We are thrilled that in the next two months, we will have opportunities to bring this community together in person to celebrate and learn with each other again.

While we have not hosted many in-person community events over the past three years (!), I have had the pleasure of working individually or in small groups with a growing network of donors, design professionals, park advocates, and community leaders who share our belief that parks can transform lives and elevate a city. We know that public events still require precaution and care and for some, it’s not time yet.  But there is power in gathering for purpose, and we are thrilled to offer two upcoming events for people to come together again in support of parks and their transformative impact on our lives.

This Saturday, we are hosting the first in-person Posters for Parks Show in three years at Royal Foundry Craft Spirits to support the People for Park Fund. Come meet People for Parks Advisory Committee members, see and purchase single-run art posters inspired by our parks, and meet many of the artists involved. Personally, I am looking forward to having all 41 posters together in one place for everyone to fully take in the power of this creative community. I hope you’ll join us and experience first-hand the texture, tone, and theme behind these prints. You can preregister here.

Then, in late November, we will be reconvening the Next Generation of Parks Event Series in person with special guest Dr. Nisha Botchwey, whose research is focused at the nexus of environmental and health policy and the built environment, with a special emphasis on youth engagement and health equity. As the new Dean to my alma mater, the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Botchwey has demonstrated a commitment to rooting Humphrey in real-world opportunities and challenges in the region. Her most recent work of research, Making Healthy Places, was updated this summer and explores the deep connection between health and parks. 

Please join us at Mill City Museum on Tuesday, November 29, for an inspiring and engaging conversation with assistance from our friends at Minnesota Public Radio about the community healing power of parks.

Parks have the power to bring people together and connect us to the world. Whether it’s through quiet moments watching leaves drift to the ground on an autumn day or gathering on a sideline to watch a rec league game on a cold Saturday morning, we find each other and ourselves in parks. These two upcoming events are designed to celebrate and highlight the myriad of ways parks transform our lives. 

Come join us and spend time in conversation and celebration with park community. We can’t wait to see you!