Minneapolis to Reopen Parkways Closed To Cars For Pedestrian Use

MINNEAPOLIS — All the parkways that have been closed to cars since late March to better allow pedestrians to socially distance will be reopened to cars by Aug. 5, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announced in a release Thursday.

The Parks and Recreation Board began closing parkways and park roads near popular trails in late March.

Since then, board commissioners passed a resolution allowing board superintendent Al Bangoura to spend up to $250,000 on parkway closures during the pandemic.

Funding for the project was allocated through Aug. 3.

On Thursday, the Parks and Recreation Board announced roads will reopen to cars starting July 30 with East Bde Maka Ska Parkway.

The parkway will close to both pedestrians and cars on July 29 while the road surface undergoes a chip seal maintenance project. It will reopen to cars the following day.

Starting Aug. 3, crews will begin removing barriers from Cedar Lake, Lake Harriet, West Bde Maka Ska and West River Parkways. They will all reopen by Aug. 5.

Trail users are asked to continue practicing social distancing when visiting parks and trails.

Visitors are also reminded to bring hand sanitizer and bottled water as drinking fountains remain closed.