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The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) announced tonight that Lake Harriet Parkway will not reopen to motor vehicles on Monday, April 20 but remain open to pedestrians until the morning of Monday, April 27 while strategies are assessed for providing access to people of all abilities.
The MPRB is proceeding with closing one lane of West Bde Maka Ska Parkway to motor vehicles by 8 am Monday, April 20, to allow pedestrians more social distancing around the lake through May 3. One lane of East Bde Maka Parkway remains closed to vehicles through May 3. Sections of roads at north and south ends of lake remain open to vehicles.
Cyclists are asked to remain on the bike paths for all MPRB parkway closures. All MPRB parkway closures and maps are available at www.minneapolisparks.org/road_closures.
Lake Harriet Parkway
Lake Harriet Parkway has been closed to motor vehicles except one-lane openings in short sections on the south and west sides of the lake to maintain residential access since March 28.
“President Cowgill, Superintendent Bangoura and I are pleased to extend the Lake Harriet Parkway closure an additional week while we’re looking at ongoing strategies to provide access and safe spaces for the elderly, those with limited physical mobility and people with compromised autoimmune systems, who are all at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, to enjoy the Grand Rounds from the safety of their automobiles,” said Commissioner Brad Bourn.
Bde Maka Ska Parkway
By 8 am on Monday, April 20, the northbound lane of West Bde Maka Ska Parkway will close to motor vehicle traffic between Richfield Road and Lake Street to allow more space for pedestrians to stay six feet apart. This closure will remain in place until May 4, coinciding with Gov. Walz's Stay at Home Order.
The southbound lane of East Bde Maka Ska Parkway closed between 36th Street and Lake Street on April 10. That closure will also remain in place until May 4.
Sections of Lake Street at the north end of the lake and East Bde Maka Ska Parkway at the south end of the lake between 36th St W and Richfield Rd remain fully open to motor vehicles.
Updated Map of Bde Maka Ska Parkway Closure [PDF]
Parkways Closed to Motor Vehicles are for Pedestrians Only
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.
All other parkway and park road closures already in place will remain until the Stay at Home Order is lifted. Maps of every closure are posted on www.minneapolisparks.org/road_closures..
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 Minneapolis Health Department, Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control offer the following guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 when visiting parks:
- Bring a water bottle. MPRB water fountains remain turned off for the health and safety of park users.
- Bring disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizers. MPRB restroom buildings remain closed.
- 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 more information on the MPRB's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Receive timely email updates by visiting minneapolisparks.org/subscribe, entering your email and selecting the “COVID-19” topic in the “News Updates” section.
Bde Maka Ska Parkway
By 8 am on Monday, April 20, the northbound lane of West Bde Maka Ska Parkway will close to motor vehicle traffic between Richfield Road and Lake Street to allow more space for pedestrians to stay six feet apart. This closure will remain in place until May 4, coinciding with Gov. Walz's Stay at Home Order.
The southbound lane of East Bde Maka Ska Parkway closed between 36th Street and Lake Street on April 10. That closure will also remain in place until May 4. Sections of Lake Street at the north end of the lake and East Bde Maka Ska Parkway at the south end of the lake between 36th Street W and Richfield Road remain fully open to motor vehicles.
Updated Map of Bde Maka Ska Parkway Closure [PDF]
Lake Harriet Parkway
By 10 am on Monday, April 20, Lake Harriet Parkway will reopen to motor vehicle traffic. Lake Harriet Parkway has been closed to motor vehicles except one-lane openings in short sections on the south and west sides of the lake to maintain residential access since March 28.
“I’m pleased Superintendent Bangoura, President Cowgill and I have come to an agreement to provide increased areas along the Chain of Lakes for pedestrians to engage in social distancing at our parks while providing safe spaces for the elderly, those with limited physical mobility and people with compromised autoimmune systems, who are all at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, to enjoy the Grand Rounds from the safety of their automobiles,” said Commissioner Bourn.
Parkways Closed to Motor Vehicles are for Pedestrians Only
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.
All other parkway and park road closures already in place will remain until the Stay at Home Order is lifted. Maps of every closure are posted on www.minneapolisparks.org/road_closures.
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 Minneapolis Health Department, Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control offer the following guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 when visiting parks:
- Bring a water bottle. MPRB water fountains remain turned off for the health and safety of park users.
- Bring disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer. MPRB restroom buildings remain closed.
- 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 more information on the MPRB's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Receive timely email updates by visiting minneapolisparks.org/subscribe, entering your email and selecting the “COVID-19” topic in the “News Updates” section.
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