News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Wednesday June 3rd 2026
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Open in new tab Spark’d Studios coming to Phillips Community Center
By RAECHEL BOSCH
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is bringing a new Spark’d Studio and community room to Phillips Community Center. The center’s existing teen and multipurpose rooms, located just off the main lobby, are currently undergoing a full renovation. The redesigned space will feature updated furniture and new technology to support a wide range of afterschool youth programming, community activities, and special events.
As part of the renovation, a dedicated office is also being added for a full-time Youth Technology and Career Skills Specialist. This staff member will mentor youth and lead afterschool programs focused on technology, creative exploration, career readiness, and skill-building opportunities.
Phillips Community Center will become the sixth Spark’d Studio operated through Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Existing Spark’d Studio locations are already open at Powderhorn Park, Harrison Park, Luxton Park, Whittier Park, and Graco Park.
Spark’d Studios are youth-centered spaces primarily serving ages 10–19 through afterschool programming built around youth interests, mentorship, creativity, and career exploration. During the school year, studios open weekdays beginning at 3 p.m., with summer hours starting at noon.
Each studio includes a core set of creative and technology-focused resources, including MacBook laptops, iMac desktop computers, editing and design software, 3D and vinyl printers, video cameras, audio recording equipment, musical instruments, art supplies, and gaming consoles.… Read the rest “Spark’d Studios coming to Phillips Community Center”
Grand Opening of New Cultural Center
By Emily Jarrett Hughes
Indigenous Peoples Task Force invites the community to join them in celebrating the grand opening of their new center for Indigenous wellness through culture and arts, Mikwanedun Audisookon, on Wednesday, June 24.
Mikwanedun Audisookon means “remember our teachings” and reflects that culture is the thread that weaves together all of programs at the Task Force.
For nearly four decades the Indigenous Peoples Task Force (IPTF) has been nurturing community health and Indigenous resurgence.
The intersecting crises of HIV, unhoused relatives, and opioid mis-use have led the IPTF prevention and care services to become increasingly comprehensive. The new building affords more clinical space in addition to a healing room and spaces to learn cultural arts and wellness practices.
Ikidowin Youth Theater Ensemble has grown from a humble peer education program into a troupe that has performed across the country. The theater space in the new building will represent the first indigenous owned theater in the Twin Cities.
As programming in regenerative farming and indigenous foodways has grown, the new building provides teaching gardens, a commercial kitchen, and café space.
Designed as a “Living Building,” Mikwanedun Audisookon itself represents indigenous values.… Read the rest “Grand Opening of New Cultural Center”
Machine Shop Class is Moving to Roosevelt Next Year
By HOLDEN LARSON, Staff Writer at The Southerner
the alley is honored to continue highlighting news and articles from The Southerner, newspaper of South High School. This article is reprinted with permission.
The machine shop class at South is scheduled to move to Roosevelt for the start of the new school year next fall. It is a class that a lot of students really enjoy, and it can spark interest in many future careers. Moving a machine shop costs a lot of time and money, and many students are disappointed and confused about why the decision was made to move it to Roosevelt.
The district has a plan to create elective centers, or hubs, at different high schools throughout the city. Roosevelt is planned to be the center of manufacturing because they already have automotive, construction, and welding classes, and the machine shop will be the next new addition to their arsenal of manufacturing electives. If a student from South wants to take machining next year, they will have to take a shuttle to Roosevelt for half of the day due to the 2-hour block schedules utilized at Roosevelt.… Read the rest “Machine Shop Class is Moving to Roosevelt Next Year”
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