💦 Bryant Square Park Wading Pool Reopens ☀️

Great news! The Bryant Square Park wading pool reopened on July 20, just in time for another summer heat wave!

We're thrilled the necessary repairs, including replacing the pool's Diamond Bright surface coating, were completed so quickly, allowing families to get back to cooling off and enjoying one of the park's favorite summer amenities.

A big thank you to the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and the crews who worked hard to complete the repairs, refill the pool, balance the water chemistry, and ensure everything was safe for reopening. Your quick work is greatly appreciated!

Now get out there, beat the heat, and enjoy the rest of the summer at Bryant Square Park! 💙🌊😎

#BryantSquarePark #MinneapolisParks #WadingPool #SummerFun #BeatTheHeat #SouthUptown #Community

🎉🏡 National Night Out is almost here! 🏡🎉

Join your neighbors on Tuesday, August 4 for an evening of food, fun, games, and community! National Night Out is a great opportunity to meet the people who live around you, strengthen neighborhood connections, and help build a safer community. ❤️🤝

⏰ Don't wait! The deadline to register your block event is Tuesday, July 28. Crime Prevention Specialists with the Minneapolis Police Department coordinate National Night Out across the city, including arranging street closures for registered block parties.

Learn more and register your event here: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/nno/

#NationalNightOut #Minneapolis #SouthUptown #CommunityStrong #KnowYourNeighbors #NeighborhoodConnections #GetInvolved

🚲 Help Shape the Future of 34th Street! 🌳

The City of Minneapolis is kicking off community engagement for the proposed 34th Street Neighborhood Greenway, a nearly four-mile project stretching from Hennepin Avenue to Hiawatha Avenue. Within the South Uptown neighborhood, the project would extend from Hennepin Avenue to Lyndale Avenue.

The Greenway aims to make it safer and easier for people walking, biking, rolling, and driving by improving intersection crossings, calming traffic, discouraging unsafe driving, upgrading pedestrian ramps, and creating a more comfortable bicycle route connecting parks and schools.

Learn more and share your thoughts at these upcoming events:

🎶 Tuesday, July 28 • 7:00 PM
Bryant Square Park (during the outdoor concert)

🏡 Wednesday, August 5 • 7:00 PM
South Uptown Land Use & Transportation Committee Meeting
3501 Aldrich Ave. S., 1st Floor “Living Room"

🔗 Learn more about the project on the City's website: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/34th-st-greenway/

Your feedback can help shape this important neighborhood project—we hope to see you there!

🏡🔒 The South Uptown Home Security Grant Program is back 🏡🔒

The South Uptown Home Security Grant Program is back—and thanks to a recent Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Plan Modification, it will be available for several more years!

In June, the South Uptown Neighborhood Association added more than $5,000 to the program, helping ensure that neighbors can continue making safety improvements to their homes.

Eligible homeowners can receive up to $500 in matching funds for upgrades such as:
🔸 Exterior lighting
🔸 Stronger locks and doors
🔸 Security cameras and alarm systems

This popular program has already helped many South Uptown residents improve their home security. Funding is limited, so apply today!

👉 Learn more and apply:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1oduEIM7HNT4uyI4aY3WpIus2fEGeapM4lYvLWMOTXv4/viewform?edit_requested=true#responses

💧 South Uptown's Adopt-a-Drain success continues! 💧

Did you know storm drains flow directly into our lakes, creeks, and rivers without treatment? Keeping drains clear of leaves, litter, and debris helps protect our waterways and wildlife.

The good news: South Uptown's drain adoption rate has now reached 45%, matching our neighbors in Lowry Hill East (the Wedge)! 🎉

We're still behind East Bde Maka Ska (80%), but together we can keep closing the gap.

📍 Priority areas still needing adopters:
• Hennepin & Lyndale Avenues
• Girard Ave at 32nd & 33rd St.
• 35th St. at Emerson & Fremont Ave.

Adopting a drain only takes a few minutes and makes a real difference.

Check out the map and adopt a drain today:
https://mn.adopt-a-drain.org/map

🏊‍♂️🐬 Bryant Square Park Wading Pool Update 🐬🏊‍♀️

If you've noticed that the Bryant Square Park wading pool hasn't opened this summer, here's why: while preparing the pool for the season around Memorial Day, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board staff discovered that the pool's Diamond Bright surface coating was peeling away. This coating helps provide a safe, non-slip surface for children and families using the pool, so repairs were necessary before it could reopen.

The good news is that Park Board staff moved quickly to address the issue and have already contracted with a company to replace the damaged surface. Work is expected to take place over the next few weeks, with the goal of reopening the wading pool in early July.

While the surface needs replacement, the rest of the six-year-old facility—including the pump, filter, and underground piping systems—remains in excellent condition and is expected to provide many more years of service.

Thank you for your patience as these repairs are completed. We look forward to seeing families back at the pool soon!

📚 Little Free Libraries Are Open for Browsing! 📚

South Uptown’s two Little Free Libraries are stocked, open, and ready for neighbors to share a book and discover a new favorite read. Take a book, leave a book, and help keep the shelves full for everyone to enjoy!

Over the past several months, one of our libraries has undergone a major rehabilitation after spending more than a decade out in the elements. Volunteers scraped away old paint, sanded and patched the exterior, and applied a fresh primer to extend the library’s lifespan. Then, a talented volunteer artist transformed it into a true work of art with beautiful woodland-themed designs.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped bring this neighborhood treasure back to life! You can visit the newly restored library at 3300 Bryant Avenue S. through October.

Our second Little Free Library is currently located at 3336 Girard Avenue S. through mid-July before it moves to its new home.

Happy reading, South Uptown! 📖🌳📚

🌿🌸🌼🌷 29th Annual South Uptown Garden Tour 🌷🌼🌸🌿

🌿🌸🌼🌷 29th Annual South Uptown Garden Tour 🌷🌼🌸🌿

Take a stroll through some of South Uptown’s most beautiful gardens during our annual Garden Tour! This two-day walking tour showcases inspiring urban landscapes, creative gardening ideas, and beautiful outdoor spaces throughout the neighborhood.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener, a budding green thumb, or simply enjoy exploring the neighborhood, we’d love to have you join us!

📅 Saturday, June 20 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 Meet at Canteen (3255 Bryant Ave S.)

📅 Monday, June 22 | 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
📍 Meet at Gigi’s Cafe (824 W. 36th St.)

🌻 View the Garden Tour route here.

🚧 Utility Upgrades Underway in South Uptown 🚧

CenterPoint Energy is upgrading natural gas infrastructure in several areas of South Uptown this summer and fall to improve the safety and reliability of the gas system.

📍 34th St W to 36th St W — work began in early June and may last up to 25 weeks. Expect lane shifts, sidewalk and bike lane closures, and occasional road closures with signed detours. Some properties may also require meter relocations and service line work.

📍 Aldrich Ave S (27th St W to 32nd St W) — work is expected to begin around June 29 and last about five weeks.

📍 36th St W (Lyndale Ave S to Bryant Ave S) — work is expected to begin in July.

🚦 Residents may notice utility markings, construction crews, temporary street and sidewalk impacts, and other construction activity throughout the project area.

🔗 View project maps, schedules, and additional details at the project website: https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/InYourCommunity/Pages/ConstructionZoneProjectSites/Minneapolis-South-Uptown-and-East-Harriet-Neighborhoods.aspx?sa=mn&au=res

🌻🍓 Uptown Farmers Market Returns Every Thursday Through September

The Uptown Farmers Market is back for another season, bringing fresh produce, locally raised meats, baked goods, prepared foods, artisan products, and more to the heart of Uptown every Thursday evening through September 24.

This year, the market has a new home at MoZaic Plaza (1330 Lagoon Avenue), located just north of Lagoon Avenue along Girard. The market takes place every Thursday from 4:00–8:00 PM, providing a great opportunity to shop local, support small businesses, enjoy dinner outdoors, and connect with neighbors.

By choosing to shop at the market, you're helping support local farmers, food producers, and entrepreneurs while contributing to the ongoing revitalization of Uptown. Whether you're picking up ingredients for dinner, grabbing a ready-to-eat meal, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, there's something for everyone.

The 2026 season runs from June 11 through September 24.

Interested in helping out? The market is also seeking occasional volunteers to assist with setup, welcoming visitors, and other market activities. Learn more and sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054EA4AF2CA7F5C34-64310941-uptown#/

We hope you'll make the Uptown Farmers Market part of your Thursday evening routine this summer and fall.

🌿🌸 29th Annual South Uptown Garden Tour 🌸🌿

Discover the beauty of South Uptown one garden at a time! Join us for the 29th Annual South Uptown Garden Tour, a two-day walking tour featuring some of the neighborhood’s most inspiring gardens and landscapes.

Each tour visits a different collection of gardens, giving participants a chance to explore creative urban gardening ideas, learn landscaping tips, meet fellow garden enthusiasts, and enjoy a leisurely walk through the neighborhood. Whether you're an experienced gardener or simply appreciate beautiful outdoor spaces, you're welcome to join us!

📅 Saturday, June 20 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 Meet at Canteen 3255

📅 Monday, June 22 | 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
📍 Meet at Gigi’s Cafe

🌻 Interested in showcasing your own garden? For more information or to have your yard included on the tour, contact Scott Engel at (612) 823-2520 or info@southuptown.org.

🚨 PUBLIC NOTICE- NRP Plan Change Proposed! 🚨

The South Uptown Neighborhood Association will consider a proposed Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Plan Modification during our next neighborhood meeting:

📅 Tuesday, June 16
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Bryant Square Park Recreation Center

The proposed change would reallocate approximately $5,200 from a dormant Graffiti Prevention Program to the popular South Uptown Home Security Grant Program, which is nearing the end of its funding.

🏠🔒 The Home Security Grant Program provides matching funds for neighbors to:
• Upgrade doors and locks
• Install home security cameras and systems
• Improve exterior lighting

NRP guidelines require a 21-day public notice period before a community vote on changes to the use of NRP funds.

🗣️ We encourage neighbors to attend the meeting, learn more about the proposal, and provide input!

🏗️ Seven Points Redevelopment Update 🏗️

Demolition work at the Seven Points redevelopment site has been well underway since April, and several portions of the existing structure have now been demolished including the former CB2, Kitchen Window and Famous Daves. 🚧

Doran Companies indicated that a ground breaking celebration will take place on June 11 with site remediation and soil correction work continuing throughout the summer. Construction of the new 247-unit apartment building is expected to begin this fall and progress for approximately 14 months. 🏢

We’ll continue to stay in touch with Doran and share updates as more information becomes available. Thanks for staying engaged and following the progress of this major redevelopment project in South Uptown! 💬

🚧 News about Lyndale Avenue S.! 🚲🚶

The South Uptown Neighborhood Association recently approved a letter commenting on the proposed design for the future reconstruction of Lyndale Avenue S. between Franklin Ave. and W. 31st St.

We’re pleased to support the revised design north of W. 28th St., which now includes a protected, two-way bike facility — a major improvement for safer and more connected transportation in our neighborhood. 🙌

In our letter, South Uptown also identified two key priorities for further improvement:
➡️ Extending the protected bike facility south from W. 28th St. to W. 31st St.
➡️ Improving the pedestrian environment in the Lyn-Lake area to create a safer, more welcoming streetscape for everyone.

🚧 Hennepin County has been engaging neighbors on this project for several years, with reconstruction currently planned for 2028. The proposed design is expected to go before the Minneapolis City Council for approval in June.

🔗 Learn more about the Lyndale Ave Reconstruction project here: https://beheardhennepin.org/lyndale-avenue

📄 Read the South Uptown comment letter here.

🎨 South Uptown Launches Community Logo Design Competition

South Uptown Neighborhood Association is inviting residents, business owners, and property owners to help shape the neighborhood’s future identity through a new community logo design competition.

A logo is more than just an image — it represents who we are as a neighborhood. Rather than hiring an outside agency or relying on a small committee, we’re asking the community itself to help create a logo that reflects today’s South Uptown.

No professional design experience is needed! Whether your idea starts as a pencil sketch, a napkin doodle, or a simple digital drawing, we want to see your creativity. A professional graphic designer will refine the winning concept into a polished final logo.

🚫 Please note: AI-generated designs will not be accepted.

Design Guidelines

• Use no more than 3 colors

• Create a clean, friendly design representing our urban neighborhood

• Optional text may only include the words “South Uptown”

• Submit designs as a high-resolution PNG or PDF

• Include a brief 2–3 sentence explanation of your concept

Prize

🏆 The winning designer will receive a cash prize and the honor of having their work represent South Uptown on our website, social media, promotional items, and more.

Key Dates

• May 19 — Contest Opens

• July 31 — Submission Deadline

• August — Community Voting

• September Neighborhood Annual Meeting — Winner Announced

Submit your entry here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkKXv8VUgM59nvbPWzOl3lcBfRAitRkh4n8LHkA5ttqmeUIA/viewform

Questions? Contact the South Uptown Neighborhood Association at info@southuptown.org.

📚🎨 Exciting things are happening with one of South Uptown’s Little Free Libraries!

Back in April, we temporarily took the library out of service so it could get a much-needed refresh. Since then, an amazing team of volunteers has been hard at work bringing it back to life. One volunteer carefully scraped off the old paint, sanded the structure, and patched it up to restore it to great condition. Another volunteer primed and painted the library a beautiful shade of green. 🌿

Now, a third volunteer artist is adding creative painted scenes to the exterior, transforming the library into a true neighborhood work of art. 🎨✨ Over the coming weeks, you may spot the artist at work at Bryant Square Park.

We’re excited to unveil the refurbished library early this summer — stay tuned! 📖💚

In the meantime, our second Little Free Library will remain available through July at 3336 Girard. Stop by to leave a book, take a book, and share the joy of reading with neighbors! 📚🏡

🍹☀️ South Uptown’s 1st Thursday Happy Hours are taking a short summer break!

With so many exciting neighborhood events happening over the next few months, the South Uptown Neighborhood Association will be pausing our monthly Happy Hour gatherings for the summer. Don’t worry — we plan to bring them back in September! 🎉

A big thank you to Babbi Cajun for hosting our May Happy Hour last week. We had a wonderful crowd, shared lots of great conversation, and enjoyed some delicious food together. 🌶️🍤

We look forward to seeing everyone again this fall — and at the many neighborhood events happening this summer! 🌳🎶

🌧️ South Uptown Storm Drain Adoption Challenge 🌧️

Did you know that every storm drain in our neighborhood flows directly into our lakes, creeks, and rivers—without being filtered? That means trash, leaves, and litter left in the street can quickly become pollution that harms water quality and wildlife. 🐟🌿

The good news: there’s a simple, powerful way to help.

🚮 Adopt a Storm Drain

Adopting a drain means keeping it clear of leaves, trash, and debris—especially before and after storms. It’s also helpful to pick up litter a block in each direction once a week or so. It only takes a few minutes here and there, but it makes a real difference for our City's waterways.

📊 How we’re doing (and how we compare)

Let’s see if South Uptown can catch up with our neighbors:

• 🌊 East Bde Maka Ska: 80% adopted

• 🌊 Lowry Hill East: 45% adopted

• 🌊 South Uptown: 43% adopted

We’re close—but we can do better! 💪

📍 High-priority areas needing adoption

If you’re looking for a drain to adopt, we are especially focused on:

• Most of Hennepin & Lyndale Avenues

• Girard Ave at 32nd & 33rd St.

• 35th St. at Emerson & Fremont Ave.

Even adopting one drain helps protect our shared water. 💧

🖱️ Ready to adopt?

Visit the Adopt-a-Drain map to see available drains and sign up:
https://mn.adopt-a-drain.org/map

Let’s work together to raise South Uptown’s adoption rate and keep our streets—and our waters—cleaner and healthier. 🌎💙

🎶 The 2026 Bryant Square Park Concert Series schedule is here! 🎸🎷

Behind the scenes, Bryant Square Park staff and South Uptown volunteers have spent the past few months carefully selecting and scheduling another fantastic summer lineup — and we’re excited to finally share it with the neighborhood.

Concerts begin June 18 and will take place most Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:00–8:30 PM through August 13. This year’s series features an exciting mix of musical styles including rock, pop, jazz, bluegrass, ska, and more, with something for just about everyone to enjoy.

🎵 Vew the full concert schedule and listen to samples from each performer at  https://southuptown.org/events, or download the Calendar here. Click on a Band Name to listen to a sample of their music.

We’re especially excited to bring the series back this year with a brand-new sound system, which will improve sound quality and help make performances even better for audiences and musicians alike.

We can’t wait to see you in the park this summer! 🌳☀️

📚✨ South Uptown’s Little Free Libraries: Sharing Stories, Building Community ✨📚

South Uptown’s Little Free Libraries continue to be a simple but powerful way neighbors connect—one book at a time. Our organization currently owns two libraries, and every few months we rotate them to new locations throughout the neighborhood to keep the experience fresh and accessible for more residents. 📖

In April, one of our libraries found a new home at 3336 Girard Avenue S. Be sure to stop by! Whether you’re dropping off a favorite read or picking up something new, it’s all about sharing stories and spreading the joy of reading. 📚➡️📚

Our second library is taking a short break—but for a good reason. After more than 10 years of braving Minnesota’s weather ☀️❄️🌧️, it was ready for some much-needed TLC. Thanks to a group of generous volunteers, the restoration is already underway! They’ve been hard at work scraping away old paint, repairing damaged wood, and applying a fresh primer coat. 🛠️🎨

Next up, a talented volunteer artist will transform the library with a brand-new, creative design—making it not just a place for books, but a true piece of neighborhood art. 🎨📦

Stay tuned for the big reveal later this spring—we can’t wait to share the refreshed library with you! 🌷