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The Richfield Recap  -  June 8, 2023

Cool off at the Richfield pool this summer!

The Richfield Pool (and staff) are excited to welcome you back for the summer! We will be open daily from June 9 through August 20. Pool passes can be purchased at the pool (636 East 66th Street), or online. Prices increase on June 9, so do not delay!

Hours of Operation:

• Wading Pool: Daily, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• Main Pool: Daily, 12 - 7 p.m.
• Adult Lap Swim: Sunday, 10 - 11:30 a.m.; Tuesday/Thursday, 7:15 - 8:15 p.m.
• Tot Time (ages 7 and under): Monday - Saturday, 10 - 11 a.m.

Needs-based discount program for Richfield residents
Richfield residents who have a documented financial need for assistance can apply for the Passport program to receive discounted pool passes. 

Council to consider Climate Action priorities

On June 13, the city council will adopt a set of priorities designated by the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the data presented by a recent greenhouse gas emissions inventory. A joint commission-council work session was held on May 23 and included the findings of the inventory and a conversation about next steps. The recommended priorities include: Direct and guide city of Richfield departments to participate in and support the efforts of the CAP Continue to implement the recommendations of the ongoing municipal building energy audits Conduct an Electric Vehicle Suitability / Fleet Assessment and continue to evaluate fleet for EV/PHEV replacement opportunities Establish a coordinated communication and education campaign for all sections of the CAP These four items are only the start of the robust list of actions identified in the CAP. Other recommendations include efforts to incorporate sustainability into building strategies, transportation, waste management and water use.   Action by the council on June 13 will allow these four recommendations to be added to the city’s strategic plan. The public is encouraged to reach out to staff or policymakers with input on the priorities.

Running shoe drive at WLNC

• TYPE: Athletic/Running Shoes only
• TREADS: All Treads visible not overly worn
• TEARS: No holes or rips
• TIED: Tie or band each pair together

Bike to Work Month

Commuter Services invites area commuters and employers to get in gear and participate in Bike to Work Month, now through June 30.

Biking is a zero-emission mode of commuting to work. During the month of June, commuters who register to bike to work at least once before July 1 will be entered to win one of two electric bicycles or a smart helmet.

Also join Commuter Services for the Bike to Work Celebration, Thursday, June 22, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at Arneson Acres Park in Edina. Free pizza and SWAG!

Summer concert series kicks off Tuesday!

The Summer Concert Series at the bandshell (636 East 66th Street) kicks off next week with the Richfield Symphonic Band taking the stage at 6 p.m. The Richfield Symphonic Band recently hosted the 2023 High School Soloist Competition for young wind, brass, and percussion players in the south metro, with a first prize award of $1,000 and two $500 runners-up prizes.  Noah Rutman from Edina High School won the first-place prize for his rendition of the first movement of Carl Maria von Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 1. George Illes, a flutist from Richfield High School and Chloe Moeller, a flutist from Rosemount High School were named runners-up. Noah Rutman will perform with a piano accompanist at the Richfield Symphonic Band concert on June 13.

Knox Avenue Park and Ride to close June 19

The city was recently informed that construction on a northbound 35W-to-westbound 494 flyover bridge will significantly impact the Park and Ride on the south side of Best Buy. The Minnesota Department of Transportation acquired the property, and therefore Metro Transit has decided to indefinitely close the Park and Ride site. The closure is scheduled to begin June 19.  The Knox Avenue & 76th Street Station will still be served by the METRO Orange Line.

Giordano's and Panda Express honored for food safety

Annually, the city’s Advisory Board of Health presents food safety awards in two categories: Full-Service Restaurant and Fast Food/Pizza Carry-Out. 

Nominees are judged on: how they manage daily risk factors, procedures in place when customer complaints are filed, employee illness policies, knowledge of food safety training and policies, physical appearance of the restaurant, knowledge of critical factors that affect food safety.

On May 23, the 2022 Food Safety Awards were presented to Giordano’s in the Full-Service Restaurant category and Panda Express for the Fast Food/Pizza Carry-Out category. Congratulations to both establishments!

Upcoming Events/Dates

• June 9: Food Truck Friday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• June 9/10: Friday/Saturday Fun at Augsburg Park, 10 a.m.
• June 10: Farmers Market, 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• June 13: Richfield Symphonic Band, 6:30 p.m.
• June 13: City Council, 7 p.m.
• June 17: Juneteenth Community Celebration, 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• June 19: City offices closed - Juneteenth 
• June 20: Kevin Hall - the Magic Maniac, 11 a.m.
• June 20: Bob, the Music of Dylan, 6:30 p.m.
• June 20: Community Services Commission, 7 p.m.
• June 20: HRA and EDA, 7 p.m.

In case you missed it....Sheridan Park Playground is open!

Sheridan Park has a new playground, and it is ready to play! Additional shade structures are coming soon. 6500 Upton Avenue! Sheridan Park was also the site of some significant infrastructure upgrades late last year. Native plantings have also been installed. The park looks great - check it out!

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