Most of Lake Harriet Parkway remains closed to vehicles through May 3 to allow for social distancing by pedestrians

Small section of parkway opens near bandshell to open to provide accessible parking

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) announced tonight that most of Lake Harriet Parkway will not reopen to motor vehicles on Monday, April 27 but remain open to pedestrians through May 3. A small one-way section of Lake Harriet Parkway, from William Berry Parkway to West 42^nd Street, on the northwest side of the lake, is opening on Monday to motor vehicles to provide access to the Lake Harriet parking lot and the handicap accessible parking spots.

The Lake Harriet Parkway and all other MPRB parkways and roads are scheduled to reopen to vehicles when the Governor’s stay at home order ends at 11:59pm on Sunday, May 3.

Cyclists are asked to remain on the bike paths for all MPRB parkway closures. All MPRB parkway closures and maps are available at www.minneapolisparks.org/road_closures.

Parkways Closed to Motor Vehicles are for Pedestrians Only

While closures are in effect through May 3:

• Parkway roads will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic; cyclists should remain on bike trails.
• Walking paths will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic.
• Bike paths will remain bike paths in their current direction, if applicable.

Maps of every closure are posted on www.minneapolisparks.org/road_closures..

Exceptions and Conditions

• Emergency vehicles will be allowed on closed sections of parkways and streets at all times.
• Service, delivery and sanitation vehicles will be allowed on closed sections of parkways and streets as part of their regular operations. Vehicle drivers will be required to move and replace barricades.
• Access to residential buildings and residential parking facilities on closed sections of parkways and streets will be maintained.

Social Distancing

The Minneapolis Health Department, Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control offer the following guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 when visiting parks:

• Bring a water bottle. MPRB water fountains remain turned off for the health and safety of park users.
• Bring disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizers. MPRB restroom buildings remain closed.
• Do not use parks if you feel sick or have symptoms, including fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose and sore throat.
• Cover your cough with your elbow, don’t cough into your hands.
• Wash your hands immediately before and after visiting a park or trail.
• Maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other people that are not a part of your household.

Stay Updated

Visit minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus for more information on the MPRB’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Receive timely email updates by visiting minneapolisparks.org/subscribe, entering your email and selecting the “COVID-19” topic in the “News Updates” section.