As we look to the year ahead, we’re excited and inspired by the many people and organizations who care for and champion the parks. Because of this, we will be expanding our Community Profiles blog series, in which we highlight different members of the community who are supporting the Minneapolis park system with a featured interview every month.
North Commons Park has long been a gathering place, a safe haven, and a cornerstone of community life in North Minneapolis. For years, it has provided a space for young people to connect, create, and grow under the guidance of dedicated leaders like Recreation Supervisor, Yvette Girffea-Gray. We had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Yvette about her role, the importance of community spaces, and how North Commons continues to serve as a vital hub for youth in this month’s Community Profile.
Where did your North Commons story start?
I used to work in Youth Development with the Park Board, and I actually never wanted to be a park director—honestly, I resisted it. I’ve always felt called to young people, and I thought moving up meant moving away from direct service with them. When a temporary opening at North Commons came up, I was asked to fill in. I told myself, “I’ll try it, and if I hate it, I can always go back.” But not only did I like it—I loved it. And the rest is history. I’ve been at North Commons since September 2016.
What was it like to be a Recreation Supervisor at North Commons during the pandemic? How did that experience shape your approach to community engagement and programming?
It was a big shift, but in some ways, a positive one. Normally, my role involves a lot of administration and managing everything we do at North Commons. But during the pandemic, we were only open to young people for a while, which meant I could focus entirely on them—something that’s at the heart of what I love to do.
Before that, we didn’t have as many young people just hanging out at the park. School got out at 3, but adult programming started at 5, so their window was short. But during the pandemic, my colleague and I ran a Creativity and Self-Expression Camp with basketball, arts and crafts, theater, and photography. Every day, when camp ended at 3, the kids would ask, “Can we stay here?” And the answer was always, “Absolutely.” That shift made North Commons feel more like home for them, and they’ve been coming around more ever since.
What do you think young people seek most in parks?
I don’t know if they always put it into words, but I think they come to parks to have their needs met. First, I’d say safety—many kids stay inside, even on beautiful days, because they don’t feel safe outside. I also think they need structure, even if they wouldn’t say that outright. We have rules, we hold them accountable, and yet they keep coming back, which tells me they crave that stability. And of course, community—being with friends, connecting with caring adults—that sense of belonging is huge.
What lessons do parks teach us about connection?
A lot of adults who grew up at North Commons come back and reflect on their childhoods. They remember always having something to do or learning something new, like ceramics. That cycle of people returning and bringing their own kids shows how deep the community ties run here.
One thing I really realized during the pandemic is that when you’re playing, you’re not thinking about what’s wrong. There was so much happening in the world, but at North Commons, we were just playing Four Square together. It gave us all a break from the heaviness—at that moment, all that mattered was being King.
Outside of your work with North Commons and Minneapolis Parks, what else are you passionate about?
I love art, and I’m a hobby photographer. I especially enjoy street photography. We’ve even done photography classes for the kids, and there’s a gallery at North Commons displaying pictures I’ve taken of them over the years. Some of those photos are from 2017, so the kids in them are older now. One came in recently and asked, “Miss Yvette, where did my picture go?” It had fallen down and we hadn’t put it back up yet. I realized then how much it meant for them to see themselves represented like that in that space. Beyond that, I love music, movies, and just being in community with people I care about.
Who’s your favorite musician, or do you have any recommendations?
That’s hard because I really love music! But I’d say Hip-Hop is my favorite. I used to be an on-air personality for a Hip-Hop show. If I had to pick some artists, I’d say Common, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Neo-Soul artists like Jill Scott and Erykah Badu. But honestly, those “pick only one” music quizzes stress me out—I can never choose!
With the redevelopment of North Commons Park underway, what aspects of the project are you most excited about? How do you see these changes positively impacting the youth who use the park, both in terms of recreation and community engagement?
One of my biggest hopes is that the shared sense of belonging continues. The Northside has cultivated such a close-knit community, and North Commons is an extension of that. Right now, the front lobby and desk area are gathering spaces where kids naturally connect. My aim is to always keep spaces like this open and inviting for the young people who use them.
When we shared some of the initial plans with the youth, their reactions were eye-opening. They asked, “Who is this being built for?” and “We already love it here—why change it?” Their concerns made it clear that they value the space that North Commons is, and raised valid questions about how these changes might impact the welcoming, familiar space they know.
Our hope is that it will make the space even more welcoming, with things like expanded basketball courts and the new field house, which will allow us to accommodate more young people during open-gym instead of having to turn them away. More amenities and investment create opportunities to build a thriving, inclusive community—supporting youth, seniors, and families with social, educational, and economic resources that have the potential to enhance quality of life for all.
As redevelopment plans of North Commons Park take shape, there’s a confidence about what’s to come, but also a deep awareness of what makes North Commons so special in the first place. Ensuring that North Commons remains a welcoming and youth-centered space is at the heart of Yvette’s work, and she remains committed to fostering the same sense of community that has defined the park for generations. With thoughtful leadership, adaptive support, and uplifted youth, North Commons will continue to be a place where connection, creativity, and belonging thrive.
Learn more about Transforming North Commons Park and visit the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for news, events, and exciting opportunities at North Commons Park.
Image Credits: Yvette Griffea-Gray