Here are FYCC’s summer dates for Reading in the Park, Zoomobile, “Touch a Truck” and more!
Click here to download a printable version (PDF)
I’ll be posting a full summer calendar of events like these soon, so please check back in or follow on Facebook.
Click here to download a printable version (PDF)
This Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., the City of Albertville invites you and your family out for the evening to explore the local parks.
While you visit your favorite park—or maybe even check out a new one!—you’ll be able to enjoy free food from local businesses, visit with community organizations, meet your neighbors and elected officials, and see vehicles from the Fire Department and Public Works. In addition, Albertville Royalty and the seniors candidates will be paying a visit to each location.
These are the parks participating in the event and who you can expect to see there:
Four Seasons Park – 11830 51st Street NE (map)
– Foxtailers, hot dogs, Public Works equipment
Linwood Park – 11260 West Laketowne Drive NE (map)
– Albertville Lions, hot dogs, Public Works equipment
Oakside Park – 10820 Kantar Court NE (map)
– El Bamba, HealthSource, Public Works equipment
Villas Park – 10365 Kali Avenue NE (map)
– Emma’s, Public Works equipment
Westwind Park – 10687 Kalland Drive NW (map)
– Subway, Public Works equipment
Winter Park – 10381 64th Street NE (map)
– Andy’s Hometowne Pizza, Albertville Fire Department
For a description of ALL of Albertville’s parks, check out this list. >> Albertville Parks
(Please note that only the parks listed above are participating in Friday’s event)
Last weekend my family was in Maple Grove for a charity event and couldn’t resist stopping to play at the new Central Park in Maple Grove. Have you been there yet?
My favorite thing about this modern, creative playground is that it truly has something for everyone, with seven unique play zones, each tailored for different ages and interests.
There is a tiny tots play area in one corner of the park that is designated for kids 2–5, and I would even say it’s a great place to let your 1-year-old crawl and climb around. On the other end of the spectrum, there are several large climbing structures—including a 24-foot climbing tower—that can keep older kids entertained for hours. 
I’ve even seen the occasional teenager hanging out atop the large rock walls. My husband has said he wishes they would open it up to adults only on occasion because it’s just so fun to play there! 😉
As much as we love visiting here, there are a few drawbacks to this park. First, it can get really busy there during the summer months, and because the park is so large and spread out, I find that I really have to work to keep an eye on both kids as they run around. Second, there’s almost no shade at the playground until the trees grow in. There are some small canopies over the sand area, but as a parent you’ll find next to no shade, so take care on sunny days, especially if you have a baby with you. Also, some of the structures are metal. My daughter has more than once burned her legs on the slide and now refers to this playground as “the hot park.” 😀
If your kid has noise issues, beware the restrooms because the hand dryers are about a million decibels in that echo-y space! Finally, dogs are not permitted on the playground, so you may want to leave Fido at home.
In addition to the terrific playground, Central Park features a splash pad in the summer, an ice skating loop in the winter, and an indoor pavilion that’s great for a private party. (Oh, and did I mention indoor restrooms??!) You can also do lots of walking here, around the pond (~1 mile loop) or through the grounds in front of the pavilion. Here’s a map to get you started: link (pdf) If you do go walking, make sure to check out the beautiful garden and labyrinth (more info).
Location: 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove (map)
Playground Turf: Rubber, sand, artificial grass
Recommended age range: 1–12
Restrooms: Indoor (there’s also a changing area if you’re visiting the splash pad)
Concessions: Yes
Parking: Paved lot, street parking
More info: http://www.maplegrovemn.gov/parks-and-recreation/central-park-maple-grove
Please leave a comment if you have questions or anything else to add!
Mother’s Day is coming up this weekend, and there are lots of opportunities in our area to spend some special time with your family or to simply treat yourself. I was surprised at the variety of events available, so make sure to read all the way through and find the one that’s right for you!
Scroll past the events section to see restaurants that are offering brunch or other special meals.
Please leave a comment if you know of anything I missed!
Events & Activities
Mother’s Day Weekend at Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River
Saturday & Sunday 10–5 | Moms admitted free with paid child admission | http://www.mnhs.org/kelleyfarm/activities/calendar/2495
Peabody Players Mother’s Day Comedy Show at St. Michael Cinema
Saturday 8–10pm | http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2914547 or https://www.facebook.com/events/1716153938676968
“Mom’s The Best” Open Skating at Rogers Ice Arena
Sunday 4pm | Moms and kids skate free | https://www.facebook.com/events/436796889989094
I’m sure you’ll back me up when I say this, but the weather this weekend was absolutely fantastic! And what better way to enjoy the sunshine than going for a walk and getting to know our neighbors at the Open Streets event in St. Michael?
The goal of Open Streets is to give residents the opportunity to explore their neighborhood and local businesses while at the same time encouraging active transportation and healthy living. The stretch of road in front of City Hall was shut down for much of the day, and the street was lined with booth after booth sponsored by vendors and community organizations.
Some of the highlights of the event were free bike tune-ups, lunch provided by the St. Michael Lions, and lots of giveaways. For kids, there were games, bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, and tours of a fire engine.
My daughter and I arrived just in time to see the bike parade go by. And while the “parade” itself was not something to make a special trip out for as a spectator, the kids looked like they were having a blast riding their bikes up and down the road to cheers from the crowd.
We appreciated seeing so many friendly faces at the booths and getting to know all of the various people who serve within our community. A highlight for my daughter was spinning all of the prize wheels and picking up lots of candy and swag along the way. 😉
The Open Streets event takes place twice each year—in St. Michael in the spring and in Albertville in the fall—and we are already looking forward to paying a visit to the Albertville street fair this fall!
Did you make it to Open Streets this weekend? What was your favorite part? (leave a comment)
More photos from the event are available at the Open Streets STMA Facebook page.ave