3:00 PM
Where: Arvonne Fraser; 1222 4th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Entering grades 2-5. Participants will create their own interpretation of a galaxy or night sky using acrylic paint on black canvas. The night sky serves as a compelling subject because it teaches the concept of layering and encourages personal interpretation.
There is also no “wrong” way to paint a galaxy, allowing participants to explore freely while still gaining foundational skills in acrylic painting.
Materials provided. Collaborator: COMPAS Arts. Sponsor: MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency).
Bike Tune-Up Clinic
 When: Saturday, August 22nd from 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Where: Hosmer Library; 347 E 36th St, Minneapolis, MN
Join us on our patio for a free bike tune-up clinic with a bike mechanic, then visit with Plant-Grow-Share staff and receive fresh produce grown right in the neighborhood.
Job Search Assistance: CAPI
 When: Thursday, August 27th from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: East Lake Library; 2727 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Meet with a CAPI job counselor for individual career counseling and job search assistance. Employment Specialists can help with résumés and cover letters, interview preparation and practice, career exploration, job applications, and more.
City of Minneapolis Small Business Support
When: Thursday, August 27th from 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Where: East Lake Library; 2727 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Community Resource Tabling. Meet with a representative from City of Minneapolis Small Business Team to learn about their resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs. No appointment necessary.
Seed Sorting Party
 When: Wednesday, September 2nd from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Where: Nokomis Library; 5100 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Help sort and label donated seeds for the Nokomis Community Seed Library! A seed library is a collection of community-donated seeds that can be borrowed from the library and planted at home. Volunteer while learning more about seed saving and gardening. Collaborator: Seed Sages.
60th Annual Sabathani Block Party
 When: Saturday, August 8th from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Sabathani Community Center; 310 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN
For 60 years, Sabathani Community Center has been a place where neighbors come together, families find support, and generations build community.
Join us as we celebrate this milestone with an afternoon of music, food, activities, storytelling, and connection. Whether Sabathani has been part of your life for decades or you’re visiting for the first time, this is a chance to come together, celebrate our shared history, and look ahead to the future.
This year’s celebration will also honor the remarkable legacies of Clarissa Walker and Launa Q. Newman, two women whose leadership helped shape South Minneapolis and whose impact continues to inspire our community today.
Explore Presley Martin at the American Swedish Institute
 When: Now through October 25th
Where: American Swedish Institute; 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Experience the work of Presley Martin in a new exhibition at the American Swedish Institute, a 2026 MWMO Community Grant recipient. Through sculpture, installation, and drawings created with handmade "mushroom markers," Martin explores our relationship with the Mississippi River and the impacts of plastic pollution on local ecosystems.
The exhibition is included with museum admission, which is free for ASI members. Learn more and plan your visit on the American Swedish Institute's website.
To learn more, click here.
Talmage Garden Planting Day
 When: Saturday, August 8th at 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Rain Date: Aug. 9th)
Help neighbors plant a rain garden!
Expand native habitat.
Create a gathering place for enjoying nature.
Tools, gloves, water and lunch provided for volunteers.
Where: Talmage Crossing Prairie Garden: Talmage Ave SE and 21st Ave SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55413
Showers of Dignity Day
 When: Saturday, August 8th at 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Rain Date: Aug. 9th)
Where: Elliot Park; 1000 E 14th St. Minneapolis, MN 55404
Join us as we come together to uplift and support out community by providing essential hygiene products, resources and a reminder that they are not alone.
Open to everyone. All are welcome.
Resources include showers, hygiene supplies, clean clothing, haircuts & grooming, and connections to services.
Lake Street Litter Clean Ups
 Join us on 2nd Friday August - October to clean up East Lake Street! All materials will be provided.
When: Fridays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
August 14 – Lake/4th Ave
September 11 – Lake/12th Ave
October 9 – Lake/Bloomington
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Kali Pliego, Crime Prevention Specialist; kali.pliego@minneapolismn.gov
Housing Assistance at Every Third Saturday (ETS)
 When: 2nd Saturday of the Month from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Every Third Saturday; 5402 43rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Stop by ETS and connect with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) outreach team!
Kids at the Castle: Summer Fun
When: Friday, August 21st from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: American Swedish Institute; 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN
It’s a morning playdate at the Castle! Kids at the Castle offers action-packed mornings filled with circle time, storytelling, crafts, music, and more. Designed for adventurous young minds ages 2-5, each session explores seasonal themes. Enjoy museum admission included with the experience.
Cost: $20 per family (One family registration covers a household unit or group of people who share participation in the program.
EBNP Clean Streets
 When: Saturday, August 22nd from 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Chute Square; 28 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN
East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership will provide bags, gloves, and refreshments - you bring your energy and commitment to a cleaner paths along both East Hennepin Ave and 1st Ave NE.
Volunteers will provide help litter from sidewalks, boulevards, and other public spaces, preventing trash and reaching our storm drains, rivers and parks.
Back to School Drive
 When: Saturday, August 22nd from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Where: Elliot Park; 1000 E 14th St. Minneapolis, MN 55404
Come join us fora fun-filled back to school community event:
- School supplies & giveaways
- Raffle prices
- Bouncy houses
- Free haircuts & hairstyles
- BBQ with burgers, hotdogs & refreshments
- Essential need items & resources for families experiencing housing insecurity
- Community, connection & family fun!
Hosted by #YouMatter MN, in partnership with Foundations Church and MAD DADS Minneapolis.
Ways To Get Involved:
- Donate Supplies or Funds
- Volunteer Your Time
- Share This With Someone
Bus Stop Guardians
 Kali Pliego, 3rd Precinct Crime Prevention Specialist, is recruiting folks who want take part in the Bus Stop Guardians program for next school year 2026 - 2027. Reach out Kali if interested (kali.pliego@minneapolismn.gov)
From lakes to trails: A guide to buying used recreation equipment
 Minnesota summers offer unmatched outdoor recreational opportunities. But many outdoor activities can come with a significant price tag. A new kayak, bike, or tent isn’t cheap. But the good news is that a lot of these items end up being sold with minimal wear and tear.
Read our latest blog for tips on how to buy used recreation equipment this summer.
More Ways In: No Wrong Door Partnership with Hennepin County
 Through our partnership with No Wrong Door, we’re offering fully funded mental health services for ages 12-24. Our care is culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and liberation centered— honoring each young person’s lived experience, identity, and healing journey.
Eligible Youth:
- Ages 12-24
- Hennepin County residents
- Impacted by exploitation or trafficking
- Experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, or relational challenges
If you are a case manager, advocate, service provider, educator, or community partner, we invite you to refer youth who may benefit from compassionate, healing-centered support.
Inquire about services
Bike skills park at 34th Avenue South and clay tennis courts at 32nd Avenue South along Minnehaha Creek
 Planning and implementation of improvements for tennis and biking amenities within Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail are moving forward with several new developments
Recent approvals, completed design work and upcoming construction will bring new public clay tennis courts and a permanent bike skills park to Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail in 2027.
Bike Skills Park at 34th Avenue
The temporary bike skills park on the Nokomis Tennis Courts across from Minnehaha Parkway and the Nokomis Community Center is moving to its permanent location at 34th Avenue South and Minnehaha Creek. The features will be relocated in August 2026 so reconstruction can start on the Nokomis Tennis Courts. The bike skills features will be available for use at 34th Avenue South and Minnehaha Creek until construction on the permanent bike skills park starts in 2027. For more information, visit the Nokomis Tennis Courts project page.
Clay Courts at 32nd Avenue
In May 2026, MPRB Commissioners approved a donation agreement between MPRB and Minneapolis Community Clay Courts (MCCC) to complete reconstruction of tennis courts at 32nd Avenue South and Minnehaha Creek. Design of these courts is underway and construction is anticipated to start in 2027.
Project Timeline
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August 2026: Temporary bike skills park will be moved to permanent location at 34th Avenue South and Minnehaha Creek so that reconstruction can begin on Nokomis Tennis Courts
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2027: Construction anticipated to start on the permanent bike skills park at 34th Avenue South and Minnehaha Creek
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2027: Construction anticipated to start on the clay tennis courts at 32nd Avenue South and Minnehaha Creek
Visit the Project Page
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announces new project to reconstruct Nokomis Tennis Courts
 The Minneapolis Park Board is excited to announce a new project to reconstruct the Nokomis Tennis Courts across from the Nokomis Community Center. Work is expected to begin soon.
These three courts complement and extend the five hard courts at Lake Hiawatha Recreation Center, which are all within Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park. Reconstruction of these three hard-surface courts is made possible through partnership with Support the Courts Foundation.
In anticipation of upcoming construction, the bike skills features will be relocated in August. The bike skills features have been temporarily located on the Nokomis Tennis Courts and will be incorporated into the permanent bike skills park at 34th Avenue South and Minnehaha Creek. Visit Minnehaha Creek Segment 4 Tennis Courts Transformation for information on this project.
About the Project
In May 2026, MPRB Commissioners approved a donation agreement with Support the Courts Foundation to reconstruct the hard-surface tennis courts (Nokomis Tennis Courts) across Minnehaha Parkway from Nokomis Community Center.
The Nokomis Tennis Courts are part of an effort to implement a vision across multiple parks to provide a high quality, varied, and trail-connected racket sports experience in this part of Minneapolis. It includes
- Pickleball-only courts at Nokomis Community Center
- Clay-surface tennis courts at East 46th Street and 32nd Avenue South
- A bank of five tennis courts at Lake Hiawatha Recreation Center
- A pair of combination tennis/pickleball courts at Bloomington Avenue
Visit the Project Page
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