Minneapolis residents have another chance to weigh in on whether the 28th Street Tot Lot should get a new name to reflect recent upgrades. A second public hearing is set for October 9, where community members can express their thoughts on the proposed renaming of the tiny urban oasis to Chickadee Park. The session is scheduled for 5:45 pm at the Mary Merrill Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Headquarters, inviting locals to participate in the decision-making process. Details about the meeting were released by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
The 28th Street Tot Lot, nestled in the heart of the Whittier neighborhood at 175 E 28th Street, has seen several improvements, including the installation of a fresh playground, the addition of picnic tables and benches, and the incorporation of native plant beds. A notable feature is a mural painted by the children in the neighborhood, which adds a personal touch to the park's revamp. The Whittier Alliance, playing a key role in the management process, is driving the initiative to rebrand the park in line with its new look and feel.
Those interested in contributing their voice to the conversation can do so in person at the MPRB Headquarters on the day of the hearing, where they can sign up to speak before the deadline at 5:45 pm. If you cannot make it in person, registration to speak is also available by phone at 612-230-6400 until 3 pm on the day of the hearing. Alternatively, written comments are welcome via email at [email protected], also due by 3 pm on the hearing's day, and will become part of the meeting's official public record.
Under the protocols set by the MPRB Naming Policy, this event marks the second and final public hearing required before a decision is made. The outcome of these hearings will influence whether children will continue to play in a place named for its street location or in the newly christened Chickadee Park, named after the small bird that is a familiar sight in the local ecosystem.
For full details on how to participate in the public hearing, visit the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's official announcement.
