Park News - Apr 2025

Lake Harriet Bandshell Repair Update
Repairs begin this spring at smaller Lake Harriet Bandshell structures after repairs to the Bandshell and its concessions building were completed last year.
This year’s repairs include the boat launch building, picnic shelter next to the concessions building, and information kiosk. Work is scheduled in spring and fall phases to accommodate summer events, activities and concessions at the Bandshell.
The spring phase began the week of March 10, 2025. Work will focus on renovating and repainting the buildings’ siding, repairing electrical systems, and building some new built-in seating at the picnic shelter and on existing planters facing the lake. This work is planned to wrap up in April, before Bread & Pickle concessions open for the season.
The fall phase is expected to begin in October after the season ends for Bread & Pickle and the boat launch. Work will focus on roof replacements for the boat launch building and picnic shelter, and door replacements at the Bandshell. This work is scheduled to finish up for the year in November.

TREE PLANTING AT KENNY PARK
The 2025 Minneapolis Arbor Day Celebration brings an entertaining evening in appreciation of trees to Kenny Park (1328 W 58th St.) on Friday, April 25, 4-8 p.m. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Forestry Department and its network of community partners invite everyone to enjoy a unique variety of tree-themed activities, education, and entertainment for all ages. Approximately 130 trees will be planted across the park this spring, about half of which will be planted during the Arbor Day Celebration.

LYNNHURST PARK SURVEY OPEN
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is working on a project that will replace and rehabilitate portions of playground equipment at Lynnhurst Park. Project design will be finalized this summer with construction planned fall 2025-spring 2026. An online survey is available until April 18, 2025 for people to share opinions on a number of options for the upgraded playground: potential play equipment and color schemes; layout options; support for refurbishing equipment; open comments.

Garden Tool Swaps May 10
Attention, gardeners! From seasoned growers to novice seed-sowers, all are welcome at the 5th Annual Minneapolis Garden Tool Swap. Neighborhood and community organizations are excited to once again offer this free event on Saturday, May 10 at Lake Hiawatha Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at Armatage Park and Martin Luther King Jr. Park from 9 a.m.-noon. Kenwood Community Center will host the swap from 1-4 p.m. along with other activities.
As you start Spring cleaning, hang on to unused yard tools, planters, garden décor, books, seeds, and more, and share them with neighbors at the swap. You do not need to bring items in order to take, and you may bring without taking. All items donated at the swap are free for any participant to take home.
There will also be garden tool swaps going on in Northeast, Prospect Park and North Minneapolis on May 3 and at Brian Coyle Center May 16 with donations accepted anytime. For more event details, visit the City’s web page Garden Tool Swap - City of Minneapolis. https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/garden-tool-swap/ 
Thousands of items have found new uses over the years that Minneapolis Recycling has been supporting and tracking the swaps.