Minneapolis Park Board Extends No-Parking Hours Around Bde Maka Ska to Quell Nighttime Disturbances

In a move to curb unruly nighttime activity around Bde Maka Ska, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is set to tighten the noose on parking hours around the popular lake, effectively expanding no-parking hours from the present 10 pm start to 8 pm. According to an announcement made on the MPRB website, these restrictions kick in starting May 22 and are expected to remain in place indefinitely. The aim is to address safety issues stemming from "large groups of unruly people, mostly teens and young adults," who have reportedly been engaging in disruptive and sometimes illegal activities.

The change will inevitably affect parking bays and parking lots on the west and south sides of the lake, specifically from West 32nd Street to Richfield Road. Visitors should brace themselves to find the Bde Maka Ska Thomas Beach, Richfield Road, and 36th Street pay parking lots no longer accepting payments past 8 pm. This move comes in response to a series of disturbances that have riled local residents and authorities alike and is expected to help quickly improve the situation.

It's worth noting that the MPRB has taken steps to ensure the public is well-informed about the changes. New signage is being installed, and parking meters are being reprogrammed to deny payments during the extended no-parking hours. However, not all areas will see this earlier cut-off time; the Bde Maka Ska North Beach Pay Parking Lot and on-street parking north of 36th Street will retain their current parking hours of 6 am – 10 pm, with the same overnight restrictions.

Additional details about the new parking restrictions can be found on the MPRB website, where the announcement explains that the changes are "to address safety issues from large groups of unruly people, mostly teens and young adults, who are engaging in disruptive, illegal, and sometimes violent conduct." Park patrons are encouraged to review these changes and plan accordingly to ensure their visits to Bde Maka Ska remain enjoyable and free from the recent patterns of disturbance.