MPRB FAQs regarding coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) priority is the health and safety of our park visitors and employees. The MPRB is actively monitoring and responding to the coronavirus COVID-19 in partnership with the Minneapolis Health Department, Minneapolis Office of Emergency Management, and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), which is leading the statewide response to COVID-19. MPRB leadership staff continue to COVID-19 strategies related to COVID-19 impacts to the MPRB, the public we serve, and our employees.

Additional local, state and national resources and recommendations are available on their COVID-19 webpages:

NRPA Social Distancing Graphic

MPRB FAQs regarding coronavirus (COVID-19)

Are MPRB recreation centers and program buildings open?

As of Feb. 14, 2022, all Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) recreation centers and the Mary Merrill MPRB Headquarters building resumed public hours.

Recreation Center Hours

Visit the Recreational Centers & Program Facilities page for updated seasonal hours.

Mary Merrill MPRB Headquarters Hours

  • Monday-Friday: 8 am-4:30 pm

Masks Recommended

As of March 8, 2022, masks are recommended, but not required, for all building visitors and employees.

What park activities and programs are open and available?

Most park activities and programs are open and available. Visit the MPRB activities page for more information.

Are MPRB events being held?

Many events are being held in the parks. Visit the MPRB event page or the full Event Calendar, which lists MPRB and permitted events by outside groups

How can I stay informed of any COVID-19 related changes in MPRB operations or services?

Receive timely email updates by visiting minneapolisparks.org/subscribe, entering your email and selecting the “COVID-19” topic in the “News Updates” section.

Can I view MPRB Board meetings remotely?

Public health officials are encouraging social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19. The MPRB encourages members of the public who do not have an essential need to attend MPRB Board meetings to view them through the live and recorded webcast and TV options.

Open Time
Members of the public may address the board during “Open Time” at full Board Meetings and Committee of the Whole Meetings, unless the Committee of the Whole Meeting is closed to the public for personnel and litigation matters. During COVID-19, see the Board Meeting guidelines for submitting comments during Open Time.

Are MPRB headquarters and southside operations center open for business?

Effective February 14,  the Mary Merrill MPRB Headquarter building is open to the public from 8am-4:30 pm. The South Side Operations Center is also open.

Effective March 8, marks are recommended but not required at all MPRB facilities. Whenever possible, people should continue practicing adequate physical distancing of at least six feet, unless they are part of the same household group.

Will MPRB community meetings (not Board meetings) be cancelled?

Board meeting returned to being held in person effective February 14, 2022. Community meetings will be a hybrid of virtual and in-person meetings with specific details posted for each meeting.

What can Minnesotans do to protect themselves from COVID-19?

The Minnesota Department of Health is leading the statewide response to COVID-19 and guidance for all Minnesotans is available on the website at www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus. Additional information is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Is information available in multiple languages?

The Minnesota Department of Health website features materials and resources on COVID-19 in multiple languages.

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COVID-19 News

March 10, 2022Masks recommended but no longer required in Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board buildings

February 14, 2022Public hours resume at recreation centers and Headquarters building

November 4, 2021- Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board continues transition back to pre-pandemic services and hours at recreation centers

April 8, 2021 – Sections of West River and Lake Harriet Parkways open to trail users and close to automobile traffic to allow more space for social distancing this spring

January 14, 2021 – New pedestrian / bike trails now available around Lake Nokomis and Chain of Lakes

December 29, 2020 – Adventure Hubs open at parks across Minneapolis

December 18, 2020 – Update on ice rinks and warming rooms for the 2020-21 winter season

November 20, 2020 – MPRB adjustments to programs and buildings reflect new updates on COVID-19 health guidelines

November 13, 2020 – Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board moves to all virtual board meetings

November 5, 2020 – Virtual Owámni Falling Water Festival All throughout November

October 27, 2020 – Join us at Halloween events in the parks on October 29, 30 and 31

August 31, 2020 – North Minneapolis recreation centers open this week for in-person fall outdoor youth sports registration

August 14, 2020 –  Fall youth sports in Minneapolis Parks: Flag Football and Soccer registration now open

July 31, 2020 – MPRB announces changes to lifeguard services at Minneapolis beaches

July 26, 2020 Update on reopening Minneapolis recreation centers

July 23, 2020 –  Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announces dates for reopening parkways closed to motor vehicles

June 23, 2020 – Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announces gradual re-openings of parkway beginning June 26

May 18, 2020 – Minneapolis Park courts, playgrounds and fields to slowly reopen during Stay Safe MN

May 7, 2020 – Minneapolis parkways closed to motor vehicles and open to pedestrians will remain in effect through at least end of June

May 1, 2020 – Updates on parkway closures and upcoming outdoor and virtual park programming

April 26, 2020 – Most of Lake Harriet Parkway remains closed to vehicles through May 3 to allow for social distancing by pedestrians

April 24, 2020 – Minneapolis parks remain open but many amenities being modified or closed for health of community

April 21, 2020 – Four hygiene stations for people experiencing homelessness to open in Minneapolis parks

April 20, 2020 – Southbound lane of East River Parkway closes to motor vehicles on April 21 to allow pedestrians more space for social distancing 

April 19, 2020 – Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announces Lake Harriet Parkway will remain closed to vehicles an additional week to allow for social distancing by pedestrians

April 16, 2020 – Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announces additional updates to parkway closures to allow for social distancing by pedestrians

April 9, 2020 – Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announces updates to parkway closures to allow for social distancing by pedestrians

April 9, 2020 Social distancing urged at Minneapolis playgrounds, trails, athletic courts and fields

April 3, 2020 MPRB Responds to Questions about plans for summer closures and cancellations

April 3, 2020 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announces three more parkway closures to motor vehicles to allow pedestrians more space for social distancing

April 2, 2020 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announces current and future impacts to parks and park programs in response to COVID-19 pandemic

April 1, 2020 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board issues plea to park and trail users to take social distancing measures seriously

March 30, 2020 The Opening of Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary Will Be Delayed

March 27, 2020 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announces Lake Harriet Parkway and Lake Nokomis Parkway closures to help trail users maintain social distancing

March 26, 2020 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announces riverfront parkway and road closures to help trail users maintain social distancing

March 20, 2020 Parks and Trails are open

March 17, 2020 MPRB March 18 Board meeting goes virtual

March 15, 2020 MPRB update and FAQs regarding COVID-19

March 13, 2020 MPRB update and FAQs regarding COVID-19

March 9, 2020 Information about COVID-19 from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board