The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board serves as an independently elected, semi-autonomous body responsible for governing, maintaining, and developing the Minneapolis Park System. City of Minneapolis voters elect nine commissioners every four years: one from each of the six park districts, and three that serve at-large.The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board performs its many duties through the contributions of elected Commissioners and the leadership of the Superintendent. Their actions are guided according to the following roles and responsibilities. Commissioners:Develop park policiesEnact ordinances governing the use of neighborhood and regional parks, parkways, beaches and lakes, and special use facilities such as pools, ice arenas and golf coursesAppoint the SuperintendentA candidate forum for this race will be held on October 29, 2025 (location) (livestream).
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The Minneapolis Park Board can have a huge impact on the youth of our community. If elected, I would like to shift funding away from mega projects like the “North Commons” boondoggle to MORE youth jobs programs, rebuilding the crumbling infrastructure of our Minneapolis Parks, lower “drop in” fees for youth activities and update sports facilities so our kids stay in the community and aren’t drafted away by suburban teams.
This question is a little tricky. A person in a wheelchair may not get the same experience on a rock climbing wall. That being said, there should always be access to shared community assets, like the Lake Harriet Band Shelter, and have spaces for all-access fun zones, but we shouldn’t shy away from making more challenging park elements like skateboard parks either. Minneapolis is a diverse population, with different needs.
BAM! Right in my wheelhouse! The City of Lakes are drowning in pollution. Minneapolis isn’t a quaint village in the woods anymore and our water infrastructure needs to reflect this change in thought. No longer can we allow for untreated street runoff water flow directly into our shared water resources. The Minneapolis Park Board is in an excellent position to lead if leadership at the board changes!
Safety in Minneapolis Parks starts with concentrated Park Police Reform. I would like to see our officers get out of their squad cars and actively engage with our community. How would that look? Less cars, more bikes.
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Beyond athletics, parks provide artistic, cultural, and environmental programs that can inspire young people outside of school. I want to see our offerings continue to adapt to the changing interests of Minneapolis youth, as we’ve done with Spark Studios, where young residents can collaborate on multimedia projects, record music, and explore creative expression.
I am working to make our parks welcoming and usable for everyone by addressing both financial and physical barriers. That means fee structures that ensure affordability for families of all incomes, while also investing in facilities and programming that reflect our city’s diversity. Accessibility must include a built environment designed for people of all mobility levels, safe and inclusive restrooms and changing spaces, and multilingual outreach so all residents know what’s available. True accessibility is about equity—ensuring every community member can find connection, recreation, and belonging in our parks.
We have been making great strides in this regard. With the uptick in beach closures because of high bacterial counts and toxic algae blooms, the City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District have created a steering committee to identify and advance collaborative water quality improvements throughout the chain of lakes and Minnehaha Creek corridor with a goal of substantially improving the water quality within the city.
Our goal should be gatherings where residents feel both safe and supported while enjoying our parks. We can improve park safety by continuing to refine how threat assessments are conducted and relying on the guidance of public safety experts to anticipate and reduce risks during large gatherings. This includes coordinating closely with community partners, law enforcement, and event organizers to ensure clear communication and rapid response plans. Just as important, safety comes from fostering welcoming environments—well-lit spaces, trained staff, and community presence can deter problems and build trust.
