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Page 3Park Pages September/October 2022NEW CONNECT - Help welcome new residents! Mayor's Prayer Breakfast coming in OctoberAre you looking for a way to help make Brooklyn Park more of “A united andwelcoming community”? We have a great volunteer opportunity for you!Come sign up, hear a short presentation, pack bags, and then head out todeliver welcome bags to new residents in your own vehicle. We’ll send youon your way with the bags, a map, and some snacks as a thank you.New and returning volunteers are welcome! We’ll try to match you witha route in your own neighborhood, or close to it.Event date and time: Tuesday, September 20th 5:30–6:30 p.m. at City Hall(5200 85th Avenue N)Learn more at www.brooklynpark.org/newconnectQuestions? Contact Shanna Woods: shanna.woods@brooklynpark.comor call 763-493-8106National Hispanic Heritage MonthAccording to the 2020 Census data, 6.7% of Brooklyn Park residents identifyas Hispanic or Latino! This month we are celebrating National HispanicHeritage Month or Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana, celebrated fromSeptember 15 through October 15 in the United States.The purpose of this month is to recognize the contributions of Latinos andHispanic Americans history, culture, and achievements in the United States.Hispanic Heritage month first began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968and was established by legislation sponsored by Representative EdwardRoybal of Los Angeles.By the late 1980’s the week-long celebration had been expanded toone month. The 15th of September was chosen as the beginning of thecelebration because it is the independence day of five Latino countries:Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico,Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days on September 16,September 18 and 21. Additionally, Día de la Raza or Columbus Day is onOctober 12 and falls within this time period.The 29th annual Brooklyn Park Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will be at Edinburgh,USA on Thursday, October 13, at 7 a.m. The theme “The Gospel is the Answer”was inspired by the speaker Dan Adler, who has been bringing a messageof multi-ethnic worship and Biblical unity to thousands of people throughlive and recorded performances. In a time when divisions are increasing andbecoming more entrenched, the need is great to build bridges in both largeand small ways.Dan is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, music publisher, recording artist, ministerand the cofounder of Heart of the City Ministries which has, since 1996been bringing a message, model and experience of multi-ethnic worshipand Biblical unity to the community. He and his wife, Sandy, have two adultchildren and live in Maple Grove.Tickets for the event and table sponsorships are available on the PrayerBreakfast website: www.bpmayorsprayerbreakfast.com.October is Domestic ViolenceAwareness MonthToo often domestic abuse is not reported and occurs behind closeddoors. Community awareness is crucial because domestic violencecontinues regardless of national or local news covering other topics ofconcern. Domestic Awareness Month brings these matters into focus.Domestic abuse can hold many forms, not only physical. The most effectiveway to make a difference is to educate ourselves and others to recognizethe signs of abuse and reach out to victims and offer help.The color purple is a salute to survivors and those we have lost todomestic violence. Residents are encouraged to stop by City Hall or theCommunity Activity Center to pick up a free purple light bulb to replacetheir outdoor lights in support of the annual purple light initiative to shinea light on domestic violence. All participants can send photos of theirlight bulbs in use to communications@brooklynpark.org. The pictureswill be shared on the city’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.Youth Entrepreneurship and IT Tech Training Programsmall business. All of the presenting young people received a 1,500micro-grant, based on their phenomenal pitch deck presentations.So, if you are between the ages of 16 and 24, live or attend school inBrooklyn Center and/or Brooklyn Park, and are interested in starting yourown business, join the Youth Entrepreneurship Program! This is a PAIDopportunity to develop business skills, build and showcase your business,and secure free grant money to get your business started.Join the next YEP session:September 14–October 19 on Wednesday evenings (5:30–8 p.m.) atZanewood Recreation Center. Register by contacting Madison Hurst atmadison.hurst@brooklynk.works or call 763-453-2706.IT Train Tech ProgramYouth Entrepreurship ProgramJoin the IT Tech Training Program! This special opportunity is open toindividuals aged 18–30. Learn about the many IT career pathways availableto you. You’ll get the opportunity to complete IT certifications in CompTIAFundamentals, CompTIA A and CompTIA Network AND gain full-timeemployment after completion. The next TTP sessions will be offered:October 3–November 10, 8:30 –10:30 a.m., In-personNovember 14–December 21, 5 –7 p.m., VirtualZanewood Recreation Center and the Workforce Development Divisionhave partnered to create the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP).This program presents a creative solution to two separate communitychallenges: building career and entrepreneurship pathways for BIPOC youthand growing the capacity for BIPOC-owned small businesses.Register by contacting Madison Hurst at madison.hurst@brooklynk.worksor call 763-453-2706.Over 70 young people have participated in YEP since it launched in October2021. In June 2022, five young entrepreneurs showcased their businessideas during the inaugural Shark Tank event at Brooklyn Park City Hall(shown in photo above) in hopes of securing seed money to grow theirIn 2021, the MN IT Center of Excellence partnered with BrookLynk,Teamsters Service Bureau and American Indian OIC to create theIT Tech Training Program (TTP). It is funded by DEED focused primarilyon recruiting BIPOC individuals between the ages of 18–30.About the IT Train Tech program:

PagePage442021Park Pages September/October 2022Mississippi Gateway redevelopment willfeature numerous spots for gatheringsDuring the public engagement process when we were developingMississippi Gateway Regional Park’s master plan, we heard from peoplethat they wanted shelters for meals and gatherings both for largegroups and ones that didn’t require a reservation and were availablefree of charge. We’re excited to provide a range of options for gettogethers at the park.The western part of the park, currently the Brooklyn ParkEnvironmental Nature Area, will feature a new reservable shelter thatwill accommodate groups up to 150 people and will include grills,electricity, drinking water and a kitchenette. Restrooms will be availablenearby, and the west side of the park also will include a play areaconveniently located nearby. Ample parking will be available as well.In the eastern part of the park, we’ll be building smaller shelters thatwill be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There will also betables in open areas throughout the park. We’re looking forward towelcoming guests for their gatherings, whether their events are smallfamily picnics or once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.Find out more about dining outdoors in a beautiful settingat Mississippi Gateway or another Three Rivers park by /picnic-areas“The Many Faces of Zanewood”Zanewood Recreation Center recently unveilednew murals featuring faces of the young peoplewho enjoy the space and the multitude ofprogram offerings. Local artist, Reggie LeFlore,painted photos of the teens and broughttheir faces and stories to life. In addition to themurals, the recreation center also got a newlogo and name: The Wood!“The ‘Many Faces of Zanewood’ murals up lift theyouth not only here at Zanewood, but throughoutthe community”, says Tashawna Williams, Arts andTashawna WilliamsEngagement Specialist. “This murals representyoung people in each of our programs as well as staff who have madea difference in their own unique ways. We uplift all of them: our youngpeople, our staff, and our community. As we continue to do this workthrough passion, consideration and prioritizing the needs of thiscommunity, we want to create safe spaces, a space to build life skills, offera multitude of opportunities, and most importantly provide the resourcesto make dreams come true.”If you would like to learn more or to stay connected with “The Wood” visittheir Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/Zanewood.Rec.Center or thecity website: www.brooklynpark.org/youth-teens/Zanewood-3“No Mow May”At the June 6 work session, City Council directed staff to bring back aresolution related to “No Mow May” for 2023. No Mow May encouragesresidents who live in single- and two-family properties to protectpollinator food and habitat during the critical transition from winter tospring by avoiding mowing their yards during the month of May.Benefits of No Mow MayParticipating in No Mow May supports Minnesota pollinators such asnative bees, honeybees, ants, flies, beetles, birds, butterflies and more!Avoiding mowing protects overwinter habitat for native bees andallows plants rich in nectar and other nutrients to grow as pollinatorfood at a time when pollinators need it most.Brooklyn Park City Council will consider this resolution during theirregular meeting on September 26, 2022.Project ScheduleThe project design phase is anticipated to take all of this year. Noconstruction is planned to occur in 2022. Initial construction workcould start as early as 2023. A more detailed construction schedulewill be developed closer to the completion of the design phase. Theproject remains on schedule for a grand opening in 2026.You can learn more about the Mississippi Gateway Redevelopmentproject and also sign up to receive e-mail updates by -gateway-redevelopmentPreschool in Brooklyn Park - a great legacyFor many decades, the Recreation and Parks Department has operateda licensed preschool at the Community Activity Center and other parkbuildings. During that time thousands of children have started theireducation guided by caring and talented teachers who inspired a love oflearning, discovery and a sense of adventure. Beyond letters and numbers,the legacy of a great preschool is the important social-emotional skillslike curiosity, teamwork, and determination that prepare young learnersfor kindergarten. In June of 2022, staff made the difficult decision to closeBrooklyn Park Nature Preschool permanently. To share any memoriesof time spent at Brooklyn Park Nature Preschool, ABC- Pre-K, or NurseryPreschool through the years, please email teachers@brooklynpark.orgFor more information and assistance finding quality childcare programsin Minnesota, please visit https://www.childcareawaremn.org/families/

Page 5Park Pages September/October 20222022 bulky waste curbsidecollection — changes for this yearCurbside bulky waste cleanup will be held on fourSaturdays beginning on September 17. This year,we will be in the following neighborhoods:Birch Grove, Brookdale Park (west of Xerxes Ave), Founders,Northwoods, Oak Grove, Orchard Trail, Tessman (east ofWest Broadway), and Trinity Gardens.Find your date on the Brooklyn Park HRG Recyclingapp or use the interactive map on our ing-eventsThe cost of the bulky waste curbside collection programhas more than doubled in the past five years. To reducecosts, the City Council set limits on the amount of materialthat can be collected.General junk and building materialsPhoto Credit: MPCAPile limited to ONE level truck bed (about 4’ x 8’ x 2’)Prevent stormwater pollution: Report illicit dischargesUnusable furnitureLimit TWOYou play a large part in detecting illicit discharges in Brooklyn ParkMattresses or box springsAn “illicit discharge” is when anything other than rainwater is disposed of or spilled into thegutters, down the storm sewer, or directly into a stream or lake.Limit TWOAppliancesLimit TWOItems exceeding limits will be left behind by the hauler.Residents will need to arrange and pay for separatedisposal.Water Efficient Appliance RebateThe city’s rebate program has been expanded! Now youhave more opportunities to save money when you switchto water efficient appliances*.Get a 100 rebate: Buy and install efficient water softenersand irrigation systems controllers. Get a 50 rebate: Buyefficient dishwashers, toilets and clothes washers.New this year: Replace irrigation spray sprinkler bodies andget 5 back on each (up to 25). Homeowners’ associationscan get a 250 rebate on an irrigation system audit.Get your rebate today:Replace your existing unit(s)Submit a rebate application and your receipt to the cityRebates are limited – act now! For the rebate form, goto www.brooklynpark.org/housing/water-rebate or call763-493-8007 for more information.*Water softeners must be a demand-initiated model to qualify for therebate. For irrigation system controllers, irrigation spray sprinkler bodiesand toilets, make sure they are Water Sense rated. Clothes washers anddishwashers must be Energy Star rated.If you see anyone putting any material other than rainwater into the street or storm drains,please report it to the City Engineer at 763-493-8114. For potentially hazardous materials,call 9-1-1 first when there is an immediate threat to people, wildlife or property.Special materialsdrop-off day October 9Don't just leave yourleaves this fall!Before winter arrives, get rid of those itemsthat can be recycled but can’t go in yourrecycling cart. Drop off your mattresses,electronics, appliances, tires, scrap metal,bikes, batteries and more at the Operations& Maintenance facility, 8300 Noble Ave Non:Fallen leaves decompose and restock the soilwith nutrients. But, when there is no soil toland on, such as on a street or sidewalk, allthe decomposing bits wash down the stormdrain directly into lakes, rivers, and ponds.Here, the nutrients will feed unwanted algae.SATURDAY, OCTOBER 98 A.M. TO 3 P.M.There will also be free paper shredding.Fees may be charged for some items; paywith check or exact change to speed upthe process. For a list of what is acceptedand fees visit:www.brooklynpark.org/recycling-eventsor call 763-493-8006 for more information.Tales from Tim’s Recycling BinKeep it LooseBecoming fall, when it gets colder, we startbundling up. That’s a good thing for you and me,but not for your recycling. Bundling your bottles,cans, and papers in a bag makes it harder andsometimes impossible for them to be sorted. And ifthey can’t be sorted, they’ll be trashed.Sometimes plastic bags of unwanted items endup in the recycling cart. So, workers at the sortingfacility are trained to throw plastic bags in the trashunopened. Clear or opaque – trash they make.When paper bags get compacted on the truckthe recycling gets trapped inside. Material ismovingHere are some ways to keep leaves outof local waterbodies:Clear your curb or sidewalkSeveral times during the fall, rake up leavesthat have accumulated along your curb andsidewalk. Street sweeping can keep a lot ofleaves out of the water, but by the time theydrive by, lots of decomposed material mayhave already washed away.Compost your leavesThe leaves that are collected can becomposted in a variety of ways: Backyard compost bin Drop them off for free at theMaple Grove Yardwaste Site Curbside yard waste pickupthrough your garbage hauleralong the conveyor belt at the sorting facility tooquickly to allow workers to empty the paper bags.Bottles and cans inside a bag are quite likely goingto end up at the paper mill. Machinery at the papermill sorts those bottles and cans into the trash pile.If you collect recycling in your home in bags,please pour the contents out into your cart. Reusethe bags. Or you can drop the paper bags on top.Plastic bags go in your trash.Until next time, keep it loose my friends.Tim Pratt, Recycling ManagerOperations and MaintenanceMulch your yardWhole or shredded leaves can be used asmulch. Mulch benefits the soil and reducesweeds. Use a mulching mower to breakapart the leaves so that they fall between theblades of grass.In garden beds, leaves provide a protectivelayer of insulation for perennial gardens andshrubbery.Just remember: by law, leaves and other yardwaste cannot go in your garbage or recyclingcarts.Thanks for doing your part!

NORTH HENNEPIN COMMUNITY COLLEGEProud recipient of the ‘HEED’ National Diversity Award for our commitment to racial equity.Earn a degree or credits throughWEEKEND COLLEGEMany adults are interested in pursuing a degree, but a weekday class schedule can make this challenging.Not anymore! NHCC launched Weekend College this fall, offering courses on Friday evenings and Saturdays,giving students the opportunity to earn a degree in Business, Computer Science, and Human Services.Students pursuing other degrees can also enroll in weekend courses. We can help create a schedule thatworks for you! Learn more today by scanning the QR code!Take steps to enroll for spring on select SaturdaysIt’s not too early to start planning for spring semester! Join us once a month on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m–12:30 p.m.to get assistance with career planning, applying to NHCC, testing requirements and waivers, and course registration.Visit nhcc.edu/SaturdayServices for more information.September 24:November 19:Identify the right career for youTake placement test(s)October 29:Apply for free, attend an info session, tour campusDecember 17:Register for spring semesterYou can earn a degree at any life stage“I tell everyone I know to go toNHCC. I say, ‘If you want to go backto college, Financial Aid will helpwalk you through. The Advisorswill help you. Everyone is so supportive.’ I’ll never be able to fullyexpress my gratitude. NHCC set meon a whole new path. I can’t praisethe NHCC instructors enough.They’re always available and willhelp you if you don’t understandsomething. Between their instructors and their curriculum, NHCCshould be on the top of the list forcommunity colleges in the state ofMinnesota.”“Weekend College won’t consume your entire day. You can goto work, spend time with familyand still pursue your degree at anaccredited and affordable college.Our minds create obstacles, andwe think, ‘I don’t have the time,’ ‘Ican’t afford it,’ ‘It’s out of my way, ortakes too many years,’ but none ofthat is true. Credits add up fast andbefore you know it, you’ll have anassociate degree and opportunities for advancement.”John, Business ‘22Deborah, Human Services ‘21SAVE THE DATE: College Knowledge Month, October 1–31Apply for free and attend special events! More info at nhcc.edu/visit.Thankful for Community SupportNorth Hennepin Community College just completed another scholarship season benefitingour amazing NHCC students. Thank you to our generous community donors! Over 134,000in scholarships were awarded thanks in part to organizations such as Mains’l of BrooklynPark, The Kopp Family Foundation, Thrivent, Luther Brookdale Toyota, Edinburgh USA PROAM Foundation, Brooklyn Park Rotary, Osseo Lions, The National Association of Women inConstruction, the Minnesota Asphalt Pavement Association, and the Veterans of ForeignWars (VFW) Crystal Chapter 494.If you would like to help NHCC students through scholarships, contact troy.nellis@nhcc.eduor .eduEngaging Students, Changing LivesEqual Opportunity Educator and Employer. To receive this information in an alternative format, call 763-493-0555 (Voice) or via the Minnesota Relay at 1-800-627-3529.

SUSAN PHA 763-315-8496 voicemail susan.pha@brooklynpark.org (Elected through 2024) WYNFRED RUSSELL 763-315-8442 voicemail City of Brooklyn Park wynfred.russell@brooklynpark.org City Hall 5200 85th Ave. N. Brooklyn P ark, M N 55 44 3 ECRWSS Postal Customer PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 481 TWIN CITIES, MN @brooklynpark brooklynpark.org .