With warmer weather approaching, everyone is looking forward to beaches, grilling, and simply enjoying summer’s activities at the parks. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) hopes you keep the following safety tips and park ordinances in mind to help you have a safe and enjoyable summer.
Beaches & Water Safety
Minneapolis lakes, rivers and beaches are an exceptional experience in the summer, but children and adults who do not have strong swimming skills are vulnerable. The MPRB has 63 wading pools, 12 beaches with lifeguards on duty at nine locations, and two water parks. Additionally, Webber Park Natural Swimming Pool is scheduled to open this summer. Most wading pools will be open May 23-Sept 7, Lupient Waterpark will be open June 13-August 23 and beach lifeguards will be on duty June 13 through late August.
For details visit www.minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/water_activities/.
The following tips are to ensure safety comes first in the water:
- Try a MPRB water safety clinic or enroll in swimming lessons this summer
- Continuous adult guardian supervision should occur any time your child is near water no matter what their swimming skill level
- Never swim in unauthorized areas and never swim alone
- Properly fitted life preservers should be worn by everyone riding in a boat, canoe or kayak
- Never consume alcohol when around the water
- Enjoyable water activities are dependent on safe weather and water conditions
Park Hours
All Minneapolis parks are closed between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. the following day; except along trails and in undeveloped areas. Portions of Minneapolis parks that are undeveloped are closed between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning.
If you must travel along park trails after dark:
- Always be aware of your surroundings and the people who are hanging around; listen to your internal voice and don’t ignore it
- Walk, ride or jog with a partner – there is always safety in numbers
- Avoid dark isolated places – don’t walk or park there
- Be alert, look around
- Inform others of your route
- Carry a cell phone
- Report suspicious activity and call 911
Curfew
Help keep our kids be safe by adhering to the City of Minneapolis curfew law. Curfew helps reduce children becoming victims of crimes, and reduces the opportunity for children to commit crimes.
Minneapolis curfew law tips:
- On weekdays, children under the age of 12 must be home by 9 p.m.
- Kids, ages 12 – 14, need to be home by 10 p.m.
- Teens, ages 15 – 17, curfew is 11 p.m.
- For all age groups, it’s one hour later on weekends Friday and Saturday Nights
Share the Park
During the summer, the parks are filled with thousands of people with relaxation and recreation on their mind. We have rules that are designed to facilitate a mutually respectful, responsible and safe experience at the park for everyone.
- While soaking up the summer sun, remember to stay hydrated but do not bring alcoholic beverages to the parks – alcohol consumption is not allowed
- Want to bring your pup to the park to enjoy the fresh air? We welcome dogs but they must be leashed and under your control. Several designated off leash areas are available for you and your dog’s enjoyment and require an off leash dog park permit.
- Fourth of July is a fun holiday to celebrate our patriotism but using fireworks in the parks can be dangerous. All fireworks are illegal in Minneapolis parks, so please leave them at home.
- We want you to enjoy the cheerful sounds of summer but playing amplified music is not allowed in our parks or on our parkways. Music must not be audible from a distance of 50 feet.
For more information on Minneapolis beaches, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board ordinances, or other park related information, visit www.minneapolisparks.org.