Issuu

Park Perspective www.stlouisparkmn.gov

Fall 2026

General election 2026 Tuesday, Nov. 3 🟊 Early voting starts Sept.18

elections@stlouisparkmn.gov | 952.924.2503 | www.stlouisparkmn.gov/vote NOVEMBER

Find out about Pumpkins in the Park and other upcoming fall city events on page 8.

Inside this newsletter Welcoming Week................................................ 2 New Alternative Response Medic program.......3 Rental home rules and regulations.......................4

S M T W T

10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Polls will be open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Nov. 3 in St. Louis Park for the 2026 general election. Your vote will determine who gets elected to federal, state, county and judicial offices.

Where can I vote?

Snow emergency reminders..................................6

To find your Election Day polling place, call 952.924.2503 or visit mnvotes.gov/pollfinder. Residents can vote before election day in person at St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., or by mail starting Sept. 18. (Find more information about voting before election day on page 2.)

Fall collection service schedules............................7

Continued on page 2.

2050 Comprehensive Plan updates......................5

Annual Halloween Party and fall events..............8

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 603

This is the official city newsletter of the City of St. Louis Park. It’s printed on 30% post-consumer recycled paper in an effort to meet the city’s environmentally preferable purchasing policy.

Annual St. Louis Park Snowplow Naming Contest Help us name a St. Louis Park snowplow! Submit your punniest, most creative, most snow-tastic ideas by visiting bit.ly/snowplow-name-contest or scanning the QR code from Sept. 7 – 25. Public works staff will narrow down submissions to their top 10, which will be posted on social media, the city website and shared through a govDelivery email for residents to vote for their favorite name from Oct. 5 – 12. The winning name will be announced in the winter Park Perspective and shared on the city website, social media and through a govDelivery email. The lucky individual(s) or family who submit the winning name will get to take a photo with the plow and crew and ride in the snowplow. Residents may spot previous winners Clearopathra, CTRL + SALT + DELETE and The Big Snowplowski clearing streets this winter.

NOW HIRING!

Experience LIFE in the Park

as a City of St. Louis Park paid intern or full-time employee! Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/jobs or scan the QR code today!

Stay informed

More information about voting

City hall

Vote before Election Day

5005 Minnetonka Blvd. | Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Can’t make it in person? Call 952.924.2500 during business hours.

www.stlouisparkmn.gov/sign-up Make service requests or receive city information via the app:

www.mystlouispark.org @stlouispark

www.stlouisparkmn.gov

@stlouispark

www.youtube.com/slpcable

@stlouisparkmn

www.nextdoor.com

Contact mayor and city council Nadia Mohamed, mayor nmohamed@stlouisparkmn.gov 952.207.0256

Jim Engelking, ward 2 jengelking@stlouisparkmn.gov 612.449.0989

(continued from page 1) Sept. 18 is the first day to vote in the general election either in-person or by mail. You can vote in person at St. Louis Park City Hall during regular business hours, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday– Friday, with extended hours for voting as follows: • Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. • Tuesday, Oct. 27, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. • Saturday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. • Sunday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. • Monday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. To vote by mail, you first need to fill out and submit an absentee ballot application. Find online applications at mnvotes.gov/absentee or call 952.924.2503 to request a paper application be mailed to you. Read the application instructions closely and follow all the necessary steps.

Are you registered? Check registration status at mnvotes.sos.mn.gov or call 952.924.2503 at least one month before Election Day. You can register to vote on Election Day or preregister at least 20 days before Election Day. The online registration deadline is Oct. 13, 2026. Mail applications must be received by Oct. 13. The City of St. Louis

Watch for your 2026 election guide! The 2026 election guide will be mailed in early October and contains everything you need to know about voting in this year’s election in St. Louis Park.

Park’s official 2026

Election Day

is Nov. 3, po

lls open 7 a.m

Experien ce VOTIN Experien ce VOTIN G inGthe ParkPark in the

How to registe Registering by S M T W T

Oct. 13

Paul Baudhuin, at large B pbaudhuin@stlouisparkmn.gov 612.523.4359

Tim Brausen, ward 4 tbrausen@stlouisparkmn.gov 612.523.5678

Daniel Bashore, ward 1 dbashore@stlouisparkmn.gov 612.523.5702

The city council meets regularly at city hall the first and third Monday of the month at 6:15 p.m. with study sessions the second and/or fourth Monday at 6 p.m.

City launches updated website

The City of St. Louis Park is proud to announce our new and improved city website! This site was built around community and staff feedback collected in an effort to bring a more accessible and modernized user experience to residents. View the new city website at www.stlouisparkmn.gov.

2027 budget update

This year’s budget process is designed to be transparent, collaborative and focused on long-term financial sustainability. Throughout the summer and fall, departments are working together to bring proposals for new spending, while tweaking existing budgetary items for the 2027 fiscal year. The finance department is working diligently to evaluate service needs, identify operational efficiencies and prioritize investments that align with the city’s new strategic priorities. The operating budget went to council on Aug. 3, followed by the first reading of 2027 fiscal year fees on Aug. 17 and a discussion on capital projects at the Sept. 8 city council meeting. Council will adopt the preliminary levy at their Sept. 22 meeting. 22

Fall 2026

S M T W T

on next page!

Apply for an Arts & Culture grant er to vote?

vote, you must be: • At least 18 years old on Election Day • A U.S. citizen • A resident of Minnesota for 20 days • Not currentl y incarcerated for a felony

Sue Budd, ward 3 sbudd@stlouisparkmn.gov 612.523.5834

Registering Oct. 14 – Nov. S M T W T

Voting options Who can regist

To be eligible to

Yolanda Farris, at large A yfarris@stlouisparkmn.gov 952.374.8868

. – 8 p.m.

r to vote

Registering to vote requires some go to the next page. If not, follow planning ahead. If you’re already the steps below. registered, You have three options.

Am I registered

to vote?

Check your registrati on status at or call 952.924.2503. The earlier you check, the more options you have to register, if needed.

What if I’m here

for college?

Paying out-of-st ate tuition or having license from another a driver’s state doesn’t necessa mean you can’t rily vote in Minneso ta. vote from the address you currentl Register to home. For many y consider students, this is likely a school address or a parent’s house.

What about home

lessness?

If you’re experien cing homelessness, current residenc e is the place where your If you sleep in a shelter, at a friend’s you sleep. or outside somewh house ere, residence. A registere that is your voting d voter from your can go with you precinct to the polling place oath confirming to sign an where you live.

Artists, arts groups, students, community groups, and neighborhood, cultural and religious organizations are encouraged to apply for the city’s Arts & Culture grant. The program makes grant dollars available every year for music, visual arts, theater, film, multimedia, dance and other art projects that support community pride, connection and engagement. In St. Louis Park, we vote. This fall, you have the oppor representatives in federal, state tunity to vote for and judicial offices through your option . This guide takes s and the steps you to vote. Our goal you have all the information necess is to ensure that ary to be a voter in St. Louis Park.

Applicants do not need to live in St. Louis Park, but projects must take place within the city. Applications are open until Sept. 27. Grants will be awarded in December. Learn more at bit.ly/arts-and-culture-grant.

Welcoming Week is Sept. 10 – 19 in St. Louis Park We’re on a mission to make St. Louis Park a welcoming, safe community where everyone experiences a strong sense of belonging. To celebrate Welcoming Week, all community members are encouraged to explore ways to “Be a Welcomer” to their neighbors. The St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission is hosting a Welcoming Week community potluck on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at the Recreation Outdoor Center, 3700 Monterey Drive. This event will be a time to share foods from your culture, connect with neighbors and continue finding ways to support our community. Community members are encouraged to bring a dish or recipe to share! Businesses are welcome to participate in Welcoming Week by requesting a free “We are Welcoming” window cling. Visit bit.ly/WelcomingWeek2026 to register for the potluck and learn more about how you can celebrate.

PUBLIC SAFETY

New Alternative Response Medic program continues to grow The St. Louis Park Fire Department’s Alternative Response Medic (ARM) program continues to expand its services, helping residents access healthcare, community resources and support before challenges become emergencies. As part of the fire department’s EMS division, ARM works with numerous community partners, including the St. Louis Park Police Department’s Behavioral Health Unit, to provide coordinated and ongoing care beyond someone’s initial 911 call or hospital visit. Having this dedicated role within the fire department also allows them to focus on prevention initiatives. They conduct home visits for personal health assessments, health education, medication and chronic disease management assistance, and home safety assessments. They also connect residents with local services and resources that promote long-term health and independence. Additionally, the alternative response medic is a first responder to emergency medical calls, providing paramedic-level care when needed prior to ambulance arrival. The ARM program has also expanded community overdose prevention efforts. Community members and organizations can receive free Opioid

Response Kits, which include naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl and xylazine test strips, overdose response information and other harm reduction supplies designed to help save lives and reduce the impacts of opioid misuse. This summer, the ARM program is launching a care coordination platform, which will strengthen collaboration between the fire department, city departments, healthcare providers and community organizations to continue to assess and enhance the program.

Scan the QR code to watch a video featuring the alternative response medic and behavioral health unit team speak more about what they do.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the Alternative Response Medic program, referrals are welcome from residents, family members, healthcare providers and community partners. Simply email arm@stlouisparkmn.gov.

Winter vehicle maintenance tips As winter approaches, it’s wise to have a basic winter emergency road kit and supplies in your vehicle, including a snow shovel and brush, jumper cables, basic first-aid kit, winter gear like gloves and a hat, and a change of warm clothes. In addition, be sure your vehicle is winter-ready to reduce the likelihood of breakdowns or accidents by doing the following: • Check the condition of your tires, and replace them if necessary. • Check tire pressures weekly. • Check all your vehicle’s lights at least monthly. • Monitor fluid levels. • Replace your wiper blades if they are worn before winter driving. • Inspect your vehicle’s battery and clean the terminals. • Inspect your vehicle’s belts and hoses. • Keep your fuel tank at least half full to prevent moisture buildup and fuel line freezing; consider using a fuel line antifreeze. • Clear all windows and lights of snow, ice, slush, salt and sand residue before driving. For more information on winter driving and vehicle maintenance, visit bit.ly/winter-drive-tips bit.ly/winter-drive-tips..

Smoke Alarms for Seniors Program The fire department is providing 10-year, sealed battery smoke and carbon monoxide alarms free of charge to seniors who live in their own homes or condos, or anyone physically unable to install or replace smoke alarms. This program is only available to St. Louis Park residents, and is limited to a maximum of four units per resident. We are not able to replace hardwired smoke detectors. To set up an appointment to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarm units call 952.924.2595. This program is first come, first-served.

Smoke alarm fire safety tip: Make smoke alarm exit drills a common practice in your household. Everyone should know two ways out of the home. Learn more fire safety tips at bit.ly/child-fire-safety-tips.

Tips for locking up your home Protect your home and property by establishing a nightly habit for locking up. Start by creating a list of safety precautions to take each night. The St. Louis Park Police Department recommends: • Bring in valuables from outside your home and vehicle(s), including garage door openers. • Close vehicle windows and lock doors. • Turn on outdoor lights or consider motion-activated lights. • Close your overhead garage door. • Secure your home, including all first-floor windows and doors as well as garage service doors that lead from the exterior to the garage and from the garage to the inside of your home. Unsecured garage service doors are among the most common entry points for burglars. They not only allow entry into your garage, where valuables may be stored, but may also lead into your home. Questions can be directed to community outreach at 952.924.2661 or slppdoutreach@stlouisparkmn.gov.

Be a hydrant hero this winter If you have a fire hydrant on or near your home or business property, please 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. Better yet, visit www.hydranthero.org and adopt a hydrant anywhere in the city. 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.

www.stlouisparkmn.gov

SUSTAINABILITY AND HOUSING

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT: ﬁre department

Electric outdoor equipment creates cleaner air Did you know that operating a commercial gas-powered leaf blower for one hour is equivalent to a single car driving 100 miles? The City of St. Louis Park was recently awarded funding from Hennepin County to electrify many pieces of landscaping equipment, decreasing local air pollution. With these funds, parks and recreation staff will replace gas-powered equipment with cleaner, quieter electric alternatives. You can be part of the solution too! Xcel Energy is now offering rebates for electric lawn mowers, push snow blowers, trimmers, chainsaws and more. Rebates are available for residents and home-based lawncare or snow removal businesses. Find more information at bit.ly/electric-rebates.

Free home electrification help available for St. Louis Park residents Electrify Everything advisors offer free, personalized, no-pressure guidance for residents who are interested in electrifying their heating and home appliances (swapping out natural gas-powered equipment for cleaner, healthier electric equipment). They can help you understand available technologies, prioritize projects, choose trusted contractors and access financial incentives. The advisors speak English and Spanish. Learn more at bit.ly/electrify-everything-contact.

Kids in the Park rental assistance program accepting applications The St. Louis Park Kids in the Park rental assistance program will be accepting applications beginning Monday, Sept. 14 at 8 a.m. Applications will be placed on the waiting list according to the preference(s) for which they qualify and in the order they are received. The waiting list may be closed at any time without prior notice if a sufficient number of applications have been received. The Kids in the Park program provides rent assistance to St. Louis Park households with school-age children for up to four years. Participants receive a flat monthly rental assistance payment that decreases annually over the four-year period. Eligible households must live in rental housing in St. Louis Park and have a child attending their assigned school district. Apply online at housing.slpmn.us.

Rules and regulations for rental homes in St. Louis Park The city does not allow short-term rentals less than 30 days, but homes can be rented as long as the term of the rental is 30 days or longer. To operate a rental home, you will need a non-owner-occupied license from the inspections division. Reach out to the community development department at 952.924.2588 with questions about the non-owner-occupied license. If you are considering operating a rental and have additional questions, contact Gary Morrison, zoning administrator, at gmorrison@stlouisparkmn.gov.

424

Fall 2026

The St. Louis Park Fire Department provides 24/7 emergency response to protec life, property and the well-being of everyone who lives, works and visits our community. While many people associate the fire department with putting out fires, the majority of calls today involve medical emergencies. Our firefighters are trained as EMT’s. Some have advanced medical training as paramedics to deliver life support care, respond to vehicle crashes and hazardous situations, and to be prepared to handle incidents of all types at a moment’s notice.

Prevention and preparedness are just as important as response. The department conducts annual ﬁre inspections, reviews building plans for life safety compliance and partners with residents and businesses to reduce risk before emergencies occur. Through smoke alarm installations, recreational ﬁre permits, public education programs and community events like the annual Fire Department Open House, they work to make safety part of everyday life in St. Louis Park.

24/7/365 staﬃng coverage

allows the ﬁre department to be ready to respond to emergencies at all times.

5,500+ emergency calls

are responded to annually, including medical emergencies, ﬁre calls and more.

In 2025, the ﬁre department attended

100+ community events, including:

annual open house, fairs, elementary school education, senior living talks, extinguisher training, hands-only CPR and more!

140

residents

are served through the Alternative Response Medic program annually. The Alternative Response Medic program connects residents with resources and follow-up support to address needs beyond their 911 call.

Learn more: www.stlouisparkmn.gov/ﬁre

750+ ﬁre inspections

are conducted each year. U request, firefighters can vis your home and offer advic how to prevent fires. Scan fire prevention tips you ca

e r e

BUSINESS AND PLANNING

Public works

Parks and recreation

Fire department

Administrative services Communications and technology

Police department

t e

Upon isit ce on n the QR code for a list of an use today!

Engineering

Community development

6 minute

average response time ensures that residents are able to receive help as soon as possible.

2 in 3 calls received are medical emergencies.

2021–2025 calls: 67%

EMS/rescue

17%

12%

ﬁre calls

good intent and service calls

4% hazardous condition

Businesses open during CedarLou road construction Businesses remain open and continue to serve customers during road construction in the Cedar Lake and Louisiana Avenue area. This is a great opportunity for the community to show support! By shopping local, dining out and visiting as usual, you help businesses stay strong during the construction period. Your support not only helps maintain momentum, but also ensures these businesses continue to thrive long after the project is complete. Visit bit.ly/redocedarlou or scan the QR code to learn more.

Storefront grant available for small businesses The St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority (EDA), along with Hennepin County, established the Façade Improvement Grant Program to help eligible businesses and property owners make lasting physical improvements to their buildings and enhance the overall aesthetics of Historic Walker Lake business district, CedarLou Corridor, Minnetonka Boulevard, Excelsior Boulevard and 36th Street areas. Grant funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and all projects receiving funding must be completed by April 1, 2027. This grant requires a one-to-one match from the applicant. The program is subject to funding availability from the City of St. Louis Park and Hennepin County’s Love Local Storefront initiative. For more information, contact Jase Pater at jpater@stlouisparkmn.gov.

Sign up for our business e-newsletter for support and resources Stay connected with the latest city updates, helpful resources, community news and opportunities designed to support business growth and success. Each issue highlights important information, upcoming events, and programs and partnerships that help businesses stay informed, navigate city resources and discover new ways to engage with the community. Sign up at bit.ly/business-e-newsletter.

360+

fire protection permits issued in 2025, including 190 recreational fire permits. A permit is required for any wood burning recreational fire in St. Louis Park. Scan the QR code to learn more about permits in St. Louis Park.

2050 Comprehensive Plan The 2050 Comprehensive Plan builds on the Vision 4.0 process by identifying specific goals, policies and actions to achieve the city’s long-term vision. The comprehensive plan will use the city’s strategic priorities to guide growth and development over the next two decades. It will address many aspects of the community, including land use, housing, transportation, parks and recreation, water resources and more. Community input will play a key role in shaping the comprehensive plan and there will be several opportunities to provide feedback. Watch for more information and opportunities to get involved later this fall. View the 2040 Comprehensive Plan at bit.ly/2040-comp-plan.

www.stlouisparkmn.gov

553

STREETS

Construction project updates The 2026 construction season is entering its final phase, and most of the roadway projects are expected to be substantially completed by the end of November. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/construction-updates for more information on construction projects.

Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction Hennepin County is finalizing design plans for the reconstruction of Minnetonka Boulevard between Vernon and Xylon avenues. Private utility relocation is expected to begin in 2027, with full road reconstruction starting in 2028. To learn more about the project, visit www.hennepincounty.gov/minnetonka-boulevard.

Before it snows: Keep waterways clear Leaves and other debris that get into storm drains pollute waterways and negatively impact the health of local plants and wildlife. They can also cause flooding. Here’s how to help:

Keep streets clear of leaves and vehicles for street sweepers Fall street sweeping starts in early October and continues until the snow falls. If possible, avoid parking on streets during daytime hours. Even though “no parking” signs aren’t posted for street sweeping since work is ongoing and contingent on weather conditions, cars parked on the street will reduce the effectiveness of street sweeping and slow down the process.

Don’t rake leaves or blow grass clippings into the street Excess leaves raked into the street can slow down or damage sweeping equipment and contribute to the pollution of area waterways. It’s also against city code. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/backyard-composting for tips on composting grass and leaves. Yard waste is also collected for pick up by the city’s yard waste hauler (see page 7).

Adopt a storm drain Keeping storm drains clear of obstructions reduces the chance of flooding in the event of heavy rains and cuts down on waterway pollution. St. Louis Park residents are encouraged to adopt a storm drain near them by committing to keep it clear of leaves, trash and other debris. Sign up at adopt-a-drain.org.

Fall fire hydrant flushing Fall dead-end hydrant flushing will take place Sept. 21 – 25 and Sept. 28 – Oct. 2 between 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. The estimated dates are based on the weather, current maintenance needs or emergencies that staff need to address. Hydrant flushing 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. Residents can check to see if watermains have been flushed in their neighborhood by visiting bit.ly/WMflushing to view a map. If you have questions, call public works at 952.924.2562.

Fall 2026

Snow emergencies St. Louis Park’s snow removal ordinance restricts on-street parking once a snow emergency has been declared. There are some exceptions, but only in select locations where ample off-street parking is limited.

Stay informed this winter The city announces snow emergencies in several ways. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/snow to learn more about snow emergency alerts, parking exemptions and procedures.

High-efficiency appliance rebates 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. Rebates will be issued as a bill credit on your city utility bill. Qualifying purchases must be made after July 1, 2026. Learn more at www.stlouisparkmn.gov/water-sewer.

Recycling and organics guide The recycling and organics guide includes a list of acceptable recyclable materials, a list of acceptable organics materials, tips for collecting organics at home, information about how to sign up for the organics recycling program and more. To access it, scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/recycling-organics-guide.

HOME AND YARD

September 2026 Su 6

M 7

Sa 5

October 2026

W 7

November 2026

Upcoming events Furniture and building materials reuse event on Sept. 23 The cities of St. Louis Park and Edina are partnering with Hennepin County to host a furniture and building materials reuse event on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Drop off your quality used furniture, mattresses and building materials listed on the accepted list for reuse to local organizations. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/cleanup for event guidelines and accepted lists.

Paper shredding event on Oct. 2 The city will be hosting a free paper shredding event on Friday, Oct. 2 from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St. Residents may bring up to five paper grocery bags full of paper to be shredded. Please bring only confidential papers to the event. Non-sensitive papers, such as newspapers, junk mail and catalogs, do not need to be shredded and can be placed in your recycling. The confidential documents you bring will be shredded on-site and recycled. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/cleanup for event guidelines.

December 2026

WEEK B

HOLIDAY

Know your recycling day For your convenience, the next four months of the recycling schedule are provided above. 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. 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. • 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, SLPyardwaste@trashcontractors.net Our yard waste hauler (formerly Waste Container Systems) changed their company name to Trash Contractors. Their phone number will remain the same, but their email has changed.

Fall cleanup event on Oct. 3 The City of St. Louis Park’s fall cleanup day will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 8 a.m. – noon at the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St. The event is for St. Louis Park residents only; no business waste. Pay by cash (exact change only), check or credit/debit card. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/cleanup for details including items that will be accepted and their associated fees, as well as options that are available year-round for those who can’t make it to the event.

WEEK A

• 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.

Brush drop off site schedule starting Nov. 1 Starting Nov. 1, our brush drop-off site will only be open on the weekends: Saturdays from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sundays from noon – 4 p.m. Nov. 29 is the last day to use the brush drop-off site before it closes for the winter.

Last week of yard waste: Nov. 23 – 28 The last week of yard waste collection for single family homes will be Nov. 23 – 28. If there is a significant snowfall before then, yard waste collection will end at that time. Note: Crews will not be collecting yard waste, garbage, organics or recycling on Thursday, Nov. 26 due to the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Collection for Thursday and Friday households will be delayed by one day.

Winter native plants tip

If you have pollinator plants in your yard, leave dead flower heads and native grasses intact for the winter! Doing so provides shelter and food for overwintering bird species like chickadees, goldfinches and juncos. If your garden is underneath the canopy of a shade tree, its leaves can be left among your plants too. They provide insulation for tree and plant roots, and offer a cozy habitat for insects like butterflies and moths who spend cold winter months in rolled up fallen leaves.

Pitch-a-Pumpkin | Oct. 31 – Nov. 5 Pumpkins and other gourds should be composted, not trashed! First, remove all candles, paint and glitter. Then, set your pumpkin out for collection in one of these ways: With yard waste on your regular collection day. Place your pumpkin in your reusable yard waste container or a paper yard waste bag. Reminder: Each container or bag must be under 40 pounds for collection.

In your brown-lidded organics cart. Place your pumpkin in a BPI certified compostable bag or a paper grocery bag in your organics cart. Please note that pumpkins are not allowed in the multifamily organics drop-site carts because they will overfill the carts.

At the Pitch-a-Pumpkin dumpster located at The Rec Center (3700 Monterey Drive). A special container for pumpkin and gourd collection only will be available in the southeast corner of the parking lot at The Rec Center from Oct. 31 – Nov. 5.

www.stlouisparkmn.gov

CAN’T MISS FALL EVENTS ROCTOBERFEST

ALL AGE

Sept. 25, 5 – 8 p.m. Rock and polka away under the ROC in its Bavarian-themed setting. Live music, food, beverages, games and challenges!

S t.

ar k

is P roctoLobue rfest

ST. LOUIS PARK ART FAIR Sept. 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | ROC, 3700 Monterey Drive

Join us for the seventh annual St. Louis Park Art Fair! Come celebrate the community, shop local artist and maker booths, and enjoy food trucks, a coffee bar, live music, art demos, exhibits and community art projects for the whole family.

HOWL-O-WEEN Oct. 11 | Noon – 3 p.m. | Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive Bring your furry friends and best costumes for Howl-O-Ween. Visitors can stroll through the park with their pets, meet different vendors to redeem prizes and do a little shopping. At 2:30 p.m., there will be a costume contest for all pets with fantastic prizes.

PUMPKINS IN THE PARK Nov. 1, 1 – 2 p.m. | Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive

Bring your old pumpkins to the hill in Wolfe Park to let those good ‘ole pumpkins roll! Participants will be divided into groups for rolling heats, with prizes awarded for special categories along the way. Will your pumpkin race to the finish first, slowly wobble its way down or splatter before it gets there? Join us for a fun-filled event that gives your pumpkins a second life before composting them in the Pitch-a-Pumpkin collection container at The Rec Center.

Other fall events and activities:

Movies in the Park Sept. 4, 19 and 26; Active all Autumn; Skate School Fall Showcase, Nov. 14; Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28; Disco Ball Ice Skating; and Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/events or scan the QR code for more!

more details on city events and activities or to sign up for updates.

U.G.L.Y. Sweater Dash 8

Fall 2026

City of St. Louis Park

N A T U R E

C E N T E R

45th Annual Halloween Party Oct. 16 and 17, 6:30 – 9 p.m., Westwood Hills Nature Center Join us for this family-friendly fall tradition! Come in costumes and enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Play carnival style games and trick-or-treat with friendly animal characters on Mother Nature’s Trail. Round out the evening with a puppet show and refreshments. Preregistration required; register at bit.ly/rec-registration.

Turkey Bingo Nov. 25, 11 a.m. – noon The Rec Center, 3700 Monterey Drive Join us for a special bingo event where participants are sure to have a gobbling good time! Everyone will have a chance to win awesome prizes, and no experience is needed. Participants are welcome to stay for free ice skating following bingo. Ages 6 – 12.

Turkeys on Ice

Nov. 25, noon – 1:30 p.m. The Rec Center, 3700 Monterey Drive Enjoy free indoor holiday ice skating just before the turkey and stuffing. Free skate rental is available while supplies last. All ages.

Dec. 6 | Race begins at 5:30 p.m. | Louisiana Oaks Park, 3520 Louisiana Ave. S. Dig out last year’s treasure, throw on the masterpiece you just created or simply enjoy the creativity of others. This 5K course loops through Louisiana Oaks Park and the lighted trees of Oak Hill Park. Afterwards, warm up across the street at Park Tavern and revel in your accomplishments while wearing your race medal. Registrants also receive a goodie bag. Register at bit.ly/rec-registration.