Park Perspective: July 2023

Park

Follow the city’s strategic priorities

The St. Louis Park City Council has adopted the following five strategic priorities. Look for the icons throughout this and future editions of the Park Perspective to read stories about how the city is working to meet these priorities.

St. Louis Park is committed to:

Being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all.

Continuing to lead in environmental stewardship.

Providing a broad range of housing and neighborhood-oriented development.

Providing a variety of options for people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably.

Creating opportunities to build social capital through community engagement.

For city events, activities and news, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov @stlouispark nextdoor.com @stlouispark @stlouispark www.youtube.com/slpcable

Imagine the date is Jan. 3, 2024, you raise your right hand and are sworn in as the next mayor or council member for the City of St. Louis Park. Yes, this could be you, and the process starts Aug. 1 at St. Louis Park City Hall.

The elections team is here to help you with the official steps to become a candidate. Local elections in St. Louis Park are non-partisan, community-centric and are typically a way for residents to share their vision and priorities for the city. We encourage you to consider joining this conversation by filing for office.

Check out this message from our city clerk to learn more!

Hello St. Louis Park community,

In 2023, St. Louis Park voters will elect a mayor, two at large city council members and school board members. Eligible residents may file for office Aug. 1 – 15 at city hall. My office is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

To file for city offices you must:

• Complete an affidavit of candidacy

• Pay a $20 filing fee

• Submit a petition with 50 signatures of residents qualified to vote for that office who have not signed the petition of another candidate for that same office.

My staff is here to help. They can guide you through this process and help answer any questions. We look forward to seeing you in August.

Melissa Kennedy, city clerk City of St. Louis Park

Make service requests or receive city information via the app or visit mystlouispark.org

2023 Fire Department Open House and Community Health Resource Fair

Sept. 19, 5 – 7:30 p.m.

• Fire Station 1, 3750 Wooddale Ave. S.

Join fellow community members for one of the most highly attended events of the year! Displays and demonstrations for people of all ages to enjoy, along with great food and drinks. The event is free and for all ages.

Community health resource fair:

• Navigating healthcare

• Falls/home safety

• Medication management

•

Demonstrations:

• Hands-only CPR

• Fire extinguishers

• Grease fires

• Fire sprinkler/burn rooms

Cities team up for Electrify Everything MN

The cities of St. Louis Park, Edina, Eden Prairie and Minneapolis have teamed up to launch the Electrify Everything MN awareness and education campaign. The goal of this campaign is to connect residents with the information and resources they need to reduce home energy use and make the switch to clean and renewable energy sources through electrification.

Visit www.electrifyeverythingmn.org to learn about heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, induction stoves and more. Look for their table at the Fire Department Open House and Community Health Resource Fair and more resident workshops coming this fall!

Climate Champions for Homes offers higher incentives for residents

The City of St. Louis Park’s energy efficient rebate program was retired on July 1 and replaced with the new Climate Champions for Homes program. With this change comes a few new program requirements, but also higher incentives for residents. To qualify, residents must receive or have received a Home Energy Squad “Planner” visit within the past 36 months and prior to completing any work eligible for cost sharing funds. Eligible projects include furnace and AC upgrades, attic or wall insulation, and electrification projects such as heat pumps. Contact Ellie Rabine, sustainability specialist, at erabine@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.924.2131 to learn more.

What to know about

Idle-Free SLP

Did you know that idling your vehicle can produce more tailpipe emissions per minute than driving and has been linked to asthma symptoms and heart and lung disease. That’s why the City of St. Louis Park, in collaboration with Park Nicollet, is promoting the “Idle-Free SLP” educational campaign. Help protect our air, and especially our vulnerable populations that are more susceptible to air pollution, by turning off your engine whenever it’s not necessary. Visit bit.ly/IdleFreeSLP for more information.

Resources available for small businesses

Revolving loan fund

The revolving loan fund provides gap financing and commercial lending to local businesses to help them grow and expand in St. Louis Park. Both new and existing businesses may apply. Loans have fixed interest rate terms and range from $50,000 – $200,000. Contact Tim Walker, Central Minnesota Development Company, at 763.205.0323 for eligible costs and more information.

2% loan program

The 2% loan program offers low-interest loans to new and existing businesses and commercial property owners in St. Louis Park to make building improvements or purchase equipment. The Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) or a private lender provides half of the loan amount at market rate. The city provides the remaining loan amount, $10,000 – $75,000 at 2% interest for a term up to 10 years. Contact Vicky Gonzalez with MCCD at vgonzalez@mccdmn.org or 612.843.3269 for more information.

Transform your parking lot into a green space

Are you a business owner with excess parking or struggling plants? Transform your parking area into a vibrant green space with a new cost share program from the City of St. Louis Park, called Depave SLP! With Depave SLP, property owners who remove pavement and fill in the space with native plants, trees, rain gardens, pollinator habitat or permeable pavers may be eligible for partial city reimbursement. A higher reimbursement is available to properties in Environmental Justice priority areas that have higher surface temperatures, flood risk, air pollution, hardscape and low existing tree cover. Visit bit.ly/depaveSLP for more information.

Leash laws and picking up after your dog

Many people are out using trails and parks, along with their dogs. Remember that city ordinance requires owners to leash dogs whenever they are off their home property, unless they are in a designated off-leash dog area. Off-leash dog areas require a license to use. Visit bit.ly/SLPpetowner for more information about leash laws, dog licenses and off-leash dog areas. Parks and trails users who wish to report unleashed dogs can call the St. Louis Park Police Department non-emergency number at 952.924.2618.

Also remember to pick up after your dog! According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the safest way to dispose of pet waste is to bag it and place it in the garbage. Dog waste is not fertilizer, as it contains harmful bacteria, including E. coli. These bacteria pose health risks to you, your pet and the community. Also, rainwater carries pet waste into storm sewers, eventually polluting lakes and streams. Help keep local lakes and streams clean by picking up after your dog.

Recycle your grass clippings

Grass clippings are a part of lawn care, but you don’t have to throw them away. They can be recycled by returning them to the lawn or composting them. Some of the benefits of recycling grass clippings are:

• They can become a valuable source of nutrients

• Less fertilizer is needed to fertilize your lawn

• Adding organic matter to your lawn helps improve your soil health

• Recycling grass clippings can also help reduce mowing and greatly reduces the need for yard waste collection. The University of Minnesota has a webpage, extension.umn.edu/lawncare/what-do-lawn-clippings, with great ideas on what to do with grass clippings.

Please note, always remember to clear grass clippings and leaves from the street when working in your yard.

Pollinate the Park: native plant sale

The 2023 native plant sale is underway! Help our pollinators by creating a native plant garden in your yard or add to your existing pollinator friendly landscape. Flats of plants offered are specifically designed for St. Louis Park and for a variety of environments. Discounted flats are $45 for the first 150 resident orders. Extra flats are at the bulk discount rate of $89 each.

Plant pickup will be Aug. 19 from 8 – 11 a.m. and Aug. 21 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St.

Visit mnlcorp.com/product/slp to order your flat.

Fall tree sale starts Aug. 1

The city will be offering a fall version of the annual tree sale this year. Funded through a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture and in partnership with Tree Trust, St. Louis Park residents can purchase up to three trees at the discounted price of $35 each.

Tree pickup will be Sept. 30 from 8 a.m. – noon and Oct. 2 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St. Visit slp-tree-sale.myshopify.com to order trees.

Recreational fire permits required

Permits are required for recreational fires (in-ground fire pits, portable fire pits, fire bowls, chimineas, etc.). Natural gas and propane fire pits and fireplaces don’t require a recreational fire permit. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/firepermit to view or print the permit application and to find complete information and regulations.

Fires must be 25 feet away from any structure, and you may only burn clean, dry firewood. Do not have a fire if winds are more than 10 miles per hour or when still weather conditions prevent the smoke from moving away. Fires are prohibited when the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has declared a burning ban or the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert. Visit www.dnr.state.mn.us or www.pca.state.mn.us to learn more.

Be considerate of your neighbors when having a fire

Do your fires cause health issues for any of your neighbors? Listen to those who may suffer from your backyard fires. Let your neighbors know when you are planning to have a fire. Since fires release fine particles that contribute to air pollution, closing windows will not prevent wood smoke from affecting those with respiratory conditions.

With the City of St. Louis Park’s new full-service tree planting option, residents can order discounted trees through Tree Trust, a local nonprofit, and work directly with them to have the tree planted at a discounted service rate. Higher discounts are available for properties located in Environmental Justice priority areas and for homes that recently lost an ash tree due to emerald ash borer (EAB).

A similar program is also available for business owners, who can hire any licensed landscaping company to plant up to three trees on their property. They can then apply to the Shade SLP cost share program to be partially reimbursed.

Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/trees to learn more about both programs.

It’s not too late for emerald ash borer treatments

Consider protecting your ash tree(s) from emerald ash borer (EAB) this summer. Treatments on healthy ash trees are very effective and can be done until the end of September. City ordinance requires the removal of any untreated ash trees that are infested with EAB. Owners of private ash trees in St. Louis Park are eligible for a bulk rate discount to treat trees through Rainbow Treecare. For more information, visit www.rainbowtreecare.com/stlouispark or call 952.767.6920.

Aquatic Park last day of summer

Aug. 23, 1 – 7 p.m.

Aquatic Park, 3700 Monterey Drive

Bring a non-perishable food donation for the STEP food shelf and pool entrance is just $4. Season pass holders who bring a food donation will receive a coupon for one free small fountain beverage choice at the concession stand. The concession stand will feature last day specials.

Fee: $4 per person or season pass (BOGO coupons not applicable)

St.Louis Park

Golf Tournament

Crime Prevention Fund

Tee up at the Crime Prevention Fund Golf Tournament Sept. 8

Join the St. Louis Park Police Department for the 15th annual Crime Prevention Fund Golf Tournament fundraiser, Friday, Sept. 8, at Ridges at Sand Creek, 21775 Ridges Drive, Jordan. Tournament has an 8 a.m. shotgun start; plan to arrive 30 minutes before tee time.

We invite you to participate in five ways:

1. Play in the tournament

2. Sponsor a hole

3. Donate an item or gift card to be used as an event prize

4. Make a direct contribution to the crime prevention fund

5. Participate as a volunteer

The St. Louis Park Crime Prevention Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation completely funded by voluntary contributions. It supports many community outreach programs, including neighborhood watch, National Night Out, Children First, Cops Connect with Kids program, summer youth safety camp and Citizens’ Police Academy. It also provides a crime tip line that offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of people who commit crimes.

This golf tournament is the only fundraising initiative to support the police department’s community outreach efforts. This year, the proceeds will also go towards outreach initiatives for the department’s new K9 program. For more information on how to participate or donate, contact Officer Luke Ellanson at 952.924.2661 or slppdoutreach@stlouisparkmn.gov.

St. Louis Park community members encouraged to sign up for Smart911

The St. Louis Park Police Department is pleased to announce that Smart911 is now available in St. Louis Park. Smart 911 is a free, easy-to-set-up, app-based technology that allows users to provide critical information to first responders and dispatchers in case of an emergency.

Through Smart911, individuals create a Safety Profile for themselves and their household, providing as much or as little information as they would like. The information in the Safety Profile is automatically displayed to 911 dispatchers when an emergency call is made, allowing them to send the right response teams to the right location with the right information.

Safety Profile information can include linking both home and work addresses to mobile phones, medical information (including mental health), number of people and pets in the home, vehicle details, emergency contacts and more. All information is optional, and the individual can choose what details they want 911 and emergency responders to have in the event of a life-threatening situation. Smart911 is private and secure, is only used for emergency responses and is only made available to the 911 system in the event of an emergency call. Individuals signed up with Smart911 also will be better prepared for emergencies in the 40 states and 1,500 cities that support Smart911, since their profile travels with them.

Community members are encouraged to sign up for a Smart911 account today! Sign up for the program online at www.smart911.com or on the Smart911 mobile app (available in the Apple and Google Play stores).

For questions about the program, contact Lieutenant Mikael Garland at 952.924.2607 or mgarland@stlouisparkmn.gov.

Sign up for Citizens’ Police Academy

The Citizens’ Police Academy, offered each fall, is open to all interested adults 18 and over who live or work in the City of St. Louis Park. Participants will have an inside look at what it’s like to be a St. Louis Park police officer, learn about the police department’s role in the community and find out how they can play a part in maintaining a safe community.

Classes take place over 10 consecutive weeks, Sept. 7 – Nov. 9, on Thursdays from 6 – 9 p.m. at the St. Louis Park Police Department, 3015 Raleigh Ave. S. Fifteen applicants will be accepted for each class. Dinner is provided. Potential participants must agree to a basic background check. To apply, complete the registration form at www.stlouisparkmn.gov/police-academy by Aug. 24.

New haulers for residential garbage, recycling, organics and yard waste beginning Oct. 1, 2023

Every five years, the city requests proposals for solid waste collection services for residences and small businesses who receive city service. The decision to change haulers was made after discussions with city council, surveying residents and requesting proposals from 14 hauling companies. Starting Oct. 1, 2023, the Buckingham Companies will be providing garbage and recycling services, and Republic Services will be providing organics service. Staff are conducting final negotiations with a yard waste hauler, who will also be named this summer, to begin service on Oct. 1.

Most of the city’s residential solid waste services will stay the same. Residents will receive additional information by mail in September.

Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/garbage-recycling for details about the Oct. 1 change in haulers and upcoming events.

Media swap

Sept. 13, 5 – 7 p.m.

Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC), 3700 Monterey Drive

Bring books, games, DVDs and music you no longer want and find new-to-you items to take home! A limit of five boxes worth of items may be brought to the swap. All are welcome.

Items accepted: books, DVDs, Blu-rays, video games, whole games and puzzles, all in good condition

Items not accepted: VCRs, DVD players, Blu-ray players, video game consoles, stereos, VHS tapes, home recorded videos, mixed tapes or puzzles/games with missing pieces

For more information, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/reuse, or contact staff at recycling@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.924.2562.

Know your recycling day

For your convenience, the next three months of the recycling schedule are provided. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/recycling to download a yearly calendar, find your collection day or sign up for email reminders.

• If your normal service falls on or after a holiday, you will receive service one day later.

• Missed collection? Contact Waste Management at stlouispark@wm.com or 763.783.5423.

• This calendar applies only to properties with city-provided recycling. Multifamily buildings are required to offer recycling to their tenants. Check with your building management or contact city staff at recycling@stlouisparkmn.gov if you have questions about recycling collection at your building.

Know before you throw

guide – an image-based guide to help you know if an item should be recycled, composted or tossed.

If you have questions about what goes where, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/garbage-recycling or contact staff at recycling@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.924.2187.

GARBAGE:

Chip and snack bags are often made of multiple layers of plastic and foil. Because of this, they are not recyclable and should be placed in the garbage. They cannot be brought to plastic film recycling drop-offs either due to the type of plastic and multiple layers of other materials that are present.

ORGANICS:

Paper egg cartons have fibers too fine to be recyclable. They should be placed in your organics cart instead! Unbagged is okay. If you don’t have organics collection, you can sign up anytime at no additional cost.

Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/organics to get started!

RECYCLING:

Envelopes with windows are recyclable! Junk mail, including glossy advertisements, magazines, newspapers and even those envelopes with windows can be put in your recycling cart. The plastic film that forms the “window” will be removed during the pulping process at the paper recycling mills.

Dead-end fire hydrant flushing this fall

The city will be flushing dead-end fire hydrants Sept. 26 – 30 and Oct. 3 – 7. Flushing hours will be from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. As always, the estimated dates are based on the weather, current maintenance needs or emergencies that staff need to address. This process will be mainly on dead-end streets or cul-de-sacs and is necessary to maintain water quality. Any one neighborhood or area won’t be affected for the entire week. Once a watermain is flushed, city crews will move to the next one. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to specify exact dates and times crews will be in specific neighborhoods, which is why the five-day window is published. Residents can check to see if watermains have been flushed in their neighborhood by visiting bit.ly/WMflushing to view a map. Crews flush the watermains by opening fire hydrants, so don’t be alarmed if you see water gushing from hydrants while a city truck is nearby.

While water has improved color and taste after watermain flushing, the process can temporarily discolor water due to loose iron particles. Iron naturally occurs in groundwater and isn’t harmful to your health. If you experience discolored water, take the following precautions. If you have questions, call public works at 952.924.2562.

• Turn your water softener off or set it to “bypass” for the time period watermain flushing is scheduled.

Stop the FOG!

Don’t

• During this time period, don’t do laundry without first checking to see if your water is rust colored. Check water by running the tap. If it’s rust colored, don’t run your washing machine until you’ve cleared the water. To clear your water, run the cold water tap in your laundry tub until it runs clear, then do your laundry. If your laundry is stained by the water during this time period, keep the laundered items wet and call public works at 952.924.2562. We will deliver a chemical that will remove the stains.

• Each morning during this time period, run the cold water tap to flush your household system of any discolored water sitting in the pipes. If tap water becomes discolored during the day, run the cold water tap until the water clears again.

Week A Week B Holiday

A reminder about sprinkling restrictions

To conserve water, St. Louis Park prohibits lawn sprinkling (watering) between noon and 6 p.m. Also, all households and businesses must follow an odd/even schedule when sprinkling lawns. Properties with addresses that end with an odd number sprinkle on the odd-numbered days on the calendar; properties with an address that ends with an even number sprinkle on even-numbered days.

Additional conservation measures may be required during critical water shortages. These can include limiting watering to once every five days or banning all outdoor watering. Should this situation arise, a public notice will be given.

Exceptions

New sod or seed; newly planted shrubs, trees and landscaping; and flower gardens are exempt from the odd/even schedule. Watering is still prohibited between noon and 6 p.m. and should be done outside of those hours.

Here are some other ways to conserve water:

• Turn the faucet off while brushing teeth.

• Shower instead of bathing to reduce water use.

• Fix running toilets by replacing flapper valves.

• Run full loads of laundry with a minimal water use setting.

Questions? Contact, Austin Holm, utilities superintendent, 952.924.2186 or aholm@stlouisparkmn.gov.

Saturday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC), 3700 Monterey Drive

Join us for the fifth annual St. Louis Park Art Fair! The St. Louis Park Art Fair brings our community together with local artists, musicians, businesses and more for this one-day fair. Celebrate community, shop local artist and maker booths, enjoy food trucks and a coffee bar, listen to local music, and view art demos and community art projects for the whole family. The St. Louis Park Art Fair is made possible by a partnership between Friends of the Arts and the City of St. Louis Park, as well as by the event founder and coordinator, St. Louis Park resident Alysha Boie. For more information on how to apply to be a participating artist, volunteering, sponsoring the art fair and more, visit www.slpfota.org/artfair

Apply for an Arts & Culture Grant

The Arts & Culture Grant program is a collaborative program between the City of St. Louis Park, the Park Public Schools & Community Foundation and St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts. The program makes grant dollars available every year for music, visual arts, theater, film, multimedia, dance and other art projects. It provides funding for new arts programs that support community pride, connect artists and the community, and engage people in creative learning.

Artists, arts groups, students, community groups and neighborhood, cultural and religious organizations are encouraged to apply. Applicants do not need to live in St. Louis Park, but projects must take place within the city.

The application for 2024 grants will be available in July 2023. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/our-city/arts-and-culture-grant-application for the application and guidelines.

Zoning code update

The zoning code update is a comprehensive review of the current zoning ordinance, which has not been substantially updated since 1992. The zoning code update will focus on the residential zoning districts and is the result of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which promotes expanding the diversity and affordability of housing options in St. Louis Park's neighborhoods.

Watch for opportunities to provide input this summer. Stay informed about the project and sign up for email updates by visiting bit.ly/zoning-code-update

2023 – 2024

St. Louis Park city-school calendar

2022-2023

St. Louis Park City-School Calendar

www.slpschools.org, or on the city’s website, www.stlouisparkmn.gov/our-city/stay-informed/publications.

THE

Those who are unable to access the calendar online may contact the city at 952.924.2500 or the school district at 952.928.6000 to receive printed information.

St. Louis Park

Penny Carnival

Friday, July 28, noon – 2 p.m.

ROC, 3700 Monterey Drive

Gather your pennies for fun games, music and more! Games and activities cost between 2 – 4 cents per play. Refreshment coupon may be purchased for $1. The event is free and for ages 3 and above. No registration required.

Is your property at risk of flooding?

Wondering what the flood risk is for your property? The city will give you the following information at your request:

• If your property is in or out of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as shown on the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM); in or out of the floodway; or in or near an area where the problems are not shown on the FIRM.

• Additional flood insurance data for a property, such as the FIRM zone and the base flood elevation or depth, if shown on the FIRM, and if a property is in or near an area of historical flooding and/or natural functions floodplain.

To request information, provide your street address and, if available, the subdivision, lot and block number. City staff will do the rest.

For more information, call the community development department at 952.924.2575. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/floodplain for more information on flood hazards, risks and building responsibly.

Movies in the Park

Thursday, Aug. 24, 8 p.m.

Ainsworth Park, 7700 28th St. W.

Space Jam: A New Legacy

Saturday, Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m.

Aquila Park, 3110 Xylon Ave. S.

Clothing swap

Tuesday, July 25, 5 – 7 p.m.

Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC), 3700 Monterey Drive

The swap is a great opportunity to clear out clothes that no longer fit or that you no longer wear and take home new items for yourself. Linens, blankets or towels will not be allowed. The event is free and open to everyone.

Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/reuse or contact staff at recycling@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.924.2562.

HOCKEY GEAR SWAP

Top Gun: Maverick

Saturday, Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m.

Browndale Park, 4955 Morningside Road

The Super Mario Bros.

Sunday, Sept. 10, 1 – 3 p.m.

The Rec Center Banquet Room, 3700 Monterey Drive

HOCKEY GEAR SWAP

HOCKEY GEAR SWAP

Sunday, Sept. 10, 1 – 3 p.m.

The Rec Center Banquet Room, 3700 Monterey Drive

Sunday, Sept. 10, 1 – 3 p.m. The Rec Center Banquet Room, 3700 Monterey Drive

HOCKEY GEAR SWAP HOCKEY GEAR SWAP

Sunday, Sept. 10, 1 – 3 p.m. The Rec Center Banquet Room, 3700 Monterey Drive

This free event is open to everyone! No items may be sold. Everything must be given and taken freely. All items must be in good working condition in order to be donated.

This free event is open to everyone! No items may be sold. Everything must be given and taken freely. All items must be in good working condition in order to be donated.

Accepted: If applicable, all items must be a complete pair: skates, shin pads, elbow pads, shoulder pads, breezers (pants shell), and hockey sticks with the blade intact

Accepted: If applicable, all items must be a complete pair: skates, shin pads, elbow pads, shoulder pads, breezers (pants shell), and hockey sticks with the blade intact

Organized in cooperation between the St. Louis Park Hockey Association and the City of St. Louis Park.

NOT Accepted: helmets, clothing (including, but not limited to, socks, jerseys and baselayers)

NOT Accepted: helmets, clothing (including, but not limited to, socks, jerseys and baselayers)

This free event is open to everyone! No items may be sold. Everything must be given and taken freely. All items must be in good working condition in order to be donated.

Contact staff at recycling@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.924.2857 with questions.

Organized in cooperation between the St. Louis Park Hockey Association and the City of St. Louis Park.

Accepted: If applicable, all items must be a complete pair: skates, shin pads, elbow pads, shoulder pads, breezers (pants shell), and hockey sticks with the blade intact

Organized in cooperation between the St. Louis Park Hockey Association and the City of St. Louis Park.

Civics 101

Run for city council

Collaborate with city staff in a decision-making process

Attend

Community leaders don’t arrive out of nowhere. They begin with a single step, something as simple as picking up litter at a nearby park or attending a city council meeting. The level of commitment depends on the person, but any civic involvement provides a meaningful way to shape the future of the community and build a better home for everyone. Through civic engagement, you can make a real difference! Below are some suggestions:

Volunteer! The city has many opportunities throughout the year for you to share your interests and passions to help St. Louis Park be a better place to live, work and play. Pick up the park, become a Hydrant Hero or sign up to help at an event. Check out opportunities today at www.stlouisparkmn.gov/volunteer

Attend a meeting. Your city council meets the first and third Mondays of the month at 6:30 p.m. to discuss important issues and make decisions about the future of the community. Meetings are open to the public. To learn more, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/city-council.

There are 35 neighborhoods in St. Louis Park, each one a vital part of the city. Do you know which neighborhood you live in? Join your neighborhood group, help organize an event and start connecting with people in your neighborhood today! To learn more, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/neighborhoods.

Share your talents and perspectives by collaborating with city staff. Look for opportunities to join in community engagement on initiatives and policies around the city. This is a great way to use your time to pursue initiatives that spark your passions or interests and to influence public decision-making. To learn more, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/boards-commissions.

If you work or volunteer in community organizing, serve on a committee or are active in the community, consider broadening your impact by running for local office. To learn more about this opportunity, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/vote or check out the information on page 1.