Phillips Aquatic Center Update

BY DENNY BENNETT

1. On April 1^st, the MPRB passed the following resolution to fund the difference between whatever the final figure raised by Minneapolis Swims ends up, and the final cost to finish “Reduced Option B”- sketch attached.

That the Board adopt Resolution 2015-165 captioned as follows:

Resolution 2015-165

Resolution Authorizing Selection of Option B ”“ Reduced for the Phillips Community Center Aquatic Facility Using a Mortgage as a Source of Funding and Not the Capital Budget. Furthermore that Staff Report Further Findings Regarding Capital Funding, Operations Costs, and Construction Cost Estimates for the Board to Consider on July 15, 2015.

2.  With the recently announced grant of $200,000 by the Piper Family Foundation, we have raised just over $3M now towards the generous estimate of $5.4M cost of building “Reduced Option B”. Our goal is to raise another $1,000,000 before the campaign ends.

3.  At last night”'s MPS Board meeting, Finance Chair Gagnon announced that the committee unanimously approved authorizing District leadership to begin conversations with MPRB leadership to explore a Capital contribution by MPS that would give them equity in the Aquatics Center, and increase the lane count in the main pool to 8, giving them a permanent 8-lane competitive District pool.… Read the rest “Phillips Aquatic Center Update”

Minnesota Department Of Natural Resources Celebrates Arbor Month By Encouraging Tree Planting And Education

1300 kids having Arbor Day Fun at Stewart Park with MNDNR and MPR
Photo courtesy of MP&G Marketing Solutions

May 14 Arbor Day celebration to include the planting of 150 trees by 1,300 Minneapolis students

With Arbor Day and Arbor Month just around the corner, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants to encourage residents to plant more trees. This year”'s theme “Plant Strong, Live Long” focuses on the importance of proper tree planting.

DNR is providing a variety of resources to help Minnesotans get their trees off to a long, healthy life. Resources include simple, how-to instructions in a handy “Pocket Guide to Planting Trees.” The guide, available on the DNR website, highlights the variety of planting methods for various types of trees being planted: bareroot, burlap wrapped or container. Also available on the DNR website is a short video  How to Plant Tree Seedlings  that provides easy to follow tips and tricks.

Another important factor in the overall health of the state”'s tree population is diversity. That is why as part of this year”'s state celebration, the DNR is partnering with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) to plant more than 150 trees from 14 botanical families, 29 genera, and 50 different species (or cultivars) as part of the annual Minneapolis Arbor Day celebration.… Read the rest “Minnesota Department Of Natural Resources Celebrates Arbor Month By Encouraging Tree Planting And Education”