Public hearing on request to name Lake Nokomis 50th Street Beach “Al Wittman Beach” scheduled February 21

Wittman worked for the Park Board for nearly 30 years and was a influential figure in Minneapolis park development during his career

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is hosting a public hearing on a request to name the Lake Nokomis 50th Street Beach “Al Wittman Beach” on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. The hearing is scheduled at 5:45 pm in the Board Room at Mary Merrill MPRB Headquarters, 2117 West River Road.

Lake Nokomis 50th Street Beach is located at 5000 East Lake Nokomis Parkway. It’s the smaller beach of two on Lake Nokomis, just south of Nokomis Naturescape Garden on the northeast side of the lake. The beach’s current name has never been formally adopted by an MPRB resolution or Board action.

Al Wittman worked for the MPRB from 1969 to his retirement in 1997, serving as the Assistant Superintendent for Planning and Development. He oversaw the design and construction of numerous new recreation centers, including the Lake Nokomis Community Center, and also the redesign and renovation of many existing parks. He was instrumental in establishing the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, redeveloping St. Anthony Falls area, and implementing design standards across the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway.

Wittman loved the water and was a 30-year veteran of the US Coast Guard Reserves. He raised his family near Lake Nokomis, where he kept his canoe, and frequently took his five children to play at 50th Street Beach.

Participate in the Public Hearing

Speak in person: Go to the MPRB Headquarters on the day of the hearing and add your name to the sign-up sheet at the front desk. You can also call 612-230-6400 before 3 pm on Feb. 21 to sign up to speak.

Email written comments: Email your comments to opentime@minneapolisparks.org by 3 pm on Feb. 21. Comments will be included in the public record of the meeting.

Next Steps

This is the first public hearing of two required by the MPRB Naming Policy. The Naming Policy dictates that the Board of Commissioners wait two years to take a final vote after the nomination is made.