Removal of Powderhorn Park east encampment

Removal of Powderhorn Park east encampment on July 20, 2020

Below is an overview of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) actions related to the July 20 removal of the Powderhorn Park east encampment:   

• On Wednesday, July 15, MPRB Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution that provides guidelines for encampments in parks; limits the number of parks with encampments to 20 and the number of tents per encampment to 25; and requires an encampment permit for each site. The MPRB staff are reaching out to each encampment to discuss the permit and seek applications. We have shared the permit application with key partners. Permits applications can be requested at encampmentpermits@minneapolisparks.org or by calling 612-230-6400 and submitted by an individual volunteer, volunteers, non-profit corporation, legal entity, government or non-governmental partner or agency. 

• The July 15 resolution also provides authority to the Superintendent to close encampments when there is a documented threat to people’s health and safety. This is separate from the encampment permit process. 

• There had been growing safety concerns at the east encampment at Powderhorn Park, including multiple sexual assaults and multiple assaults with a dangerous weapon. Many homeless individuals, service agencies, and volunteers had already left the east encampment out of concern for their safety. The number of tents at the east encampment shrunk from 310 tents on July 9 to an estimated 100 tents Friday July 18. On July 18, after significant discussion and review, MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura directed that notifications be served to individuals in the Powderhorn east encampment in the interest of the safety of encampment occupants and neighborhood residents. Notices informed those at the encampment they needed to vacate the east encampment within 72 hours (Monday). The MPRB coordinated with Hennepin County staff and local non-profit outreach providers to aid encampment occupants’ transition to other opportunities. This coordination occurred throughout the weekend and on Monday.

• East encampment occupants who desired shelter were provided contact information, including where families could be referred to family shelter and available individual rooms. East encampment occupants who desired to stay in a Minneapolis park were provided transportation Friday through Monday, including transportation for a reasonable quantity of personal belongings, to a location in another Minneapolis park.

• Approximately 50 tents and an estimated 30 people living at the east encampment were still onsite Monday, July 20, after the 72 hours had passed and MPRB arrived at the encampment. After several hours of work, including transportation of occupants to other sites and services, everyone had relocated except a couple people who refused to leave. Occupants at the final tent encampment were warned at least six times during Monday afternoon of impending action and potential arrest. Before these individuals left, an estimated 20-40 people arrived to support them staying in the encampment.
  
• In the minutes leading up to arrest, occupants and those who arrived in the area to support them were advised at least four times that refusing to move behind the police line would lead to arrest. In total, Park Police arrested 20 people, including at least two people who had been living in the encampment who refused to leave, along with as many as 18 protesters.  Hennepin County and MPD were not involved in any enforcement action. They provided technical support or transportation. Many media outlets were onsite and covered all aspects of the work on Monday.

• A contractor hired by the MPRB started cleaning the site on Monday, including removal of vacated tents and search and removal of needles and bio-hazard materials. City and MPRB staff operated most of the mobile equipment.

The MPRB has consistently stated that park encampments do not provide dignified shelter and that we must work collectively to find solutions to the services, shelter and housing needs of the homeless population. Over the past several weeks we have appreciated the support of volunteers and staff from the City, County and State.