10-21-2020 Superintendent Bangoura Encampment Remarks

Since mid-July, after Park Commissioners enacted Resolution 2020-267, park staff have been implementing those Board directives consistent with Governor Walz’s executive orders.

As of this afternoon, there are an estimated 147 tents at 8 park sites, with many people leaving park encampments on their own due to the cold weather and last night’s snow. Recently people living in encampments at Annie Young Meadows, Boom Island, Lake Harriet, Logan, and today, Lyndale Farmstead, relocated with the help of community.

Regular outreach and engagement at each permitted site remains a priority, and park staff have being doing amazing work providing assistance in connecting unsheltered people with shelter spaces. Unfortunately, over the past several weeks, including today, many people who have been offered available shelter spaces have chosen not to move into shelter.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has consistently acknowledged that parks do not provide dignified shelter. We have worked the last five months with state, county, city, and social service organizations to find safe shelter for people experiencing homelessness in park encampments before cold weather settles in. Winter has now come to Minnesota and fires and propane are not allowed in Minneapolis parks.  Camping in parks now is simply not humane or safe. Three people have already died at homeless encampments in Minneapolis this year.

Superintendent Bangoura