The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is hosting a listening tour to gather community input — including two sessions specifically geared toward the African American community — in its search for a new superintendent.
The nationwide search kicked off last month to replace MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller, who resigned in February 2018. Superintendent Emeritus Mary Merrill was tapped to serve as interim superintendent through October 31, 2018.
The MPRB superintendent’s primary duties include managing the day-to-day operations of one of the premier park systems in the United States and overseeing programs, practices and facilities. In addition, the position provides leadership for a staff of approximately 550 full-time and 1,150 temporary employees. The position also oversees an annual operating and capital budget of more than $100 million and serves as an ambassador to the community and other governmental agencies.
The listening tour has already included four public listening sessions in July — one each in North, Northeast, South and Southwest Minneapolis — along with a youth-oriented session earlier this week. Eight more listening sessions addressing various community-specific concerns including East African, Latinx, Indigenous/Native American, Asian, LGBTQ and persons with disabilities will take place through the end of the month.
Children’s activities, light food and refreshments will be provided at each listening session.
August 2018 Community Listening Sessions
Latinx Community Listening Session
Thursday, August 16, 6-8 pm
Powderhorn Recreation Center, 3400 15th Ave. S.
African American Community Listening Session
Saturday, August 18, 12-2 pm
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 4055 Nicollet Ave. S.
Indigenous/Native American Community Listening Session
Tuesday, August 21, 1-3 pm
American Indian Center, 1530 Franklin Ave. E.
African American Community Listening Session
Tuesday, August 21, 6-8 pm
North Commons Recreation Center, 1801 James Ave. N.
Asian Community Listening Session
Wednesday, August 22, 6-8 pm
Urban Research and Outreach Center (UROC), 2001 Plymouth Ave. N.
Community Listening Session for People with Disabilities
Thursday, August 23, 6-8 pm
MPRB Headquarters, 2117 West River Road N.
LGBTQ Community Listening Session
Thursday, August 30, 6-8 pm
Loring Community Arts Center, 1382 Willow St.
East African Community Listening Session
Friday, August 31, 6-8 pm
Brian Coyle Community Center, 420 15th Ave. S.
Applications for the superintendent job opened July 12, 2018 and will be accepted through Aug. 31, 2018.
Information provided by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. For more details, visit mprbsupersearch.com.
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