How Should Hopkins Pay for its Parks?: The Week Ahead in Hopkins

Hopkins’ aging parks are facing a shortfall in funding—and officials will be getting together Aug. 5 to decide the best way to address the funding problem.

In a survey earlier this year, residents said they’d be willing to pay more to fund Hopkins parks. About 73 percent of the respondents said they’d favor or strongly favor a 50-cent increase to gas or electric bills in order to fund park improvements.

The park fund is stretched because significant portions of the play equipment and park structures were built more than two decades ago—shortly after Hopkins voters approved a park renewal referendum. The average age of play equipment scheduled to be replaced is 24 years old.

The fund recently received a $380,475 infusion from the Excelsior Crossings and Marketplace & Main developments, and planners expect an $80,000 deposit from the Klodt development on Eighth Avenue. But that won’t erase the shortfall.

The City Council and Park Board will discuss options after Monday’s City Council meeting.

Also coming up this week:

National Night Out takes place Tuesday: Neighbors throughout Hopkins will be getting together from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday for block parties, cookouts, ice cream socials, potlucks and games. Click here for more information.

Enjoy Dairy Queen Miracle Treat Day: On Thursday, a portion of proceeds from every Blizzard Treat purchased at participating Dairy Queens will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals as part of the eighth annual Miracle Treat Day.

Last chance for Music in the Park: The final Music in the Park takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday in Downtown Park. The last concert of the summer will feature ”Echos of Elvis”—a representation of Elvis and his music, complete with multiple costume changes and a back-up band.