Category Archives: Park

June 23, 2020 eNews

Community Conversation This Thursday

Thursday, June 25
8:00-9:00pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89624700526

Join the ANA for a second Community Conversation this week on Zoom to continue our dialogue on where we go from here as a neighborhood and a broader community. The discussion will include community engagement, safety, equity and anti-racism and we’ll be joined by Ward 13 City Council Member Linea Palmisano.

Neighborhood Art Journal Submissions Due 6/30

We need art more than ever. Please share pictures of what you and your family members have done to express yourselves creatively by June 30. We will assemble your submissions into a journal to document this moment of time in Armatage.

A free pdf of the art journal will available to download at armatage.org/art and we will possibly feature your submission in ANA communications about this project or in a future community mural. Check out submission guidelines and an awesome video about this project at armatage.org/art/

Proposed Armatage Neighborhood Funding Cuts

The City of Minneapolis is considering a plan that would drastically reduce the annual funding for Armatage and many other neighborhoods. The last few months have reinforced how critical strong, local communities are and we believe there can be a better balance that will increase funding for equity while allowing small neighborhoods like Armatage to keep doors open.

We Need Your Help

Visit armatage.org/n2020 for a message you can copy and send to the Mpls City Council by July 15, 2020.

2020 Board Election Results

Thank you to everyone who voted in the 2020 Armatage Board Election!  We received 119 votes in total and it was a close election. Congratulations to the newly elected ANA Board Members:

  • Samantha Bild
  • Sean D. Burke
  • Sharla McIntosh-Ziegler
  • Kevin Ross
  • Adriana Dobrzycka (current ANA Board member elected to a new term)


Emergency Rental Assistance Available

Hennepin County has extended its emergency rental assistance program to include residents of Minneapolis. Learn more and apply at https://www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/emergency-rental-covid19 Please share widely!

Evictions Suspended Until July 13

The governor’s latest extension of the peacetime emergency means that the suspension of evictions and landlord-initiated lease terminations remains in place until July 13. This suspension will allow households to remain sheltered during the peacetime emergency. The executive order does not relieve a tenant’s obligation to pay rent.

Vote by Mail Info

With a probable wave more COVID-19 cases later this year, we encourage you to request an absentee ballot now. It only takes a couple minutes to request ballots for both the primary and the general election. Ballots will arrive with postage-paid envelopes for return. To complete this application online you must:

  • Be eligible to register and vote in Minnesota (check or update your voter registration here)
  • Provide an email address
  • Provide your identification number: MN-issued driver’s license, Minnesota ID card or last 4 digits of Social Security Number


Register for Pickle Ball Leagues at Kenny and Fuller

Need some physically distanced fun in a park this summer? The MPRB is offering Pickle Ball at both Kenny and Fuller Parks starting in July. Click on the links below to sign up:

Lifeguards Return to Select Mpls Beaches

If you’re thinking of heading to a Minneapolis beach to cool off, there will now be lifeguards at select beaches during the weekends with more lifeguard hours to come during weekdays. Click here to see hours, locations and water safety info.

Mask Up Mpls

ICYMI, cloth masks or face coverings are required at all indoor public spaces in Minneapolis. Masks can help prevent you from infecting others, especially in situations where you may spread the virus without symptoms. Even while wearing a mask, you still need to wash your hands frequently, cover your cough, and practice physical distancing by keeping at least 6 feet of space between people.

Businesses are not required to provide masks to customers or employees, though employers are required to mandate the use of masks by their staff. Non-compliance should be reported through 311.  Learn more about the Minneapolis Mask Ordinance here.

Donate Face Masks for Mask Drive Mondays

Minneapolis residents can deliver homemade masks to their local fire station from 10:00am-2:00pm every Monday for Mask Drive Mondays.  Our closest fire stations are at 2810 W 50th St and 5410 Nicollet Ave S.

Please plan to stay 6 feet away from others when dropping off your donation. The City of Mpls will distribute the donated masks throughout Minneapolis to residents, organizations and businesses that are most in need.

Help is Available

We’re still keeping our COVID-19 Resource Page updated with links to emergency rent assistance, unemployment, food shelves, maps of local businesses offering curbside pick-up, online kids’ activities, and details on our indoor mask ordinance. Check it out at https://armatage.org/covid19

June 6, 2020 eNews

A Message from the ANA:

Last week, racial slurs were found on the skate park at Armatage Park. It’s unclear whether this was inspired by recent events surrounding the murder of George Floyd or if the timing was coincidental. Regardless, it was a despicable act and the ANA board fully condemns such cowardly and inhumane behavior. It is our hope that the perpetrators of this reprehensible act will have the courage to take a long, hard look at themselves and find the will to change.

We strive to be a community that is welcoming and supportive of all, particularly our neighbors who identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Color. We recognize the systems in our city that have long harmed communities of color and we as a neighborhood are committed to working toward equity.

Community Safety Updates

Register to Run for the ANA Board by June 8

Please consider running for the Armatage Neighborhood Association’s Board of Directors. Board members have a critical role in shaping our neighborhood nonprofit for years to come. These past weeks and months have reinforced how critical strong, local communities are.

Members of underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to run for the board, including renters, seniors, residents with disabilities, and residents who identify as LGBTQ or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color). Learn more about what’s involved and register to run by June 8 at armatage.org/2020boardelection/

Community Conversation: June 9

Tuesday, June 9
8:00-9:00pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/502813335

Please join us from 8:00-9:00pm this Tuesday, June 9 for an open conversation on how Armatage can learn from recent events and where we go from here to be more equitable and inclusive. (Our original topic for this month’s Happy Hour was brainstorming community projects that could be funded by a Mini Grant, but there is a lot to discuss and process after the last couple weeks in our community.)

Armatage Annual Meeting

Tuesday, June 16
7:00-8:30pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89815019195

Join your neighbors for a virtual Armatage Annual Meeting on Zoom. Connect with State Representative Jamie Long, City Council Member Linea Palmisano and County Commissioner Marion Greene who will each provide updates with time for questions, win a gift card to a local business, and hear board election results.

Online Board Election: June 9-16

This year’s Armatage Board Election will be held online from June 9 through June 16 at 7:30pm. All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated business representatives are able to vote in the election through an online form that will be posted at armatage.org on June 9. Please see above for more details on running for election!

Armatage Neighborhood Art Journal

We need art more than ever. Please share pictures of what you and your family members have done to express yourselves creatively by June 30. We will assemble your submissions into a journal to document this moment of time in Armatage.

A free pdf of the art journal will available to download at armatage.org/art and we will possibly feature your submission in ANA communications about this project or in a future community mural. Check out submission guidelines and an awesome video about this project at armatage.org/art/


Emergency Rental Assistance Available

Hennepin County has extended its emergency rental assistance program to include residents of Minneapolis. Learn more and apply at https://www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/emergency-rental-covid19 Please share widely!


Free Meals for Kids App & MPS Food Distribution Extended

Minneapolis Public Schools has extended their no-contact weekly food distribution program through at least July 24 and added a M-F free food distribution site at Longfellow Park. Boxes of food are free for all children 18 and under, whether they attend a MPS school or not. Check out the updated food distribution schedule here and see pick-up details, menu and heating instructions, and FAQs on the MPS free food distribution site here.

You can also download Hunger Impact Partners‘ Free Meals for Kids app on the App Store or Google Play to find and access free meals at nearly 400 schools and other sites across Minnesota for families and children in need.

Vote by Mail Information

Thinking about voting by mail this year? Sign up now to get Absentee ballots for the August primary and November general election mailed directly to you. Once you register to vote or check your voter registration, it takes just a couple minutes to request ballots. Your ballots will arrive approximately six weeks before each election with postage-paid envelopes for return.

Register to vote or update your registration here
Request an Absentee Ballot here


Donate Homemade Face Masks for Mask Drive Mondays

Minneapolis residents can deliver homemade masks to their local fire station from 10:00am-2:00pm every Monday beginning June 8 for Mask Drive Mondays.  Our closest fire stations are at 2810 W 50th St and 5410 Nicollet Ave S.

Please plan to stay 6 feet away from others when dropping off your donation. The City of Mpls will distribute the donated masks throughout Minneapolis to residents, organizations and businesses that are most in need.

Learn more about the Minneapolis Mask Ordinance here.

Help is Available

Check out our updated COVID-19 Resource Page for links to emergency rent assistance, unemployment, food shelves, maps of local businesses offering curbside pick-up, online kids’ activities, and details on our new indoor mask ordinance at https://armatage.org/covid19

May 22, 2020 eNews

May 19 Meeting Recap

Thanks to Council Member Palmisano for giving an update on how the City continues to address COVID-19, including the current budget deficit. The Board discussed its 2020 Board Election (June 9-16) and planned next month’s virtual Annual Meeting (June 16), approving a small budget for communications and door prizes.

The new Neighborhood Art Journal is underway with many submissions received already. The Board approved funds to continue spreading the word through chalk drawings, social media and flyers around the neighborhood. Additional topics of discussion: board expectations, Mini Grant recipient orientation, Rain/Native Garden program, and the Green Team’s Organics Workshop (thanks to all who attended!).

Armatage Neighborhood Art Journal

During this time of social distancing, what have you and your family members done to express yourselves creatively? Please share your creations with us as we compile a journal to document this moment of time in Armatage. We will assemble your submissions into a free journal available to download at armatage.org/art and possibly feature them in ANA communications about this project or in a future community mural.

See submission guidelines and an awesome video about this project at armatage.org/art/

Armatage Annual Meeting & Board Election

Tuesday, June 16
7:00-8:30pm
Zoom

Join your neighbors for a virtual Armatage Annual Meeting! Connect with your elected representatives, win a gift card to a local business, and hear a short, fascinating talk on the 2020 Census and its impact on Minneapolis before board election results are announced.

Please note that voting for this year’s Board Election will be held online from June 9 through June 16 at 7:30pm. All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated business representatives are able to vote in the election through an online form that will be posted at armatage.org on June 9. See below for more details on running for election!

Join the Board

We will have a few open board seats in June so why not run for the Armatage Neighborhood Association’s Board of Directors?  Board members have a critical role in shaping our neighborhood nonprofit for years to come.

Members of underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to run for the board, including renters, seniors, residents with disabilities, and residents who identify as LGBTQ or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color).

Learn more about what’s involved and register to run by June 8 at armatage.org/2020boardelection/

Take Action by 5/31 to Win a $50 Gift Card

Did you know that our community loses $2800 per year for every person not counted in the census?  Help out by May 31 and enter to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses:
  1. Take the 2020 Census: my2020census.gov
  2. Take Action. Choose from the following list…
    • Snap a selfie and share with hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Share a social media post with my2020census.gov and hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Reach out to a neighbor (or two!) about completing the Census using #socialdistancing. (This is a perfect chance to check in remotely).
  3. Visit armatage.org/2020census and enter your info for a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses. All Minneapolis residents are eligible to enter.

Masks Required Indoors Starting 5/26

Yesterday Mayor Jacob Frey signed Emergency Regulation 2020-12, which will require people in Minneapolis to wear cloth face masks or coverings when they are in an indoor place of public accommodation, including grocery stores, recreation centers, hotels, retail businesses, the skyway system, and government buildings.

The order takes effect Tuesday, May 26 and applies to everyone over the age of 2. See mask FAQs at http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/faqs#Masks

Request Your Absentee Ballot to Vote by Mail

Many public agencies including the City of Minneapolis recommend voting early by mail this election year. Sign up now to get your ballots for the August primary and November general election mailed to you. It takes just a couple minutes to sign up and ballots will arrive approximately six weeks before those elections, along with postage-paid envelopes for return.

Register to vote (or update your registration) here

Apply for an Absentee Ballot here

Share your Stories with the Hennepin History Museum

As we transition into this new phase of the COVID-19 response, the Hennepin History Museum asks that you take a short survey to document your experiences so far. Their hope is to gather stories to preserve snapshots of our lives.

The museum will preserve these stories in their archive and–if you want–will share some of them online. Stay tuned for snippets from some of the stories that have already been submitted!  Link to survey: https://hennepinhistory.org/documenting-our-experiences/

Armatage Park Play Area Improvements Survey

If you haven’t done so yet, there’s just one week left to weigh in on upcoming improvements for the Armatage Park Play Area. Take the survey and sign up for project updates at https://bit.ly/ArmatagePark

This survey is open through May 29 and is expected to be first in a series on prioritizing and designing improvements. Thanks in advance for sharing your ideas and opinions for our beloved park! Click here to take the Armatage Park survey.

Comment Period for the Transportation Action Plan Ends Today

Did you know that streets and public right-of-ways make up 22% of the land in Minneapolis?  The draft Transportation Action Plan is a 10-year action plan to guide future planning, design and implementation of transportation projects for these spaces and for all people in all the ways we move around Minneapolis.

Visit the interactive website at http://go.minneapolismn.gov/ to provide your input on specific strategies and actions during the public comment period, which runs through today (May 22).

NRPA Social Distancing Graphic

Minneapolis Park Amenities to Re-open

Playgrounds, skate parks, athletic fields, and courts will slowly open over the next week to groups of 10 users or less. Read through the details at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/

Please keep social distancing measures in place when you and your family members use parks to keep these critical community spaces safe for everyone. Check the MPRB’s COVID-19 page in the weeks to come for updates.

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Minneapolis Firefighters’ Virtual Story Time

Check out Minneapolis firefighters reading children’s books for a virtual story time in partnership with Minneapolis Public Schools. Watch the videos here:

Help is Available

Check out our updated COVID-19 Resource Page for links to emergency assistance, unemployment, food shelves, maps of local businesses offering curbside pick-up, online kids’ activities, and details on our new Stay Safe MN order at https://armatage.org/covid19. We are in this together. <3

May 14, 2020 eNews

May 19 Meeting Agenda

6:30-8:30pm | Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/94646891472
All meetings are open to community members. Please allow time to sign in at the link above.

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Update from Council Member Palmisano
  • June Online Annual Meeting & Board Election
    • Resolution for a Remote Annual Meeting
    • Agenda and speakers
    • Board election volunteers
    • Communications and budget
  • Art Journal Project
    • Communications & Outreach Plan
  • ANA Board & Committee Expectations
  • Other Business
  • President’s Report
  • Minutes – need to approve
  • Treasurer Report – financials emailed
  • Committee Updates
    • Green Team
    • Mini Grants
    • Complete Count
  • Coordinator Update:
    • New Board Orientation & Board Refresher

Monday, May 18
7:00-8:00pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83728133761

Thinking of making a change that will have a huge impact on your family’s environmental footprint? Now is the perfect time to start organics recycling and check out our free Organics Recycling How-to Workshop on May 18! We’ll cover what can and can’t go into the green cart, tips and tricks, and lots of ideas to affordably set up your home.

Taught by our Coordinator, Lauren, who ran organics recycling programs and taught workshops all over the Twin Cities before coming to the Armatage neighborhood, we promise it’ll be a short and fun Zoom workshop! Open to all, even if you live outside Armatage: armatage.org/online-organics-recycling-workshop/

Armatage Neighborhood Art Journal

During this time of social distancing, what have you and your family members done to express yourselves creatively? Please share your creations with us as we compile a journal to document this moment of time in Armatage.

Your submission could be artwork and paintings; sidewalk art; original poetry or short stories; knitted, crocheted or sewn creations; new gardens; home DIY projects; recipes you’ve cooked up; or images from walks. We will assemble your submissions into a free journal available to download at armatage.org/art and possibly feature them in ANA communications about this project or in a future community mural.

See submission guidelines and an awesome video about this project at armatage.org/art/

Armatage Annual Meeting & Board Election

Tuesday, June 16
7:00-8:30pm
Zoom

Join your neighbors for a virtual Armatage Annual Meeting! Connect virtually with your elected officials and hear a short, fascinating talk on the 2020 Census and its impact on Minneapolis before board election results are announced.

This year’s Board Election will be held online from June 9 through June 16 at 7:30pm. All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated business representatives will be able to vote in the election through an online form that will be posted at armatage.org. See below for more details on running for election!

Join the Board

Thinking about running for the Armatage Neighborhood Association’s Board of Directors?  Thank you!  Board members will have a critical role in shaping our neighborhood nonprofit for years to come.

Members of underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to run for the board, including renters, seniors, residents with disabilities, and residents who identify as LGBTQ or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color).

Learn more about what’s involved and register to run by June 8 at armatage.org/2020boardelection/

Take Action and Win a $50 Gift Card

Help neighbors and friends take the Census by May 31 and enter to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses:

  1. Take the 2020 Census: my2020census.gov
  2. Take Action. Choose from the following list…
    • Snap a selfie and share with hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Share a social media post with my2020census.gov/ and hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Reach out to a neighbor (or two!) about completing the Census using #socialdistancing. (This is a perfect chance to check in remotely).
  3. Visit armatage.org/2020census and enter your info for a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses. All Minneapolis residents are eligible to enter.

Help is Available

We updated our COVID-19 Resource Page to make it much easier to navigate, especially on mobile. Check it out to find links to emergency assistance, unemployment, food shelves, maps of local businesses offering curbside pick-up, online kids’ activities, and details on our new Stay Safe MN order at https://armatage.org/covid19.

Armatage Park Play Area Improvements Survey

Dreaming of when we’ll be able to safely play in parks again? Us too! In the meantime,  please help weigh in on upcoming improvements for the Armatage Park Play Area by taking the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s survey and signing up for project updates at https://bit.ly/ArmatagePark

This survey is open now through May 29 and is expected to be first in a series on prioritizing and designing improvements. Thanks in advance for sharing your ideas and opinions for our beloved park! Click here to take the Armatage Park survey.

Comment on the Transportation Action Plan by May 22

Did you know that streets and public right-of-ways make up 22% of the land in Minneapolis?  The draft Transportation Action Plan is a 10-year action plan to guide future planning, design and implementation of transportation projects for these spaces and for all people in all the ways we move around Minneapolis.

Visit the interactive website at http://go.minneapolismn.gov/ to provide your input on specific strategies and actions during the public comment period, which runs through May 22.

Stay Safe MN Details

Beginning May 18, non-critical businesses, like retail stores and main street businesses, can reopen if they have a social distancing plan and operate at 50 percent capacity. Also, starting May 18, Minnesotans are welcome to gather with friends and family in groups of 10 or less with safe social distancing practices in place. Learn more at https://mn.gov/covid19/

Comprehensive District Design Passes

The Minneapolis School Board voted to approve the district’s Comprehensive District Design recommendations this week.  Learn about the changing school boundaries and pathways, magnet schools and timeline for implementation at https://www.cdd.mpls.k12.mn.us/

NRPA Social Distancing Graphic

Minneapolis Park Closures

Minneapolis playgrounds, skate parks, athletic fields, and courts are closed. Check out the closure details at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/

Parks and trails are still open during this time. Please do your part to keep them safe for everyone and check the MPRB’s COVID-19 page in the weeks to come for updates.

May 7, 2020 eNews

Armatage Park Play Area Improvements Survey

Dreaming of when we’ll be able to safely play in parks again? Us too! In the meantime,  please help weigh in on upcoming improvements for the Armatage Park Play Area by taking the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s survey and signing up for project updates at https://bit.ly/ArmatagePark

This survey is open through May 22 and is expected to be first in a series on prioritizing and designing improvements. Thanks in advance for sharing your ideas and opinions for our beloved park! Click here to take the Armatage Park survey.

Gardening Happy Hour on May 12

Tuesday, May 12
8:00-9:00pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/502813335

Social distancing got you craving connection? Our Happy Hour topic of the month is gardening, so come discuss your adventures with vegetable gardens, perennials, annuals, hard-scaping and dealing with the urban critters who disrupt our plans (🐿+🐇). Open to all, even if you don’t live in the neighborhood.

Thanks to the Armatage Green Team for hosting this month’s Neighborhood Happy Hour!

Monday, May 18
7:00-8:00pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83728133761

Thinking of making a change that will have a huge impact on your family’s environmental footprint? Now is the perfect time to start organics recycling and check out our free Organics Recycling How-to Workshop on May 18! We’ll cover what can and can’t go into the green cart, tips and tricks, and lots of ideas to affordably set up your home. Open to all, even if you live outside Armatage. Learn more at https://armatage.org/online-organics-recycling-workshop/

Win a $50 Gift Card and Help Our Community Count in the Census

There’s still time to help ensure Minnesota gets its full share of funding for schools, health care, roads and public services by getting more of your friends, family and neighbors to take the 2020 Census.

Help out and enter to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses:

  1. Take the 2020 Census: my2020census.gov
  2. Take Action. Choose from the following list…
    • Snap a selfie and share with hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Share a social media post with my2020census.gov/ and hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Reach out to a neighbor (or two!) about completing the Census using #socialdistancing. (This is a perfect chance to check in remotely).
  3. Visit armatage.org/2020census and enter your info for a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses. All Minneapolis residents are eligible to enter.

Help is Available

Safety at Home: Stay at Home should never mean you stay somewhere unsafe. There are places of sanctuary open for anyone facing abuse or violence. Please call Minnesota’s statewide crisis hotline – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – at 1.866.223.1111 or text 612.399.9995.

Unemployment Support: Minnesota is one of the first states to implement both the $600 per week additional compensation and the 13 week extension of benefits. Find these and answers to other unemployment questions here.

Mental Health: If you’re worried about a loved one, or if you want someone to talk to, know you can reach out. We have a website with mental health resources. You’re not alone in this challenge.

Find info on assistance programs, free food and meals, chore help, local businesses, volunteer opportunities, kids activities and more at https://armatage.org/covid19.  Please keep sharing this link!


Sign up for the Rain & Native Garden Program

We’ve teamed up with local nonprofit, Metro Blooms, again this year to help Armatage residents install a low cost rain or native garden. Slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and there are just a couple left!  Apply today at armatage.org/programs/rain-gardens/

Participants pay an average of $300-$450 and are responsible for planting and maintaining their garden. Additional need-based grants are available through the ANA for residents who meet income guidelines: click here for guidelines and to apply for additional assistance. We’ve been busy retooling the program with your safety in mind so site visits and installations will take place through social distancing – learn more at armatage.org/programs/rain-gardens/.

Adopt-A-Tree with Brewing a Better Forest

In honor of Arbor Day and the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, consider adopting a tree.  There’s no housebreaking or litterbox training. No obedience classes. All an adopted street tree asks of you is water – once a week through the current growing season.

Brewing a Better Forest has thousands of public trees available for adoption, including many in Armatage: Select yours today.


Free Virtual Home Energy Visits

The Home Energy Squad is now offering free virtual home energy visits to help you find your biggest energy savings. The cost-free visit is conducted online to help you discover low cost energy-saving opportunities. They’ll also help identify possible future projects to save you even more, so you’ll be ready for action when the time comes. Learn more and sign up at https://www.mncee.org/home-energy-squad/sign-up/

You can also sign up to borrow the Armatage Thermal Camera to pinpoint energy waste through a no contact pick-up and drop-off at https://armatage.org/thermal-camera/


Doors Open Minneapolis Facts & Photo Contest

Learn about your community as you enjoy Doors Open Minneapolis’ new project, Strolls Through the Streets. Check out facts and addresses of notable landmarks around the city here.

You can also enter this year’s photo contest on Instagram and share the exterior of your favorite venue to win $250 for you + $250 for a COVID relief charity of your choice. Learn more at https://www.doorsopenminneapolis.org/stroll

Transportation Action Plan Open House

Check out the draft Transportation Action Plan website to read the draft plan and provide feedback. The interactive website includes opportunities to provide your input on specific strategies and actions during the public comment period, which is extended until May 22.

One more Open House is scheduled for you to hear about the plan, give input, and interact in real time:

NRPA Social Distancing Graphic

Minneapolis Park Closures

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board made the difficult decision to close playgrounds, skate parks, athletic fields, and courts last week. Check out the closure details at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/

Parks and trails are still open during this time. Please do your part to keep them safe for everyone, which means…

  • Bringing a water bottle, hand sanitizer, etc. while buildings are closed
  • Not visiting parks or trails if you feel sick with a fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose and/or sore throat.
  • Staying at least six feet away from anyone who doesn’t live with you.
  • Washing your hands immediately before and after visiting a park.
  • Walking or rolling to your local parks. The MPRB has asked that folks don’t drive across the city or metro to visit popular park attractions.
  • Not holding any group activities with people who don’t live with you.

Extended Stay at Home Details

ICYMI, our #StayHomeMN order is extended through May 18 but many retail and other businesses can start offering online sales and curbside pick-up. Learn more at https://mn.gov/covid19/

 

April 22, 2020 eNews

50th Anniversary of Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! Today marks the 50th Anniversary of the first Earth Day in 1970.  Scroll below for all kinds of green info including a DIY Earth Day clean-up and easy ways to take action to protect our planet.

April 21 Meeting Recap

Council Member Palmisano gave an update on the City’s response to COVID-19 and City services. Armatage Park Director Jordan Nelson shared MPRB’s new Ambassador program, which is stationing staff at all park properties throughout the City to serve as a resource. Armatage Park’s playground is up for reconstruction over the next year and the ANA is working with the MPRB on engagement and minimizing impact on the neighborhood.

The ANA will hold virtual Annual Meeting and Online Board Elections on June 16 (look for more details to come) and continue monthly virtual Happy Hours with different topics (next month’s Happy Hour is May 12 at 8:00pm with the topic of gardening). In May and June, the ANA will collect pictures of neighborhood art, poetry, knitting/crocheting, gardens, sidewalk art, etc. to create a final pdf or video. The board approved this year’s Mini Grant recipients and the sign-ups for the 2020 Rain & Native Garden program are underway (see below).

Minneapolis Housing Gap Funding – apply by April 27

Applications are now open for the City of Minneapolis’s Housing Gap Funding.  Eligible expenses include rent payments, utility payments and/or other housing stability related costs.  Apply by 12:00pm on Monday, April 27 at http://minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/gap-funding. Please help spread the word!

Find links to the Gap Funding program, assistance programs, free food and meals,  unemployment, chore help, volunteer opportunities, and kids activities at https://armatage.org/covid19.  Thank you to everyone who has shared this resource with their block’s e-list or on social media. 

DIY Earth Day Clean-up

Join the Parks’ Annual Earth Day Park Clean-up, DIY style! Sometime during the month of April….

  1. Use a trash bag from home.
  2. Head to a nearby park or trail and pick up trash you see, while getting fresh air and exercise!
  3. Practice social distancing and other current COVID-19 guidelines. Learn more at www.minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/
  4. Share pictures your trash haul on our Facebook page – at @MPLSEarthDay – and get a prize!

Learn more at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/events/earth_day_cleanup/

Win a $50 Gift Card and Help Our Community Count in the Census

We need your help to ensure Minnesota gets its full share of funding for schools, health care, roads and more. Help out and enter to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses:

  1. Take the 2020 Census: my2020census.gov
  2. Take Action. Choose from the following list…
    • Snap a selfie and share with hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Share a social media post with my2020census.gov/ and hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Reach out to a neighbor (or two!) about completing the Census using #socialdistancing. (This is a perfect chance to check in remotely).
  3. Visit armatage.org/2020census and enter your info for a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses. All Minneapolis residents are eligible to enter.

Sign up for the Armatage Rain & Native Garden Program

The Armatage Neighborhood Association is teaming up with local nonprofit, Metro Blooms, again this year to help Armatage residents install a low cost rain or native garden. Slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and virtual consultations will start right away. Apply today at armatage.org/programs/rain-gardens/

Participants pay an average of $300-$450 and are responsible for planting and maintaining their garden. Additional need-based grants are available through the ANA for residents who meet income guidelines: click here for guidelines and to apply for additional assistance. We’ve been busy retooling the program with your safety in mind so site visits and installations will take place through social distancing – learn more at armatage.org/programs/rain-gardens/.

Transportation Action Plan Open Houses

Check out the draft Transportation Action Plan website to read the draft plan and provide feedback. The interactive website includes opportunities to provide your input on specific strategies and actions during the public comment period, which is extended until May 22.

Two more Open Houses are scheduled for you to hear about your plan, give input, and interact in real time:

example Recycling Reminder email

Sign up for Recycling Reminder emails

We encourage you to sign up for our Recycling Reminder emails. By signing up you’ll receive an email every other week that includes:

  • Holiday collection delay notices
  • Seasonal service reminders like the start and end of yard waste collection
  • Tips and tricks to reduce waste, recycle and compost more
  • Notifications of upcoming waste reduction, reuse, and recycling events
  • Fun facts about what happens to your garbage, recycling, organics recycling, etc.

Sign up by finding your recycling day, and clicking “Sign up for Recycling Reminders”.

Fall street sweeping begins Oct. 22

Street Sweeping is Underway

Street sweeping began this week and will continue for the next several weeks.  Look for temporary “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours before your street is scheduled. Spring street sweeping is critical clean leaves, debris and other pollutants from the more than 1,000 miles of city streets and alleys to protect our waterways.  Click here to see when your street is scheduled to be swept.

Last Chance to Comment on the SW Parks Master Plan

The comment period for the Southwest Service Area Master Plan ends on April 25, 2020. With park buildings now closed, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/sw to view and comment on the plans.


 

Armatage Park Play Area

Playground Reopening Celebration

The Armatage Playground Reopening Celebration is rescheduled for Thursday, September 9 from 4:30-6:30pm.  We’re excited to share FREE popsicles and cold treats (donated by the ANA and Jonny Pops!) and celebrate the new play equipment with you!

Playground Construction

The Armatage Park Play Area construction started on June 1. The new play area should be completed and ready for use at the end of July. While the playground is under construction, we encourage neighbors to enjoy the Washburn Tot Lot playground at 5825 Washburn Ave S, Kenny Park at 58th & Fremont or, outside of school hours, to use the Armatage school playground. Sign up for project updates at bit.ly/armatagepark

The ANA set aside funds to contribute to park projects several years ago. On June 15, 2021 the board voted to allocate $27,645.21 from this park improvement budget to cover the funding gap for the playground so it can be completed on time this summer. This donation from the neighborhood made two of the three shade canopies (pictured above) and an accessible seesaw possible.

Armatage Play Area Plan Approved

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) approved the concept plan for a new playground at Armatage Park, which includes replacing the equipment and surfacing of the park’s existing play areas. The new play areas are designed for universal accessibility so they can be accessed, understood, enjoyed, and used to the greatest extent possible by all children regardless of size, ability, or disability.

In addition to an ADA-accessible swing, belt swing and two infant swings, the approved plan includes a tire swing, based on requests from the community and an MPRB commissioner.

Next Steps

It is anticipated that construction will occur this summer and the new play areas will be complete during the summer or early fall. Actual dates will be announced once a construction contract is approved.  Sign up for updates at https://bit.ly/armatagepark

Thanks for sharing your comments and ideas for our beloved park!

Play Area Surveys

The MPRB conducted two community surveys in 2020 on the Armatage Park Play Area improvements. Neighbors were invited to share their ideas, opinions and comment on proposed designs in May and again in September.  The final designs were shared at a public hearing on January 20, 2021 and approved by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board in February 2021. See designs and follow the playground construction process at https://bit.ly/ArmatagePark.

April 13, 2020 eNews

April 21 Meeting Agenda

6:30-8:00pm | Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/94646891472
All meetings are open to community members. Please allow time to sign in at the link above.

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Annual Meeting & Board Elections
  • Virtual Happy Hours & Coffee Breaks
  • Social distancing engagement:
    • Collect art, photos, poems
    • More summer ideas
  • Other Business
  • President’s Report
  • Minutes – need to approve
  • Treasurer Report – financials emailed
  • Committee Updates:
    • Green Team:
      • Rain & Native Garden Program update
      • Virtual Organics Workshop – May 18
    • Mini Grants: Approve 2020 grant recipients
    • Complete Count: 2020 Census social media campaign
    • Summer Festival: alternatives
  • Coordinator Update:
    • Armatage Park playground construction

Virtual Neighborhood Happy Hour Tomorrow!

Tuesday, April 14
8:00-9:00pm
Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/502813335
Topic: Supporting Local Businesses

Join your neighbors on Zoom for a virtual Happy Hour. We know this is an isolating time for many so grab a drink or snack of some kind and come share all the ways we can support our local businesses.

Kids, pets and funny background filters welcome! Open to all, whether you live in Armatage or not. We recommend downloading the free Zoom app on your device.

Win a $50 Gift Card and Help Our Community Count in the Census

The 2020 Census is HERE and we need your help to ensure Minnesota gets its full share of funding for schools, health care, roads and more.

Help out and enter to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses:

  1. Take the 2020 Census: my2020census.gov
  2. Take Action. Choose from the following list…
    • Snap a selfie and share with hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Share a social media post with my2020census.gov/ and hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Reach out to a neighbor (or two!) about completing the Census using #socialdistancing. (This is a perfect chance to check in remotely).
  3. Visit armatage.org/2020census and enter your info for a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses.

Thanks to support from the State of MN and the Minneapolis Foundation! All Minneapolis residents are eligible to participate.

COVID-19 Resources & Links

Do you need to…

  • Learn about all the new small business, nonprofit and individual emergency loan programs available,
  • Access Hennepin County assistance,
  • Find free food or meals,
  • Request help around your home (esp. if you’re a senior or have a disability),
  • Get more ideas to keep kids busy during the day,
  • Check the details of our extended #StayHomeMN order?

We couldn’t find these links all in one place so we’ve gathered these and MANY more at https://armatage.org/covid19 and update it daily. Thank you to everyone who has shared this resource with their block’s e-list or on social media. Please email additions to anacoordinator@armatage.org.


Transportation Action Plan Open House Today

Check out the draft Transportation Action Plan website to read the draft plan and provide feedback. The interactive website includes opportunities to provide your input on specific strategies and actions during the public comment period, which is extended until May 22.

Attend the Online Open House TODAY, Monday, April 13, from 4:30-5:30pm on the Minneapolis Facebook page to hear about your plan, give input, and interact in real time.


Updated Comprehensive District Design Plans

Minneapolis Public Schools has released its final draft for the Comprehensive District Design. The updated plans outline changes to community school boundaries, magnet programs like Armatage Montessori, school pathways, special education, and more.

Community members can view the plans at https://www.cdd.mpls.k12.mn.us/ in advance of the School Board’s scheduled vote on May 12. If you would like to submit a  comment on the plans, please visit https://board.mpls.k12.mn.us/public_comment for detailed instructions. Voicemails will be played during virtual board meetings.


Last Chance to Comment on the SW Parks Master Plan

The comment period for the Southwest Service Area Master Plan ends on April 25, 2020. With park buildings now closed, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/sw to view and comment on the plans.

https://www.nrpa.org/contentassets/e8a6e296777f473f9859cc482e5e7d7b/covid19-urban-parks-1000.jpg

Park Event and Facility Closures through August 31

ICYMI, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board made the difficult decision to cancel all park/neighborhood events and close recreation centers, restrooms, pools and beaches through August 31. Parks, trails, athletic fields and courts, parkways, dog parks, and golf courses will remain open.  Read the full list of what’s open, closed and canceled here.

The ANA is working on ways to support the neighborhood this summer without our usual events.  In the months to come, [lease stay safe while enjoying parks and trails with these tips from the MPRB:

  • Stay six feet apart – if you are able to, please move aside for families with young kids, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • No group sports, play dates, or activities
  • Don’t drive across the city or metro to visit popular parks
  • Use parks in moderation
  • Don’t visit parks or trails if you feel sick or have symptoms like a fever, runny nose and/or sore throat

April 3, 2020 eNews

Win a $50 Gift Card and Help Our Community Count in the Census

The 2020 Census is HERE and we need your help to ensure Minnesota gets its full share of funding for schools, health care, roads and more.

Help out and enter to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses:

  1. Take the 2020 Census: my2020census.gov
  2. Take Action: choose from the following list…
    • Snap a selfie and share with hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Share a social media post with my2020census.gov/ and hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Reach out to a neighbor (or two!) about completing the Census using #socialdistancing. (This is a perfect chance to check in remotely).
  3. Visit armatage.org/2020census and enter your info for a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses.

Thanks to support from the State of MN and the Minneapolis Foundation! All Minneapolis residents are eligible to participate.

COVID-19 Resources & Links

Do you need to…

  • Find a food shelf,
  • Apply for unemployment or an emergency small business loan,
  • Look up high risk grocery shopping hours,
  • Request help around your home (esp. if you’re a senior or have a disability),
  • Find ideas to keep kids busy during the day,
  • Check the details of our the #StayHomeMN order?

We have links to these and more in one place and are updating our page daily: https://armatage.org/covid19 If you haven’t done so yet, please send it to your block’s e-list or share on social media. Email suggestions for additions to anacoordinator@armatage.org.

https://www.nrpa.org/contentassets/e8a6e296777f473f9859cc482e5e7d7b/covid19-urban-parks-1000.jpg

Park Event and Facility Closures through August 31

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board made the difficult decision to cancel all park events and close recreation centers, restrooms, pools and beaches through August 31. This includes the cancellation of neighborhood events like Armatage Summer Festival that are held at parks. Parks, trails, athletic fields and courts, parkways, dog parks, and golf courses will remain open.  Read the full list of what’s open, closed and canceled here.

Stay safe while enjoying our parks and trails:

  • Stay six feet apart – if you are able to, please move aside for families with young kids, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • No group sports, play dates, or activities
  • Don’t drive across the city or metro to visit popular parks
  • Use parks in moderation
  • Don’t visit parks or trails if you feel sick or have symptoms like a fever, runny nose and/or sore throat

mnhealth on Twitter: "Viruses don't discriminate, and neither ...
Check Out this Message from Mayor Frey and Chief Arradondo

There have been increased incidents and attacks against Asian American communities across the nation as a result of racism coupled with coronavirus fears. Watch and share Mayor Frey and Chief Arradondo’s video to learn about how the City is responding.

Call 311 to report discriminatory actions to the City’s Civil Rights Department and call 911 in an emergency.

The Minnesota Department of Health also has some great anti-discrimination posters available on its website.

Minneapolis City Trees Program

Low-cost Tree Sales for Minneapolis Residents

The Minneapolis City Trees Program is now open to ALL Minneapolis property owners! Sales are happening on a new online system through May 1 or until trees are sold out.

Unlike past years, there is no lottery and available trees will be smaller in size (#5 and #7 containers) in order to make more trees available to more property owners. Visit https://mpls-tree-sale.myshopify.com/ and please spread the word to your neighbors!


SW Parks Master Plan Comment Period Extended

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board extended the comment period for the Southwest Service Area Master Plan through April 25, 2020. With park buildings now closed through until May, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/sw to view and comment on the plans.


Transportation Action Plan Comment Period Extended

Check out the draft Transportation Action Plan website to read the draft plan and provide feedback. The interactive website includes opportunities to provide your input on specific strategies and actions during the public comment period, which is extended until May 22.

Attend the Online Open House on Monday, April 13 from 4:30-5:30pm on the Minneapolis Facebook page to hear about your plan, give input, and interact in real time.

Comment Period Extended to July 15

The City of Minneapolis has extended the public comment period for the Neighborhoods 2020 Draft Guidelines through July 15, 2020.

Proposed funding levels for neighborhoods like Armatage will significantly decrease in 2021 and beyond to shift more funding toward areas of the City with greater equity needs. Base funding levels will drop to 1/3 of their current level for Armatage, which will impact our ability to serve the neighborhood. Read the draft guidelines and learn more at www.minneapolismn.gov/ncr/2020

We Love Our Neighborhood

Thank you to Armatage neighbors Linda and Maggie for sharing their sidewalk poetry with us during this turbulent time!

Let us know how you’re making Armatage a bit brighter so we can share it with the neighborhood by emailing anacoordinator@armatage.org.

March 27, 2020 eNews


Update from the ANA on COVID-19

Do you need to…

  • Find a food shelf,
  • Apply for unemployment,
  • Look up high risk grocery shopping hours,
  • Request help around your home (esp. if you’re a senior or have a disability),
  • Find ideas to keep kids busy during the day,
  • Check the details of our upcoming #StayHomeMN order?

We couldn’t find all this info in one place, so we created a new page with these links and more and are updating it daily: https://armatage.org/covid19 Send it to your block’s e-list or share on social media and send suggestions for additions to anacoordinator@armatage.org.

Care for our community: follow #StayHomeMN guidelines. Practice social distancing for essential trips out of the house. Support the heroes who staff our hospitals and clinics, emergency services, grocery stores, nonprofits, and care-giving facilities.  Check in with neighbors who may need assistance with groceries, shoveling (though let’s hope snow stays FAR away), or just a friendly phone call or text. ❤️

NEW: Armatage Virtual Coffee Break

Tuesday, March 31
9:00-10:00am
Zoom – https://zoom.us/j/816580272

Join us for a virtual neighborhood coffee break next Tuesday morning. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, download the free Zoom app on your device (trust us, it’s MUCH easier), create an account, and click on the link above. We know this is a tough and isolating time for many of us and hope you can join in and connect with neighbors.

Kids are welcome in the background (we love Zoom – it’s easy to mute!), no partisan politics please, and if you’d prefer, simply call in on your phone. We’re going to try this out and think about adding an evening (8:00pm?) Happy Hour option, too!


Enter to win a $50 gift card to one of four local businesses! How? The 2020 Census is HERE and we need your help to ensure Minnesota gets its full share of funding for schools, health care, roads and more. How to help: take the Census, complete a quick action from the following list, and enter your info at armatage.org/2020census for a chance to win a $50 gift card!

  1. Snap a selfie with your Census postcard or completed Census screen and share on social media. Use the hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 and #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
  2. Share a 2020 Census post on social media with a link to my2020census.gov/. Encourage your network to take the Census and use the hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 and #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
  3. Reach out to a neighbor (or two!) and remind them to complete the Census. Leave a note, send a text or email, or say hello from at least 6 feet away using your #socialdistancing. (This is a perfect chance to check with neighbors in the coming weeks).

Thanks to support from the State of MN and the Minneapolis Foundation! All Minneapolis residents are eligible to participate. Recipients will be drawn in May. For more census info, visit my2020census.gov/ or www.wecountminneapolis.org/


More info on this order at mn.gov/stayhomemn

March 17, 2020 Meeting Recap

The ANA held its first virtual neighborhood meeting on Zoom – thanks to everyone who joined us! Council Member Palmisano gave an update on the City of Minneapolis’s efforts to prepare for COVID-19. The board planned a COVID-19 resources page (linked above), voted to postpone the Annual Meeting & Board Elections until June 16, and discussed a response for the Neighborhoods 2020 comment period, which ends on April 17. The Mini Grants Committee is in the midst of weighing applications for the 2020 grant round and the ANA’s Complete Count Committee is reworking its 2020 Census outreach strategies to be online-only (see above).


Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan

Check out the draft Transportation Action Plan website to read the draft plan and provide feedback. The interactive website includes opportunities to provide your input on specific strategies and actions.

Attend an upcoming online open house
We’re planning a series of online open houses to get your input on the plan. Join us to hear about the plan and interact in real time.

Neighborhood Funding to Decrease

The new Neighborhoods 2020 Draft Guidelines are here and we encourage neighbors to check out the plan and comment by April 17. The City Council plans to vote on this in May.

Proposed funding levels for neighborhoods like Armatage will significantly decrease in 2021 and beyond to shift more funding toward areas of the City with greater equity needs. Base funding levels will drop to 1/3 of their current level for Armatage, which will impact our ability to serve the neighborhood. Read the draft guidelines and learn more at www.minneapolismn.gov/ncr/2020


SW Parks Master Plan Comment Period Extended

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board extended the comment period for the Southwest Service Area Master Plan through April 25, 2020. With park buildings now closed through until May, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/sw to view and comment on the plans.

https://www.nrpa.org/contentassets/e8a6e296777f473f9859cc482e5e7d7b/covid19-urban-parks-1000.jpg
Visiting parks during #StayHomeMN? Use this handy graphic to maintain social distancing!