Minneapolis locals may be interested to know that a move is afoot to rechristen a beach in honor of a public servant who spent decades shaping the city's parks. A public hearing is set for September 3 to discuss the proposed renaming of Lake Nokomis 50th Street Beach to Al Wittman 50th Street Beach. The meeting will take place at 6 pm at the Mary Merrill Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Headquarters, according to information obtained by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
The site in question, situated on the northeast side of Lake Nokomis, is known as the smaller of two beaches near the Nokomis Naturescape Garden. It currently holds a rather nondescript name that has never officially been adopted by MPRB resolution or action. Al Wittman's legacy includes his tenure with the MPRB from 1969 to 1997, during which time he tirelessly worked as the Assistant Superintendent for Planning and Development. He was pivotal in projects such as the construction of the Lake Nokomis Community Center and the esteemed Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, as well as the redevelopment of the St. Anthony Falls area.
Wittman's personal connection to the lake area runs deep. He was not only a longstanding member of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves, clocking in 30 years, but he also chose to raise his family in the vicinity. Lake Nokomis was a cherished part of his life, where he often canoed and spent time with his children at the 50th Street Beach. The public hearing offers residents a chance to voice their opinions, be it in person by signing up at the meeting, or by calling 612-230-6400 on the day of the hearing to reserve a slot to speak. Alternatively, comments can be emailed to [email protected] before 3 pm on the day of the hearing, as noted by the MPRB announcement.
For those following the procedural side, this hearing represents the second public consultation, as required by the MPRB Naming Policy. There's a bit more waiting to do before any final decisions can be made—following policy, the Board of Commissioners will take the final vote two years after the naming nomination was first made. The first hearing had taken place previously on February 21, 2024. The Board's approach aims to ensure ample opportunity for public input and due consideration before the beach potentially adopts the name of a man who dedicated his life to enhancing Minneapolis' public spaces.
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