Hopkins was among the residents and organizations honored at the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District’s annual “Watershed Heroes” awards celebration Thursday.

The awards recognize those who have made significant contributions to clean water efforts. The watershed district honored Hopkins with its Outstanding Partner Award because of the city’s collaboration on efforts to restore Minnehaha Creek at Blake Road.

Hopkins and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District have been working together to improve the Cottageville Park area. The watershed district bought properties surrounding the park and demolished the buildings. The city is paying for the design and construction of the expanded parkland.

The extra green space should improve water quality, add space for residents to relax and enhance the image of the neighborhood.

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