Park Perspective
City considers zoning code revamp
The city’s current zoning code, mostly unchanged since 1992, restricts many neighborhoods to single-family housing only. St. Louis Park zoning officials have spent years exploring ways to update the code to better meet modern needs and city priorities. Proposed zoning code updates aim to create more sustainable, community-focused neighborhoods. In traditionally single-family areas, the changes would permit one-, two- and three-unit housing to be built at the same scale as currently allowed for single-family houses. Along key transportation corridors, low-rise options like townhouses, fourplexes and
three-story buildings—often called “missing middle housing”—would become more common and help the city meet its strategic goals of offering a broad range of housing types and more affordable options.
The proposed zoning revisions also take performance standards (lot sizes, setbacks, height, etc.) into account for each new district and housing type. Throughout the process, the city has actively sought community feedback on potential changes. City officials gathered public input throughout 2023 and 2024 and will hold a final open house this December.
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Share your Story!
Share your park memories with us!
Join us in celebrating the joys of our parks and recreation activities by sharing your personal experiences and stories. Whether it’s a favorite activity, a memorable event or a newfound passion, your story can inspire others to get involved. Help us showcase the vibrant community life in our city!
We will be featuring submissions on the city’s social media channels and website, and in publications like the Park Perspective and Parks and Recreation catalog. Be on the lookout for your story!
Visit bit.ly/my-park-memory or scan the QR code to learn more and share your park memory.
the QR code!
Sarah and Jonathan’s story
Sarah Wagner and her father Jonathan Wagner (left) shared their park story after exploring Westwood Hills Nature Center’s trails with the all-terrain wheelchair this summer.
Jonathan is an 84-year-old nature enthusiast and resident of a local memory care home. When his daughter Sarah visits from Washington, D.C., she often brings him to Westwood Hills Nature Center, where they can take advantage of the GRIT Freedom all-terrain wheelchair that’s available to all visitors to use on the trails.
“My dad was in heaven being able to take in the sights, sounds, smells of the woods, lake and native flowers,” Sarah said. “Thank you for making this opportunity possible for my father. I can’t express how much it means to us.”
Did Jonathan and Sarah’s story spark a memory of your own? Share your story with us!
All-terrain wheelchair available for free use at Westwood Hills Nature Center
The nature center’s manual, all-terrain wheelchair has a chain drive system that allows users to operate it independently or assisted by a caregiver with handlebars. Visitors can use the wheelchair for free during normal business hours by visiting the interpretive center front desk, 8300 W. Franklin Ave. For more information, call 952.924.2544.
Discover St. Louis Park, the third-party destination marketing organization for St. Louis Park and Golden Valley, has changed its name to Westopolis. Founded in 2011, this nonprofit organization promotes lodging, dining, shopping, attractions, events, arts, culture and recreation opportunities in the cities of St. Louis Park and Golden Valley.
The organization is funded through a 3% lodging tax paid by visitors to the area. Visit www.westopolis.org for more information.
Follow the city’s strategic priorities
The symbols below represent the five core priorities of the City of St. Louis Park and its city council. Spot them throughout this newsletter.
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 neighborhoodoriented 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.
Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/our-city/about-us to learn more about the St. Louis Park leadership priorities.
Stay informed
To talk to someone in person, visit city hall at 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., during business hours, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Can’t make it out? Call the main number during business hours at 952.924.2500 or try one of our many online resources.
For city events, activities, schedules and news updates, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov, sign up for text and email notifications through govDelivery, or follow us on social media. www.stlouisparkmn.gov/sign-up
Apply now to be on the charter commission
This fall and winter, ongoing recruitment for the charter commission is intended to assemble a group of engaged, qualified applicants for the important work of the St. Louis Park Charter Commission.
The commission is composed of 15 members appointed by the chief judge of Hennepin County District Court. The group evaluates and proposes changes that are warranted in the city’s home rule charter as provided by state statute. The charter is like the city’s constitution. Charter board members also monitor legislative activities on an ongoing basis. Members serve as volunteers, and meetings are held as needed at the discretion of the commission. A city liaison provides assistance to record minutes, prepare agendas and perform other ministerial duties.
Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/SLPcharter for applications.
4.0
4.0
Every 10 years, the City of St. Louis Park reviews and updates the strategic priorities that city leadership and elected officials use to guide planning and decision-making over the next decade (see icons to the left). The process has started again in 2024, with elected officials, city staff and community members getting to work on Vision 4.0.
Over the next year, there will be several opportunities for community members to get involved and offer input.
Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/vision or scan the QR code to learn more and to sign up for updates.
Contact mayor and city council
Nadia Mohamed, mayor nmohamed@stlouisparkmn.gov 952.207.0256
Yolanda Farris, at large A yfarris@stlouisparkmn.gov 952.374.8868
Paul Baudhuin, at large B pbaudhuin@stlouisparkmn.gov 612.523.4359
Margaret Rog, ward 1 mrog@stlouisparkmn.gov 612.523.5702
Lynette Dumalag, ward 2 ldumalag@stlouisparkmn.gov 612.449.0989
Sue Budd, ward 3 sbudd@stlouisparkmn.gov 612.523.5834
Tim Brausen, ward 4 tbrausen@stlouisparkmn.gov 612.523.5678
Typically, the city council meets at city hall the first and third Monday of the month at 6:15 p.m. with a study session the second Monday at 6 p.m. Experience LIFE in the Park as a City of St. Louis Park part-time or full-time employee! Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/employment or scan the QR code today!
police multicultural advisory committee
The police multicultural advisory committee (PMAC) provides advice, suggestions and assistance to the St. Louis Park Police Department to help them in better serving, communicating with and understanding the many diverse groups who live in, work in and visit St. Louis Park.
Attend a committee meeting
The committee meets the third Wednesday of each month at the St. Louis Park Police Department, 3015 Raleigh Ave. S., 5 – 6:30 p.m. (times may vary to accommodate attendance).
To join, you will need to:
• Complete an application at www.stlouisparkmn.gov/pmac
• Pass a criminal background check
• Complete a brief interview with police department staff
• Live or work in St. Louis Park, or have other significant connection to the city
• Be able to attend meetings on the third Wednesday of each month Be a part of the
Learn more
For more information, contact the St. Louis Park Police Department PMAC coordinator at slppdoutreach@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.924.2661, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/pmac or attend a regular PMAC meeting to see what it’s like.
Volunteers wanted for St. Louis Park Police Explorers and Reserves
Explorers program
The St. Louis Park Police Explorers volunteer program offers youth ages 14 to 21 a chance to learn firsthand the duties and responsibilities of police officers. Explorers meet every Tuesday evening throughout the year to participate in role playing, class study and social exercises related to a career in law enforcement. Explorers also volunteer at local community events with the police officers. If you or someone you know is interested in attending a meeting or learning more about becoming an explorer, contact Officer Caroline Bjorge at cbjorge@stlouisparkmn.gov or Officer Madeline Turnquist at mturnquist@stlouisparkmn.gov.
Reserves
The St. Louis Park Police Department Reserves unit is made up of 15 – 25 volunteers who range in age from 20 to over 60. Every year, they donate roughly 1,000 hours of volunteer services to assist with night patrols and city events, including the Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration, National Night Out, school carnivals and more. If you are interested in applying or would like more information about the program, contact Officer Thomas Martinez at tmartinez@stlouisparkmn.gov or Officer Ryan Falls at rfalls@stlouisparkmn.gov.
Join a hands-only CPR class at the fire department
Hands-only CPR training classes are available for those ages 15 and over (an adult or guardian must be present with participants aged 15 – 17). There is a maximum of 10 participants per training. Training will be canceled if there is less than five people registered.
The training is not a certification course, and participants will not qualify for a CPR certificate.
Upcoming training dates
All training dates are held on the first Wednesday of the month from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Fire Station 1, 3750 Wooddale Ave. S. If you are interested in attending an upcoming training, register online at www.stlouisparkmn.gov/fire
Be a Hydrant Hero
The St. Louis Park Fire Department asks homeowners and businesses with fire hydrants on or near their property to shovel the snow around the fire hydrant after each snowfall. This small act can save lives! When there’s a fire, firefighters have only seconds to spare. A hydrant buried in snow is not easily accessible and can delay response time.
Visit www.hydranthero.org to adopt a hydrant. Choose a hydrant, click on the “Adopt me” link and fill out the registration form you can even give your hydrant a name! Call 952.924.2171 for more information.
Change batteries – Save lives
On March 9, when you change your clocks for daylight saving time, it’s also a great opportunity to change your smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries. The majority of house fire deaths are in homes without working smoke detectors. Remember to also test the batteries monthly, and replace alarms completely every 10 years. This saves lives!
Attend an open house about the city’s proposed zoning codes Dec. 19, 6 – 8 p.m., at St. Louis Park City Hall,
The proposed zoning code changes would affect all residential zoning areas, though the types and degree of changes would vary. For a closer look at the mapping details, visit bit.ly/zoning-code-update.
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This summer and fall, residents were asked to view proposed zoning changes and submit comments through the city’s online surveys and interactive map.
Planning and zoning officials have been reviewing all public comments, resident survey responses and staff recommendations. All proposed changes to the zoning code are
based on input received during the ongoing outreach efforts. The next chance for the public to offer feedback and ask questions in person will be at the Dec. 19 informational open house in the city hall council chambers, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd. (3rd floor), 6 p.m.
Visit bit.ly/zoning-code-update to find a story map, details on timelines, zoning history and other information about the update process.
Understanding property taxes and housing
Why do we have property taxes?
Property taxes are the primary funding source for local services provided by cities, counties, school districts and other special districts. They fund streets and utility maintenance, public safety and emergency response, parks and recreation, water and sewer services, election coordination, solid waste management, capital improvements, redevelopment investments, public education, courts, libraries, community events and more.
Unlike sales or income taxes, which can vary, the property tax is an exact levy to fund capital and operating budgets. City budgets are determined each year by city staff and elected officials with the help of public input. For more in-depth details on this process, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/finance
Determining assessed value and classification
The city’s assessing office determines the estimated market value (EMV) and classification (use) of your property on Jan. 2 each year. The EMV is determined after reviewing comparable market activity (rent, sales, costs) and may be reduced by programs such as the homestead market exclusion and disabled veteran exclusion. Your property taxes are calculated using the prior year’s value and classification relative to the annual established budgets. The tax is your share of the costs to provide the services approved by elected officials.
Council extends pre-eviction notice period to 30 days
The City of St. Louis Park has adopted an ordinance requiring landlords with rental properties in St. Louis Park to provide a 30-day pre-eviction notice to tenants prior to initiating an eviction action for non-payment of rent or other financial obligations. The previous ordinance required seven days. The new ordinance is effective Nov. 1, 2024.
Landlords are required to provide the residential tenant with a pre-eviction notice form prepared by the city. More information is available on the city website at www.stlouisparkmn.gov/housing
Renters assistance and resources
Providing a broad range of housing and neighborhoodoriented development is one of the City of St. Louis Park’s strategic priorities. Offering housing r esources that accommodate the needs of people of all ages and backgrounds is part of that goal. For a list of programs and services offered for St. Louis Park renters, visit bit.ly/2KQC0N5
valuation
Your property tax dollar is divided among several taxing entities. For every dollar paid in 2024, about 33 cents go to city services while the remaining 67 cents go to other tax jurisdictions. Actual tax owed is based on market value, tax law and the levy. Find more budget information on page 5.
Check your mail for important notices from the county and city Valuation notices (mailed in March) represent the city assessor’s current year valuation and classification for property taxes payable in the following year. Review carefully. If you have questions or think the data is incorrect, please call the assessor’s office at 952.924.2535. Call early. Valuations can’t be appealed after proposed property taxes are sent.
Truth-in-Taxation statements (mailed in November) are early estimates of next year’s property taxes based on the current assessment, classification and the preliminary budgets as approved in September. Budgets are finalized following the public hearings in late December of each year.
Property tax statements (mailed in March) include the actual billing for all taxing jurisdictions for the year. Most property taxes are due May 15 and Oct. 15 in equal installments. It’s very important to pay property taxes on time. The state has two property tax refund programs for homeowners. Visit www.revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-relief for more details.
Small business help
The income and jobs generated by small businesses in the community make an important difference for families and neighborhoods throughout the metropolitan region. Because starting and sustaining a small business is not easy, Hennepin County and the City of St. Louis Park offer no-cost resources and programming to assist local entrepreneurs at any stage of growth.
Elevate Hennepin
Businesses in St. Louis Park and broader Hennepin County are eligible to receive free business advising and consulting services through Elevate Hennepin, an initiative that connects business owners to advisors, services, and other resources to help them start and grow their companies. Through Elevate Hennepin, business owners receive one-on-one services from trusted consultants and advisors specializing in legal support, marketing, bookkeeping, finance, loan and grant navigation and more. Visit www.elevatehennepin.org for more about this program and services.
Open to Business
The city’s Open to Business program also offers no-cost, confidential consultations from an expert business advisor. Advisors can help with strategic planning, financial assessment, professional referrals and marketing plans. To schedule a meeting, contact Luis Rodriguez at lrodriguez@mccdmn.org or 612.843.3269.
2025 city budget finalized Dec. 16
At its final meeting of 2024, the St. Louis Park City Council is scheduled to approve a 2025 budget and final property tax levy increase. Currently, the proposed tax levy increase would result in an estimated 6.6% increase in property taxes for a homesteaded median value ($377,200) home in St. Louis Park in 2025. The council’s Dec. 16 meeting, 6 p.m. at city hall, will conclude several months of budget discussions between city council, staff and community partners. It was developed with the city’s strategic priorities in mind.
Overall, the proposed 2025 budget will maintain city services while advancing city strategic priorities through new investments in public safety, environmental stewardship, infrastructure, housing and neighborhoods, racial equity and social capital. The proposed 2025 general fund budget for all nine city departments is a combined total of $54.8 million. To varying degrees, department budgets are supported by fees, ticket and concession sales, grants and state and federal aid, in addition to tax dollars.
Commercial and residential property taxes provide about 68% of the city’s revenue. The city portion of property taxes paid by individual households is determined by the levy, as well as the estimated market value of all properties in the city and state statutes. See page 4 for more about property taxes. For more about the 2025 proposed tax levy and overall budget, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/finance
Any resident can be a Recycling Champion!
Next Recycling Champion class is Feb. 5
Become a St. Louis Park Recycling Champion. The city will be holding its next Recycling Champions training Feb. 5, 2025, 4 – 6 p.m. at the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St.
The Recycling Champions program was created to engage residents interested in learning more about recycling. They serve as ambassadors in the community by sharing what they learned with family, friends and neighbors. To participate in the class, RSVP to recycling@stlouisparkmn.gov or call 952.924.2187 by Jan. 30. Include your name, email, phone number and neighborhood in your email or voice message.
Why are Recycling Champions important?
Recycling participation in St. Louis Park is high – more than 90% – but analysis done by the county and state shows many recyclable items are still being thrown out. Multifamily buildings have their own unique set of considerations that may include inconsistent signage and inadequate capacity. Recycling Champions provide recycling education throughout the city and in turn improve recycling in the city. They are also often better able to communicate more complicated topics than the city could through a brochure.
Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/recycling-champions to learn more.
Get home energy and weatherization assistance
Need help with your energy bills? The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program is open now. Eligible applicants can receive up to $1,400 to pay for energy bills. Funds are sent directly to your household’s energy company. Both renters and homeowners qualify. Visit bit.ly/3Zf44kZ for application guidance from the Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County.
After enrolling in EAP, you may also be eligible for state weatherization assistance. This program includes insulation repairs, appliance replacement and solar panel installation for those who qualify. Find eligibility requirements at bit.ly/SLP-weatherize
Utility rate updates
The City of St. Louis Park reviews utility rates annually to ensure they’re properly structured and generate enough revenue to operate and maintain the city’s water, sewer and solid waste services.
In late 2024, the city council adopted recommended rate changes for 2025.
The quarterly bill for the median user of utilities in St. Louis Park will increase by 5.1%, from $413.48 in 2024 to $434.76 in 2025. This calculation is based on a household using 32 units of water per quarter and a 60-gallon garbage service, which also includes any size recycling and organics carts, plus yard waste collection from April – November.
Rate increases are tied to inflation, contractor stipulations and infrastructure repair and replacement costs.
Solid waste
The solid waste rates will increase 5.75% in 2025. Solid waste rates include all city collection services – garbage, recycling, organics and yard waste – for residential customers. They also cover the cost of providing city-owned carts for residential customers. (Note: The solid waste rate for individual households is dependent on their garbage service level.) Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/garbage-recycling to review collection service options.
Water
Water and water meter charges will increase 4.5% in 2025. Water rates are structured to encourage water conservation. Water service charges are quarterly fixed fees based on meter size and help cover the cost of making water service available to users. These charges also help cover costs related to infrastructure and water meter system maintenance.
Storm drainage/stormwater
The single-family stormwater rate will increase 4.5% in 2025. The quarterly rate pays for flood control projects and stormwater infrastructure operation, maintenance and reconstruction.
Sewage
The sanitary sewer rates will increase 5.5% in 2025. Sanitary sewer rates include charges for sewer usage, as well as a fixed sanitary service charge that helps cover infrastructure maintenance costs.
More information
Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/utility-billing to view a full list of 2025 utility rates (to be posted in early 2025) and a full list of 2024 utility rates.
If you’re purchasing an ENERGY STAR or WaterSense appliance, you might be eligible for a rebate in the form of a utility credit! In partnership with the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services and the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, the city is offering rebates to encourage residents to install toilets and irrigation components that reduce water use, as well as energy-efficient washing machines and dishwashers.
Rebates are up to $200 for a WaterSense toilet; up to $250 for a WaterSense irrigation controller and/or irrigation spray sprinkler bodies; and up to $300 for ENERGY STAR washing machines and dishwashers. You can replace multiple toilets in your home and receive utility credits for all the devices
Keep a copy of your purchase receipt that shows the cost of the device separate from the installation cost. Also take a photo of the WaterSense or ENERGY STAR logo on the device.
Email proof of purchase information along with your name and address to Beth Holida at bholida@stlouisparkmn.gov to submit a rebate request. For questions, call 952.924.2181. Rebate requests must be submitted by June 30, 2026. Rebates are for product purchases only; residents are responsible for installation and permit costs. Funding is limited, and the program will stop when funds run out. For more details and guidelines, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/water-sewer
Snowplow naming contest winner announced
CTRL + SALT + DELETE
The votes have been tallied and the winning name of the 2024 St. Louis Park snowplow naming contest is “CTRL + SALT + DELETE” submitted by resident Sarah Fiedler.
“Contrary to how many others may feel, winter is my favorite season, and the snowplow naming contest is a great way to celebrate its arrival,” Fiedler said. “As someone who spends a good amount of time on their computer every day, I wanted to choose a fun and unexpected name—think of it as a ‘clean up’ or ‘reboot’ once this snowplow hits the streets!”
This fall, residents submitted 164 snowplow name suggestions. These were whittled down by public works staff to the top 10, which were put up for a vote on the city’s website and social media pages in October. Almost 700 votes were cast. CTRL + SALT + DELETE, with 170 votes, edged out second-place finisher “Snowtorious B.I.G.,” submitted by Avi Olitzky, by nine votes. The winning name will be applied to the side of a city snowplow
How will I know if there’s a snow emergency?
and Fiedler, or someone she chooses, will have a chance to ride in the plow this winter and take a tour of the Municipal Service Center.
This was the city’s second snowplow naming contest. Last year’s winner went to The Big Snowplowski, submitted by Rebecca Thelen. The next snowplow naming contest will be held in fall 2025.
Make way for CTRL + SALT + DELETE: snowplow reminders
After an inch or more of snowfall, the city plows 116 miles of roads, 52 miles of sidewalks, 30 miles of trails and 21 miles of alleys — and often more than once. It takes a crew of 30 workers roughly 12 hours to clear all streets during an average 3- to 6-inch snowfall. Heavier or wetter snowfalls require more time. In a snow event, high-volume roads are plowed first; residential streets and cul-de-sacs are next. If parking on the street during a snow event, try not to park directly across from another vehicle. Cars parked on both sides can make the roadway too narrow to get through.
The city posts snow emergency alerts in multiple places (see below). The city may declare snow emergencies for major snow events based on the amount of snow, type of snow and existing conditions. Vehicles must be parked off the street until the city provides notification that the snow emergency has ended. Vehicles that aren’t moved may be ticketed and towed. Some streets are exempt. Find more details at www.stlouisparkmn.gov/snow In previous years, crews plowed main roads to the
curb—which requires multiple passes—before moving onto residential streets. New this year, they’ll make one pass in each direction on the main roads before beginning on residential streets. They’ll then loop back to clear remaining snow on the main roads as they plow adjacent residential streets. Main routes won’t be plowed to the curb as quickly as before, but the overall process will be more efficient and, in a heavy snowfall, help more drivers access the main roads from residential streets sooner.
• Watch the city website at www.stlouisparkmn.gov or visit www.slpsnow.org
• Visit www.slpsnow.org to sign up for ParkAlert, the city’s citizen notification system.
• Download the mystlouispark app for Apple or Android devices. The app will display an alert when a snow emergency is in effect.
• Follow the city’s social media sites on Facebook, Instagram and Nextdoor.
• Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/sign-up to sign up for govDelivery email and text notifications for snow emergencies and other events.
• Call 952.230.0743 for updates.
• Watch ParkTV streaming at www.parktv.org or on Comcast standard definition channels 14, 15 and 16 and high-definition channels 798, 799 and 859, or check local television news.
Headlights, taillights and vehicle winterization
When driving in winter, remember headlights and taillights must be illuminated when visibility is impaired by unfavorable weather conditions or other factors that can affect seeing people and vehicles on a roadway. Automatic forward-facing driving lights and parking lamps on their own don’t meet this requirement. Check your headlights and taillights to be sure they’re working.
To help avoid vehicle breakdowns or crashes in winter, have a certified mechanic also check the following before the weather gets worse:
• Battery
• Wipers and washer fluid
• Antifreeze
• Ignition system
• Thermostat lights
• Exhaust system
• Flashing hazard lights
• Heater/defroster
• Brakes
• Oil level
• Tires and air pressure (consider snow tires)
Always shovel sidewalks
For safety and accessibility purposes, it’s important that residents remember to shovel sidewalks adjacent to their homes after a snowfall. Snow must be removed the same day if there are six or more hours of daylight following the snowfall or by noon the following day. Sidewalks in front of apartments or commercial buildings must be cleared within four hours once the snow has stopped falling or by the beginning of business hours the next day. If you have neighbors who are unable to shovel their own sidewalks, please consider helping them out.
Smart salting: Use salt sparingly
Use de-icing salt sparingly to protect Minnesota waters! When the snow melts or it rains, the salt—which contains chloride—runs into storm drains and nearby lakes, rivers and groundwater. Though no environmentally safe, effective and inexpensive alternatives to salt are yet available, smart salting strategies can help reduce chloride pollution in state waters. Salt will effectively remove snow and ice if it’s scattered so that the salt grains are about 3 inches apart. A coffee mug full of salt (about 12 ounces) is all you need for a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares (roughly 1,000 square feet). Consider using a hand-held spreader, and use salt only in critical areas. Sweep up any extra that is visible on dry pavement. You can attend a smart salting training from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to learn more about smart salting. Register for a class at bit.ly/3Rv0mzv
Free holiday tree collection Jan. 6 – 24
If you put up a live Christmas tree, make sure to properly dispose of it at the end of the season. St. Louis Park offers two options for residents to get rid of trees (must be cut down to 6 feet or smaller):
All decorations must be removed. If you use a bag to keep needles from creating a mess inside your home, just remember to remove it and place it in the trash before you set your tree at the curb. Wreaths and garlands must be placed in the trash because they often contain wire. For more information, contact public works at 952.924.2562 or operations@stlouisparkmn.gov.
Setting out carts during winter months
During winter months, keep the area where you place your carts for collection clear of snow. This helps crews safely access your carts. Carts set on top of snowbanks or buried underneath will not be collected. Carts should not be placed in the streets, alleys or sidewalks any time of year, but especially during the winter months because they interfere with snow removal operations. Make sure your carts are out by 7 a.m. as collection times may vary.
• If you have curbside collection, place carts on your driveway or on the boulevard between the street and sidewalk. Ensure carts have at least 2 feet of space between them and surrounding objects.
• If you have alley collection, place carts on your property, driveway or beside your garage next to the alley. The 2-foot spacing noted above for curbside collection is not required for alleys.
Annual tree sale starts March 1
Help increase our city’s tree canopy by adding trees to your landscape! Starting March 1, visit www.treetrust.org to order and pay for your trees as part of the city’s annual tree sale. Trees are $35 each; a maximum of three trees per property may be purchased. A preview of this year’s available trees will begin mid-February on Tree Trust’s website. Tree sale pickup will be Saturday, May 3, 8 a.m. – noon or Monday, May 5, 5 – 7 p.m. at the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St.
Need a new tree but not ready to plant it yourself? You’re in luck! The city offers a full-service tree sale option where the city covers a portion of the planting costs. Total cost can be as low as $35 depending on your location in the city. The cost-share amount is higher for those who have had an ash tree removed due to emerald ash borer. Visit treecanopyslp.myshopify.com to find out more and reserve your tree.
• Curbside: Residents with city solid waste services may set live (cut) trees that are 6 feet or smaller out at the curb from Jan. 6 – 24, on their collection day.
• Drop-off: Any resident, including those who live in multifamily buildings (e.g., apartments and condos), who doesn’t receive city solid waste service may drop off live trees at the city’s brush drop-off site, located at 6215 Cedar Lake Road. The site will be open Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
For your convenience, the next four months of the recycling schedule are provided below. 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.
• Report missed pickups within two days of collection day to:
Garbage/recycling: 952.226.6457, SLP@buckinghamcompanies.com Organics: 952.941.5174, SLP@republicservices.com Yard waste: 612.405.9579, SLP@wastecontainersystems.com
• 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 email city staff at recycling@stlouisparkmn.gov if you have questions about recycling collection at your building.
Collections are delayed one day all week after holidays that fall on a week day. Collections are not delayed for holidays that fall on weekends.
Winter Fun Day
Saturday, Jan. 25, noon – 3:30 p.m. Free • Oak Hill Park, 3201 Rhode Island Ave. S.
It’s time for outdoor winter fun for all ages! Activities include bonfires, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, hayrides, music, raffle, s’mores and cocoa (subject to change). This free event is for all ages. No registration required.
Sham roc
St. Louis Park
Saturday, March 15, 1 – 5 p.m. Register by March 12! $50 per team
Gather your team and sign up for the annual ShamROC Ice Bowling event at the Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC), 3700 Monterey Drive! Bowl four frames for a chance to win prizes. Stay for the food, drinks, music and fun. Games take about 30 minutes. Register your team at www.shamrocicebowling.com. For ages 12 and above.
Top sponsors:
Free ice skating and music events Skate rentals $3 per person
3700 Monterey Drive
New Year’s Eve at the ROC Tuesday, Dec. 31, 4 – 6 p.m. Dec. 20, Jan. 17, Feb. 7, 5:45 – 7:15 p.m.
Disco Ball Ice Skating
New Year’s Gnome Search
Throughout January
Each week in January a different New Year’s gnome will be placed in one of the city’s parks. Once a gnome is placed in a park, it will remain there until the end of January. We will give out clues to help locate the different gnomes each week on Tuesday morning (through social media and govDelivery emails).
It is said that those who snap a photo with one of the New Year’s gnomes will have some of its good luck transferred to them! Share your photos with us through social media by posting them in the comments section of our weekly clue posts.
National Day of Racial Healing community conversation is Monday, Jan. 20!
The National Day of Racial Healing community conversation at Westwood Hills Nature Center is an opportunity for children, teens and neighbors to learn about each other’s diverse backgrounds, cultures and lived experiences. This all-ages event is free, but registration is required. Soup and light refreshments will be provided. The conversation takes place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 20, 4 – 7 p.m. Register at www.stlouisparkmn.gov/rec-registration
Other upcoming events and activities: Be the Light Winter Solstice Walk, Dec. 21; Frosty Mug Crawl, Feb. 22; annual Spring Ice Show, March 22 and 23; and more! Stay informed of weather-related schedule changes by calling the weather line at
Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/events or scan the QR code for more details on city events and activities or to sign up for updates. And check out the winter parks and recreation catalog, mailed to all households.