Blaine City Manager Michelle Wolfe announced her retirement earlier this year. Wolfe will retire at the beginning of July. Wolfe was hired as the city manager in 2019. Previously she served as the deputy city manager in Aurora, Colorado, as the city administrator for Arden Hills, and assistant city manager for Cottage Grove. Michelle’s passion for local government is long-standing as her grandfather served as a Minnesota State Representative and her father served as a Councilmember in Lakeville.
During her time in Blaine, Wolfe guided the City through the COVID-19 pandemic. Overseeing the transition of offering City services in new ways including remote City Council meetings during the pandemic. Wolfe also brought a strong focus on improving customer service between the City and all residents, businesses, and visitors. Wolfe recognizes that providing excellent customer service is crucial to building trust and satisfaction amongst Blaine residents and the business community.
Another major accomplishment during Manager Wolfe’s time in Blaine was securing nearly $200 million in state and federal funding for Highway 65. Construction on Highway 65 is expected to start in 2026.
The City Council has the responsibility for hiring the next city manager and is working with Strategic Government Resources to lead the nationwide search. Community Development Director Erik Thorvig will serve as interim city manager until a replacement is hired.
No Mow Zones in City Parks
You may have noticed that certain areas of city parks have been marked as no mow zones this spring. No mow zones are being marked with signage and are limited to passive areas of the parks that are not intended for heavy use by park visitors.
Allowing the grass to grow in these areas will provide benefits including:
• Creating a pollinator friendly environment
• Encouraging native grasses and flowers to flourish
• Increasing natural habitat for wildlife
• Promoting sustainable landscape
• Reducing water runoff
With 66 parks, hundreds of acres of open space, and miles of trails, Public Works crews will now be able to concentrate their efforts in the active areas in each park. Besides the environmental impacts outlined above, this change is designed to create a better park experience for community members using the active areas of the parks.
If you have questions about the no mow zones, please contact Public Works at 763-785-6165 or PW@BlaineMN.gov
Connect with your community and sign up for topics that interest you BlaineMN.gov/NotifyMe
CommunityConnect
A Crime Prevention Partnership BlaineMN.gov/ CommunityConnect
CityConnect is published bimonthly by the City of Blaine and distributed to all residents and businesses. Past copies of the city newsletter are available at BlaineMN.gov/Newsletter
Preparing for the 3M Open
from the Blaine Police Department
Each July, the City of Blaine welcomes tens of thousands of visitors for the 3M Open at the TPC Twin Cities. This year’s tournament runs from Monday, July 21 through Sunday, July 27, and planning is already well underway.
The event is a major public safety undertaking led by the City of Blaine’s Emergency Management Team. Blaine Police coordinate closely with multiple partners, including Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire, Allina Health, Anoka County Emergency Management, the Minnesota National Guard, FBI, PGA Tour, Pro Links Sports, and other local agencies.
Throughout the week, Blaine Police assign around 400 roles, totaling more than 2,000 work hours. Volunteers also play a key role. Last year, 46 law enforcement explorers from 14 agencies contributed over 1,200 hours, alongside Blaine’s Police Reserves.
During the 2024 event, Blaine Police responded to 33 calls for service, and Allina Health provided medical assistance to 100 individuals, with four requiring ambulance transport.
Safety tools include drone technology, camera trailers, bike patrol, emergency management software, undercover officers, and more. Special considerations include dignitary visits, a Saturday night concert, televised coverage, player protection, and traffic management.
Importantly, the cost of law enforcement services is fully reimbursed by Pro Links Sports, ensuring the city does not bear the financial burden.
Thanks to the dedication of public safety personnel and volunteers, the 3M Open continues to be a successful, safe, and enjoyable event for players, spectators, and the Blaine community.
Department Spotlight
Emergency Management
The emergency management team is led by Captain Russ Clark from the Blaine Police Department. Clark took over as the emergency management director earlier this year and has many years of experience in law enforcement. The team also includes members from the community standards department, engineering department, and other members of the police department. The emergency management team is responsible for preparing for Blaine’s biggest days and for any potential difficult days.
Major Event Prep
The team is heavily involved in safety and security plans for major events. As featured above, the largest event from an emergency management standpoint each year is the 3M Open. Captain Clark will run the command post on site during the tournament. Being an outdoor event, course evacuations for severe weather are always a major concern and the Blaine team is well prepared in the event of an emergency.
Planning for the Unknown
The team also prepares for situations such as natural disasters, interruptions to city services, mass casualty events, and more. Each year the team leads drills with staff that are assigned to respond to the emergency operations center during an event. The team also makes sure that all staff have the appropriate level of emergency training to be able to assist when needed.
Learn more about the Blaine emergency management team at BlaineMN.gov/EmergencyManagement
Your SBM Fire Department
Today and Tomorrow
Since January 2024, the Spring Lake Park – Blaine – Mounds View (SBM) Fire Department has undergone major and historic changes. SBM is now staffing our response district 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year long with a highly trained duty crew. This has made a significant lifechanging impact in the community, by reducing response times. SBM is proud to say that response times have been reduced by more than three minutes from the old volunteer response model. You may ask, does three minutes really make that much impact? Yes, a fire doubles in size every 30 seconds if left to grow. Three minutes earlier to a medical call increases the chances of making a difference to those in need. Those three minutes have already saved lives, property, and made a difference. Lastly, this new staffing model has helped reduce wear and tear on equipment, increased the turnout of firefighters on scene for each call, and reduced the fire loss to the community. This change has also affected the budget in a positive way allowing us to reduce costs with the mantra of “leaner and meaner.” As we look towards 2026 and beyond there will be continued advancements within the department focusing on operating more efficiently, responding quickly, and adapting to the changing communities in the service district.
Please contact SBM headquarters at 763-486-4336 with any questions.
Potting Soil Fire Safety
Potted plants are not ashtrays. When a cigarette is put out in the dirt of a potted plant, the soil can work to insulate the lit cigarette, heat the soil to an ignition temperature, and begin to smolder. These types of fires can often smolder for several hours and when enough oxygen is available, the materials will break out into flames. If the planter is located near other combustible items like a deck, side of the house, or fence, they may become involved resulting in a serious fire. If you are a smoker, please keep your “butt” out of the dirt and use a sturdy, metal ashtray to properly extinguish the smoking materials.
Pictured Left to Right, Andrew Luedtke, Russ Clark, Todd Miller, and Brent Larson. Not pictured Joe Sadler
July
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8
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Blaine Fireworks
Independence Day Celebration
Friday, 10pm National Sports Center
Spellbinding Sky Dancers
Performance in the Park
Tuesday, 6pm - Aquatore Park
The Backyard Band
Concessions by Sincerely Eats
Performance in the Park
Thursday, 6pm - Tom Ryan Park
Summer Bucket
21-27
3M Open
Minnesota Event of the Summer TPC Twin Cities
More information and discount tickets for Blaine residents available at BlaineMN.gov/3MOpen
11-19
Target USA Cup
The Largest Youth Soccer Tournament in the World National Sports Center
BlaineMN.gov/USACup
15
17
22
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Riffin’ Griffin
Performance in the Park
Tuesday, 6pm - Aquatore Park
Todd Anderson Elvis
Concessions by El Norte
Performance in the Park
Thursday, 6pm - Tom Ryan Park
Wendy’s Wiggle
Jiggle Jam
Performance in the Park
Tuesday, 6pm - Aquatore Park
Rafe Carlson
Concessions by El Norte
Performance in the Park
Thursday, 6pm - Tom Ryan Park
29
Bike Rodeo
Free Hot Dogs and Chips
Aquatore Park
Tuesday, 5:30-7pm
BlaineMN.gov/BikeRodeo
31 Dirty Shorts Brass Band
Concessions by Sincerely Eats
Performance in the Park Thursday, 6pm - Tom Ryan Park
1 15 29 July
5 Night to Unite
Blaine’s Biggest Community Building Night of the Year
Tuesday, 6pm - Neighborhood Near You
BlaineMN.gov/N2U
7
Bark in the Park
Mark the Start of the “Dog Days” of Summer with the Backyard Band Concessions by Smokin’ J’s BBQ
Thursday, 5-7pm - Swanson Dog Park
BlaineMN.gov/BarkinthePark
SummerAugust Bucket List BlaineEvents.com
September
13
WorldFest
Celebrating Cultural and Ethnic Diversity
Saturday, 1-6pm - Tom Ryan Park
BlaineMN.gov/WorldFest
12 26 August
14 Run Lucy Run
Performance in the Park Thursday, 6pm - Tom Ryan Park
October
4
Oktoberfest
Featuring Shane Martin Saturday, 12-8:30pm - Tom Ryan Park
BlaineMN.gov/Oktoberfest
9 23 September
RecConnect Summer 2025
Summer registration is now open. Check out all the great program offerings at BlaineParks.com/Register
Sign up for the RecConnect online at BlaineMN.gov/NotifyMe, and choose News: BlaineParks.
Stand Up Paddle
Boarding
ages 12 & up
Fun, easy, cool, and a great workout. Picture a beefed up surfboard that is stable and a long canoe paddle to propel yourself. Class sizes are very small and the instruction is short and easy so most of our time will be out on the water. No experience necessary. Class held at Lakeside Commons Park next to the boathouse. Participants under 18 must have parent or guardian sign a waiver before class.
Thursday, July 31, 6-7:30pm
Thursday, August 21, 6-7:30pm
$30 res; $45 nr
For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit
BlaineParks.com/Register
Stay Connected
More information about Parks and Recreation is available at
or
QC Dance
ages 0 to 11, All classes held at QC Dance Studio, 9967 Ulysses Street NE, Blaine QC Dance provides quality dance instruction and a variety of fun opportunities to learn and demonstrate dance skills while building self-esteem. To encourage academic excellence as well as other involvements that contribute to the development of a multi-talented, well-rounded individual.
Magical Storybook Adventure
Wednesdays, July 9-30
ages 0-3 (w/parent/adult) - 9:35-10:10am
ages 2-5 (independent) - 10:10-10:45am
$50 res; $55 nr
Defying Gravity: A Wicked Dance
Adventure
Wednesday, July 23
ages 6-8 - 5:30-7pm
$30 res; $35 nr
Ninja Camp
Mondays, August 4-25
ages 4-7 - 6:30-7:15pm
$50 res; $55 nr
Mayer Arts
All Classes held at Aquatore Park Bandshell 9231 Lincoln Street NE
Fairy Frolic
Fridays, August 1-22
ages 2-3 - 9:30-10:05am
ages 4-5 - 10:10-10:40am
$50 res; $55 nr
Shake It Off! Taylor Swift Camp
Wednesday, August 20
ages 7-10 - 5:30-7pm
$30 res; $35 nr
For more information on dates, times and fees, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
The mission of Mayer Arts is to not only provide training for those who are serious about learning, but also to offer classes that are tons of fun. We teach proper technique, terminology, body awareness, and an appreciation for the arts.
Moana 2 Musical
ages 5-8
Monday-Thursday, July 14-17 9am-noon
$129 res; $139 nr
Tech Academy
ages 6 to 15, Blaine City Hall Community Room
Tech Academy is an exciting learning environment specializing in technology education (STEM) for children and teens ages 4 to 15. Camps are kid friendly and promote hands on learning experiences with time to experiment to foster creativity.
Video Production: YouTube Shorts, IG Reels & TikTok
ages 8-12, Monday-Thursday, July 14-17, 9am-noon
$140 res; $154 nr
Robotic Builders
ages 6-10, Monday-Thursday, July 14-17, 1-4pm
$135 res; $150 nr
Video Game Design
ages 9-14, Monday-Thursday, July 21-24, 1-4pm
$140 res; $154 nr
Tech Tac Toe
ages 7 to 10, Tom Ryan Park Shelter
Tech Tac Toe camps are designed to expose children to technology, encourage a supportive atmosphere, facilitate self-paced learning, foster collaboration, spark creativity, and expose kids to the increasingly complex world of technology.
Beginner Coder: Pokemon Quest
ages 6-10, Monday-Thursday, July 7-10, 9-11:55am
$153 res; $163 nr
Cookie Lab: STEAM Edition
For a complete class description, ages, dates, times and fees, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
For complete details including descriptions, fees, dates, times and locations, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register.
ages 5-9, Monday-Thursday, July 7-10, 1-4pm
$150 res; $160 nr
For complete details including descriptions, fees, dates, times and locations, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Skyhawks Sports Camps
ages 2 to 12
The progression of camps and programs, led by expert staff, are geared toward youth looking for a sport introduction or those who want to refine and master their sport specific skills. Skyhawks sports has proven to be the leader in youth sports since 1979. Skyhawks goes the extra mile to focus on safety and has a long-standing proven safety track record.
The following camps are offered this summer: Flag Football; Basketball; Soccer; Volleyball; Track and Field; Multi-Sport; Mini-Hawk, Pickleball; Lacrosse, Cheerleading, and Baseball.
For more information on dates, times and fees, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Bach 2 Rock
Bach to Rock offers group lessons in a team sport style. Curriculum includes theory and reading music, as well as playing. All classes are held at the Bach to Rock studio at 13030 Riverdale Drive NW, Coon Rapids. For details regarding type of lessons, dates, times and fees, and to register, visit our website at BlaineParks.com/Register or call the Parks and Recreation office at 763-785-6164
Tenicity Tennis
ages 5 to 17
The Tenicity Tennis program is led by former Wimbledon player, winner of ATP Professional titles, and US Collegiate Division 1 National Champion, Harsh Mankad. Harsh has over 10 years of experience leading tennis programs and developing players including to the Division 1 college level. His team of coaches are trained in the program’s methods to deliver lessons that create fun, positive, and engaging learning experiences.
For more information on dates, times and fees, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register.
Held at QC Dance Studio 9967 Ulysses Street, Blaine
This specialty course is designed for those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle or the older active adult. Zumba fitness is for everyone, all shapes and sizes, and just about any age. This class allows you to have fun while safely losing pounds and inches. With Zumba, the fun comes first, and the physical benefits follow. The class will be a fat burning, body shaping, fun workout. Wednesdays, July 23-August 20, 7:15-8pm $40 res; $45 nr
For more information on dates, times and fees, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register Bike
Fall Softball
The City of Blaine offers fall softball leagues for men’s, women’s, and co-rec teams. Games are played at Airport Park. Fee includes 12 games, softballs, and umpires. All games are doubleheaders. Registration dates are July 7-31 or until leagues are full. League play begins the week of August 18. Times will vary - 6, 7, 8, or 9PM.
Men’s D (DH) – Mondays - $625
Men’s D (DH) – Wednesdays - $625
Women’s (DH) – Thursdays - $625
CoRec (DH) – Tuesdays - $645
For more information on dates, times and fees, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
all ages
This fun event includes: Bike Helmet Fittings by the Blaine Police and SBM Fire Departments Free Helmet Giveaway Raffle for Bikes Free Hot Dogs, Chips, and Water Bring Bikes to Donate for Bikes4Kids Meet the Blaine Police Bike Patrol Unit Ride Your Bike through the Bike Course
Tuesday, July 29, 5:30-7pm Bike Stunt Show at 6pm Aquatore Park
For information, visit BlaineMN.gov/BikeRodeo
Tell Us What You Think
Sign Up for FlashVote
Do you have one minute a month to make Blaine a better place to live, work, and grow? This fall the City will be launching FlashVote, an online survey tool that will help City staff and elected officials get fast, statistically valid data from community members. The surveys will be short and easy to take, right on your phone. The best part is if you participate you will be able to see the results of each survey in just 48 hours. But to participate you must sign up.
Sign up today at BlaineMN.gov/FlashVote
Connect with Your Neighbors
Tuesday, August 5 at Night to Unite
The first Tuesday in August is a night of community building and fun as Blaine celebrates Night to Unite. With more than 100 block parties across the City, there are chances to connect directly with your neighbors. These neighborhood block parties provide an opportunity to meet others who live in your neighborhood, strengthen existing relationships, and connect with city staff and elected officials. Members of the Blaine Police Department, Blaine Public Works, SBM Fire, and the Blaine City Council will be visiting as many block parties as possible to connect with the community. Make sure to register your party with the City to receive planning assistance and a visit during the event.
Register your party at BlaineMN.gov/NighttoUnite
Night to Unite Civic Ready Test
Tuesday, August 5
Citizens Academy Now Taking Applications
This fall you can learn more about the daily operations of the Blaine Safety Services Department at Blaine Citizens Academy. Step into the world of police officers and firefighters and experience firsthand what makes these jobs so unique.
This fast-paced academy includes both classroom and hands-on training in a fun and safe environment. Led by safety services professionals academy participants will have the opportunity to put out a live fire, conduct a mock vehicle traffic stop, use specialized equipment for motor vehicle extractions, and conduct simulated building searches.
Space is limited. Apply today at BlaineMN.gov/CitizensAcademy
Water Friendly Lawn Care Tips
The City of Blaine will conduct a test of the CivicReady notification system on Night to Unite. CivicReady is a service available to Blaine residents to receive emergency notifications from the City. Residents need to sign up to receive the notifications and can customize how and where you receive the notifications. Notifications can be received as a phone call, text message, and email. You can pick one notification method or all three. The City does not send weather related alerts please follow the National Weather Service for those types of notifications.
To sign up, visit BlaineMN.gov/CivicReady
How we maintain our lawns can impact the health of our local creeks, rivers, and wetlands – even if you do not live next to a body of water. Rain and snowmelt can send fertilizer, pesticides, soil, and yard waste left on driveways, sidewalks, or curbs into storm drains and straight into local waterways. Fertilizers, exposed soil, grass clippings, and other yard waste contain pollutants such as phosphorus. When introduced to waterways, these pollutants can lower water quality and promote algae growth. Soil, sediment and grass clippings can also clog storm drains and reduce the ability of ponds, creeks, and wetlands to hold floodwaters. Try these lawn care tips to help protect our local waterways:
1. Keep your grass at least three inches tall. This will help promote root growth, reduce weed growth, and reduce watering.
2. Keep grass clippings off sidewalks and driveways. Consider mowing the clippings back into your lawn to feed the soil - an easy and natural fertilizer.
3. Test your soil before fertilizing. A $21 soil test from the University of Minnesota can save you time and money by providing recommendations based on your lawn’s soil chemistry at SoilTest.cfans.umn.edu
4. Water your lawn once a week if it has not rained. Giving your lawn 1-1.5 inches of water per week will encourage root growth and drought tolerance.
5. Remove weeds manually when possible. When using herbicides, always follow the label directions and take old pesticides to the Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste Facility, AnokaCounty.us/HHW Information
District.
Lawn Sprinkling Reminder
Year-Round, Odd-Even Sprinkling Days, No Sprinkling Between 10am-6pm
The City of Blaine lawn sprinkling ordinance regulates how often residents and businesses can water their yard with City water. Although Minnesota is no longer experiencing drought conditions, it is important to conserve water.
• Residents with an even numbered address can water on even number dates. Residents with an odd numbered address can water on odd number dates.
• No sprinkling is allowed between 10AM and 6PM. For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/LawnSprinkling
