Briefs - Mar 2024

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is considering renaming the Lake Nokomis 50th Street Beach "Al Wittman Beach." It's the smaller beach of two on Lake Nokomis, just south of Nokomis Naturescape Garden on the northeast side of the lake. Al Wittman worked for the MPRB from 1969 to his retirement in 1997, serving as the Assistant Superintendent for Planning and Development. He oversaw the design and construction of numerous new recreation centers, including the Lake Nokomis Community Center, and also the redesign and renovation of many existing parks. He was instrumental in establishing the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, redeveloping St. Anthony Falls area, and implementing design standards across the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. Policy dictates that the Board of Commissioners wait two years to take a final vote after a nomination. 

 

The DNR is currently reviewing the fisheries management plan for Lake Nokomis. DNR staff are working on updating plans to manage the health and quality of the fish in the lake, and gathering public input is helpful. metrowest.fisheries@state.mn.us, 952-236-5170

 

Trail improvements in the Nokomis-Hiawatha park area are scheduled to begin this spring. Planned improvements include a connection between Nokomis Pkwy. and the Cedar Ave. bridge, a Cedar Ave. bridge connection and crossing at Nokomis Pkwy. and 52nd Street, a trail crossing at 22nd Ave. and Lake Nokomis Pkwy., a pedestrian path along Lake Nokomis at Amelia Pond and a trail connection between Nokomis Community Center and Woodlawn Boulevard. 

 

Due to the unseasonably warm weather, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) will no longer be completing maintenance dredging of Amelia Stormwater Pond this winter (and Twin Lakes Park Stormwater Pond in St. Louis Park). MCWD is considering rescheduling this project for winter 2025.