Transform our Parkways
Opening up our parkways to prioritize pedestrians during the onset of the pandemic revealed the true value of the spaces surrounding our wonderful parks.
As Commissioner I will support efforts for the transformation of our parkways into pedestrian-oriented community space, where possible.
Make room for people
It has been decades since many of these parkways have been established or modified in some way. In that time our city has grown by tens of thousands. Our pathways have become overburdened and cramped, it is time to make room for people in place of polluting single-occupancy vehicles.
Install gates for closures
I will also support the installation of gates on certain parkways to allow for temporary openings for pedestrian use on weekends, good weather days, or special events.
Clear access for all
I will continue policies that allow our disabled and elderly neighbors to have clear access to everything our parks have to offer.
Adapt for a New Generation of Park Users
Our parks and recreation services are at their best when they are in use. Many of our fields, facilities, and recreation activities have fallen out of use as our city’s demographics and the priorities of park users have shifted.
Reimagine existing spaces
As Commissioner I will pursue the conversion of our underutilized fields into well-maintained soccer fields, skate parks, basketball courts, and other activities growing in popularity.
Implement ‘Innovation Hubs’
I will also support the implementation of ‘innovation hubs’ where Minneapolis youth can explore alternative recreation activities such as audio and video recording, graphic design, and other tech-focused hobbies.
Ensure safety for youth
We need to meet our youth where they are and tune our services to their desires. My goal is to provide safe and structured environments for our youth no matter the activity.
Increase year-round space for children and young families
Many residents of Minneapolis either rent or live somewhere with relatively little space, especially if they have one or more children. That is why we must develop new, and improve existing space to give young families a communal space to grow and thrive.
Fight for Equity
Many of our parks continue to bear the names and statues of our racist past, I will work to return these areas to their original names, or rename them in a way that honors traditions the local community wishes to uphold.
I will also push for interpretive signage at parks that include governments’ legacies of colonization, discrimination, and environmental injustice.
Innovative programming for young adults of color
I will invest in innovative programs that include workforce pathways for young adults of color.
Climate Justice
I will utilize my firsthand experience advocating for environmental justice with CEAC, and MCEA, to advance resiliency and climate justice goals across our park system.
Invest in anti-racism work
I will continue the investment in anti-racism work for all MPRB staff.
Reform Open-Liquor Policy
As a city, we can move forward with a practical and safe open liquor law that allows adults to drink responsibly and safely in the open. The reality is that drinking in public already exists both barely hidden, and at certain city-sanctioned events.
Many cities have implemented some sort of open-liquor law successfully including, New Orleans, Paris, Savannah, and Memphis. Open liquor laws add a positive atmosphere which helps make for a unique and dynamic experience.
Make Minneapolis a destination city
Reforming our open liquor laws will help to boost tourism, business, and the reputation of Minneapolis as a destination city.
Increase where and when liquor is allowed
As Commissioner, I will move to increase the number of events run by the Park Board, and on park land where open liquor is allowed.
I will also pursue a policy to designate certain park locations and days of the week where open liquor will be allowed, so we can study these policies with hopes of implementing a parkwide policy in the near future.
Manage Encampments with Dignity
In the best of times, the Park Board would not be required to manage homeless encampments throughout our parks, unfortunately, we live in difficult times.
As Commissioner I will work with the city, county, and state governments to provide our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness with permanent shelter solutions where possible.
Ensure health, safety, and wellbeing for residents
In the likely event that encampments return, I will work to ensure that they remain at a small enough size to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of the residents of the encampment and their neighbors.
Respect humanity and address urgent needs
Though the situation will remain fluid, I will prioritize actions that make our parks safe spaces for everyone while respecting the humanity and needs of those who are experiencing homelessness.