Greenhaven Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) will soon complete construction on a new inclusive community playground located at Greenhaven Elementary School in Hibbing. The playground will open to the public on Aug. 12 and replace aging and outdated play equipment that was installed in 1997. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $20,000 Culture & Tourism grant. Total project investment is $225,000.

When the original Greenhaven playground opened, it was the first handicap-accessible play venue in Hibbing. The new playground will be the city’s first inclusive playground which means a universally designed, sensory-rich environment that enables children to develop physically, socially and emotionally.

“Current ADA standards primarily require that playgrounds be accessible for those who use a wheelchair or other mobility aid,” said Linnea Walli, project chair. “There is no requirement of elements designed for children with down syndrome, sensory disorders and visual and hearing impairments. Our new playground will create a space for children of all abilities with and without disabilities.”

Greenhaven is one of Hibbing’s two K-2 schools with over 300 children enrolled. The new playground will be on school grounds but open to all children and families in Hibbing and the surrounding communities. It will provide a place that caregivers, parents, grandparents, children and all community members may utilize for physical and mental health therapy.

“The community was enormously supportive in helping us create this wonderful new amenity for our town,” said Walli. “The Hibbing Kiwanis Club nominated our project for the Kiwanis International Legacy of Play Contest, in which our project placed within the top 10 of nearly 50 projects nationwide. This earned us a free Omni Spinner for the playground, which is a high-backed spinner that allows for easy transfer in and out of a mobility device.”

Project partners include Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation, Community Development Block Grant Program of St. Louis County, Essentia Health Foundation, city of Hibbing, Hibbing Foundation, Hibbing Kiwanis Club, Hibbing Public Schools, Owens Family Charitable Foundation, TEBO Partnership, private donations of money and volunteer time. In addition, Greenhaven Elementary students raised funds during a walk-a-thon.

A grand opening is set for noon on Aug. 12 at Greenhaven Elementary School in Hibbing. The public is welcome to attend. 

Learn more about Hibbing’s new inclusive community playground.

Email Danae Beaudette for Culture & Tourism grant information or call her at 218-735-3022.

The Greenway Sports Complex located in Bovey recently began phase 1 of a three-phase improvement project that includes installation of ADA accessible walking trails with historical and interpretive signage, a pavilion and playground. Phase 1 is scheduled for completion in June 2022. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $20,000 Culture & Tourism grant. Total project investment is $399,965.

The 23-acre sports complex currently includes three baseball fields, three tennis courts, an open athletics field, a concession stand and restrooms. Following the phase 1 amenities, plans include the addition of an outdoor ice rink, warming house, basketball court, dog park, Mesabi Trail trailhead, public water access to Canisteo Pit and a campground.

The sports complex serves the residents from eleven surrounding communities. Cities include Bovey, Calumet, Coleraine, Grand Rapids, LaPrairie and Taconite. Townships are Greenway, Lawrence Lake, Marble, Nashwauk and Trout Lake.

Project partners include Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, Greenway Area Community Fund, Itasca County, Lake Country Power, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Power Foundation, Schwartz Excavating, and private donations of money and volunteer time.

Email Danae Beaudette for Culture & Tourism grant information or call her at 218-735-3022.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), the 9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Remembrance Task Force and the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum will mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with an event on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds. The official 9/11 Day of Remembrance is scheduled in-person for Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.

“Minnesota veterans and their families’ lives were forever changed by the events of 9/11/2001 and the Global War on Terror," said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. "We created the 9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Remembrance Task Force to educate current and future generations of Minnesotans about the sacrifice and high cost of maintaining freedom." 

In addition to memorializing the events of that day and honoring those impacted, the 9/11 Day of Remembrance will honor the more than 40,000 Minnesota veterans who have served in the Global War on Terrorism during the last 20 years and bring the community together through a message of hope, unity and resilience.

The event will feature participation in the national Tolling of the Bells, a reading of names of those killed on 9/11/2001 and in-action during the Global War on Terrorism, along with a commemorative ceremony including aircraft flyovers, guest speakers, musical performances and military honors. Speakers will include Gov. Tim Walz, retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel, MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke, Jill Stephenson, Gold Star mother and Mariah Jacobson, daughter of Flight 93 hero Tom Burnett.

Other elements of the day will include a documentary screening of Resolute: MN Stories of 9/11 & the War and museum display, veteran support and discussion groups, live music, food vendors, connection opportunities, children’s activities and more.

Visit the MDVA events page for more information and detailed event schedules.