Like many kids in Minneapolis, I played sports at my local park. The rec center staff and volunteer coaches had a lasting impact on my life. This fall (2025), the Park Board had already registered nearly 3,000 young people in youth sports—with many more expected! But I’ve seen how the Park Board’s commitment goes far beyond athletics. Innovative programs like the 4 new Spark’d Studios across the city engage kids who like arts and technology. Mindfulness and yoga classes are helping kids develop emotional resilience and focus. Programs like fishing and canoeing are teaching skills while nurturing a love for nature. One potential growth area is intergenerational activities where kids and adults can connect and learn from one another.

Accessibility takes many forms. New parks along the riverfront are bringing active recreation closer to more neighbors. But proximity alone isn’t enough. Parks must also feel safe and welcoming to everyone. I'll support our park staff and public safety teams with the resources to create a positive and secure environment for all. This fall, renovation of Elliot Park began; it’s an exciting example of the 20-Year Neighborhood Parks Plan underpinned by community collaboration. It includes new inclusive equipment. Financial accessibility is also key - the MPRB recently launched a citywide discounted youth sports program. We also need to identify and fix some simple issues through basic maintenance.

Complex water quality issues are made worse by the warming climate. I'll prioritize collaboration with the City, neighboring Watershed Districts and the Met Council to protect our shared resources. For example, the Mississippi River Watershed District offers “smart salting training;" we should ensure opportunities like these are widely used across our city. Under the leadership of president Cathy Abene, a water resources engineer, the Park Board has just launched a new partnership inspired by the highly successful “Clean Water Partnership” of the 1990s. This collaborative focus on water stewardship will help to protect our lakes and waterways for future generations. I will also prioritize protecting and expanding our urban tree canopy.

Increasing safety in parks requires a balanced, community-centered approach – and it starts with support for our public safety team. MPRB Police Chief Jason Ohotto is a person of great integrity and leads his staff with empathy. I would first look to him for recommendations on safety priorities. Community members have requested earlier curfews, strategic lighting, and gates to limit access after park closings. We’ve seen success at parks with positive programming – like yoga, music and art in the parks. These create a welcoming atmosphere for people of all ages. Finally, as we renovate parks, we need to implement Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles—open sight lines, strategic landscaping, and safe access points.

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Youth engagement in our parks is essential for fostering community, reducing crime, and helping young people thrive. Programs like after-school activities, recreational leagues, and youth development initiatives create safe spaces for kids to learn, play, and connect.

To improve the experience of youth in Minneapolis parks, we must expand access to these programs and ensure they are inclusive, affordable, and responsive to community needs. Partnering with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations can broaden opportunities, while listening to parents, educators, and youth can shape programs that truly serve them.

I believe parks should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, income, or background. To achieve this, I would ensure ADA compliance for paths, facilities, and playgrounds while incorporating multilingual signage. I’d also advocate for improved public transportation and bike paths to connect communities to parks and offer free or low-cost programming to ensure economic accessibility. Partnering with local organizations and diverse voices in planning would help reflect community needs, while safety measures and inclusive spaces like gender-neutral restrooms would foster belonging. Accessibility is about creating welcoming spaces for all.

As a Park Board member, I would work with the City to mitigate water pollution by promoting green infrastructure like rain gardens and permeable pavements to filter stormwater runoff naturally. I’d advocate for comprehensive stormwater management plans that align with environmental goals and support ordinances to reduce impervious surfaces and incentivize sustainable landscaping. Partnering with local organizations to educate residents on runoff impacts and best practices, such as using native plants, would also be key. Together, we can protect water quality through infrastructure, policy, and community engagement.

To increase safety in parks, especially during large public gatherings, I would recommend a multifaceted approach. This includes improving lighting and visibility throughout park spaces to deter crime, ensuring regular maintenance of facilities, and enhancing communication with the park police for event-specific support. I’d also advocate for community policing initiatives that build trust between park users and park police. Establishing clear emergency response plans and accessible safety information for large events is crucial. Partnering with community organizations to provide volunteers or event marshals can also help ensure gatherings are safe and welcoming for everyone.