4th of July Road Closures

On June 3rd, Park Police Chief Ohotto, MPD 5th Precinct Lt. Frye, and Park cultural and violence prevention staff Leslie Vinton and Abdi Mohammed held a special meeting with Bde Maka Ska neighborhood  association representatives and residents at the Linden Hills Rec Center. The meeting also included many very special guests and partners from Somali American community youth advocacy programs.

Chief Ohotto announced that the temporary Parkway road closure on July 4th is confirmed. Parkway access will prohibit motorized vehicles between Lake St and 36th St, and from Richfield Rd to Xerxes Ave. These closures will be enforced the entire day and night of July 4th. Police will establish the closure points the evening before on July 3rd, however traffic will still be able to flow freely until the next morning.

On July 4th there will be two Park police officers assigned to patrol around Bde Maka Ska. Residents and visitors are encouraged to report use of illegal fireworks or any activity that threatens public safety by calling 911.

It's not late to get a block party permit to close off your block, especially if your block is close to the parkway. This aids limited police presence by reducing the ability for people to bring large amounts of illegal fireworks on foot to the lake and use them on your street.

Cheif Ohotto and cultural staff and Somali American community partners emphasized that they welcome and need ongoing partnerships with lakes area neighborhoods to engage and divert youth from participating in dangerous and illegal activity, such partnerships are crucial to enjoying safe and peaceful experiences for visitors and residents alike around our treasured Bde Maka Ska!