Sessions scheduled Oct. 1 at Phillips Community Center and Oct. 2 at North Commons Recreation Center
Please join the Minneapolis Park
and Recreation Board (MPRB) as it listens, learns, acknowledges, educates and
gathers public input on the desired level of Park Police service needed to
serve the community.
The MPRB is committed to providing
safe places for children and adults to gather and play. Since the July
10 incident at Minnehaha Falls, there has been an internal work
group comprised of the superintendent, commissioners, staff and consultants who
have discussing short- and long-term strategies related to safety and park
policing.
In mid-September, the MPRB started a series of Listening Sessions
with a focus group of community leaders and sessions for youth. The MPRB encourages
the public to attend one of the two community sessions scheduled in early
October. Interpreters, children's activities, light food and refreshments will be provided at each session.
- October 1, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, Phillips
Community Center, 2323 11th Ave S
- October 2, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, North Commons
Recreation Center, 1801 James Ave
Accessibility and Interpretation
Somali, Hmong and Latinx
interpreters will be at the Oct. 1 and 2 Learning Sessions. For reasonable
modification because of a disability or other language interpretation, please
contact the MPRB Community Outreach Department in advance of the listening
session so arrangements can be made prior to the meeting. Contact Radious Guess
at (612) 230-6419, rguess@minneapolisparks.org
or use the Minnesota Relay System at 711. Providing at least 72 hours notice
will help to ensure availability.
English
Listening Sessions Flyer Hmong
Listening Sessions Flyer
Spanish
Listening Sessions Flyer Somali
Listening Sessions Flyer
Park Safety Initiatives
The MPRB is committed to working with the community to identify ways to improve park safety. Findings from these Learning Sessions will be reported to the Board of Commissioners and shared with the community before the end of the year. They will also inform recommendations for a Park Police Service Level Plan that will be drafted in 2019.
Other initiatives being developed related to park safety and park policing include expanded youth programming, formation of a Park Police Advisory Council, and development of legislative agenda language to build awareness and strengthen laws and/or penalties related to reporting inaccurate information to law enforcement. All these strategies will include community engagement and discussions. The strategies are being approached, and will be evaluated, through a lens of equity.
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