Summer in Spring Park is rich with tradition, whether you are checking out the striking cars at classic car night at the Minnetonka Drive-In, enjoying Lakeside dining on the wharf at Lord Fletchers, or hosting your annual July 4th gathering on the Lake--we all enjoy summer here in Spring Park.  

Recently new traditions are taking form in Spring Park which have city hall concerned. We have seen a significant increase in special event permit requests from organizations wanting their events near Lake Minnetonka along the Dakota Rail trail. The city has struggled with how to handle these requests, attempting to balance the safety and enjoyment for our residents and visitors with the desire of special interest groups to host an event along a public trail. For a city of our size, it is a time intensive process to work with event organizers to ensure a safe and successful event. A few weeks ago, the Tour de Cure, a 100-mile bike tour fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association, came through Spring Park along the trail. They raised almost $500,000 dollars for a worthy cause. However, the conditions of approval for the bike tour were completely ignored by the event organizers resulting in an unsafe event, frustrating Orono Police and city officials.

Should our city take a firmer stand and not grant approvals to such events as these? The city of Minnetonka Beach did not approve the Tour de Cure and it was rerouted around the city. Should the city push back on Three Rivers Park district to put a stop to blanket approvals for events like these without committing park district resources to manage them? The trail is heavily used by pedestrians, joggers, in-line skaters, bikers and dog walkers on a daily basis. I question whether the 10-foot wide corridor has the capacity to safely handle a large event like a bike tour over a compressed period of time in addition to the already busy weekend trail traffic.

The city of  Spring Park loves that the trail is so popular and well used. It is an amenity that we are very proud to have in our city. We appreciate the visibility the trail gives to our quaint lakeside city and we want all our visitors to feel welcome.   However, where do we draw the line?  

If you have an opinion, I would love to hear from you. Email me at [email protected] or feel free to give me a call at home:  

(952) 471-0767.

Another bike event, the Tour de Tonka, is happening on Saturday morning, August 6. Event organizers have been very professional and willing to work with the city. I am hopeful that this event will go off without a hitch.

Thor Thompson Park    

A new basketball court (half-court size) is coming soon to Thor Thompson Park--sometime after the 4th of July and before Labor Day. Also, around that same time, Thor Thompson Tennis Courts will be getting a tennis backboard .    

According to LiveStrong.com, "Backboard wall drills can help you improve the speed and accuracy of your tennis swing as well as help you develop a proficient forehand and backhand. While wall drills are often executed alone, you can also perform them with a partner to help better simulate a proper match." Read more 

Did you know Thor Thompson Tennis Courts are also striped for Pickle Ball?

Night to Unite   

The 2012 Night to Unite will take place on Tuesday, August 7 to celebrate and strengthen police-community partnerships. For information on how to organize an event in your neighborhood and to schedule a visit from police and fire departments call:

Jason  Barnes

Community Service Officer

Orono police Department

(952) 249-4709

Citizens Academy
The Orono Police Department is currently looking for interested citizens for the 2012 Citizens Police Academy. The Academy will include 8 sessions covering narcotics, DWI, the legal system, safety issues, booking and jail, domestic violence and other relevant topics. We will offer several interactive, "hands-on" sessions including traffic enforcement, use of force including firearms training simulation, crime scene investigation, and domestic violence scenarios. Dates will be every Wednesday night beginning Sept. 5 to Oct. 24 from 6:30pm-9:30 pm.  

Please call for further information 952-249-4700.  

Meet Brady Greer    

Our fair city has a new Public Works Assistant for the summer months. Brady Greer graduated from Minnetonka High School in 2009 and is studying mechanical engineering at Iowa State University where he just finished his third year of school. He spent the most recent semester studying abroad in Cork County, Ireland and likes to spend his free time boating and water skiing on Lake Minnetonka.

Reminders

Join in these Local Celebrations!  

Spirit of the Lakes: July 13-22.

Westonka area's biggest celebration of the summer is only days away. This year the celebration is even bigger because it includes the City of Mound Centennial. Mound was incorporated in 1912. The expanded celebration this summer will last from July 13 through 22 and organizers say they have something for all ages. Read more   

Excelsior Apple Day: Saturday, September 8--Visit Allied Waste's recycling booth staffed by surrounding lake area communities, including Spring Park.

Brush Site Drop-Off

The City of Spring Park continues their agreement with Specialized Environmental Technologies, Inc (SET) aka The Mulch Store, that permits city residents (noncommercial) to dispose of yard waste. Yard waste can include grass/lawn clippings, weeds, garden waste, milfoil, leaves and tree branches. Any branches over 10 inches in diameter must be cut into lengths of less than 8 feet. The site is located in St Bonifacius at 4250 Creekview Circle, just off Hwy # 7. You must present identification showing you are resident of Spring Park.

Watch Council meetings online:

Watch your council in action online @www.lmcc-tv.org/spring-park.html 

John Ericson

Steve Erickson

Michael Mason

Doug Sippel

Sarah Struck

Public Works Assistant:  

Brady Greer

E-mail: cityofspringpark@

ci.spring-park.mn.us