Blaine CityConnect - March/April 2022 by City of Blaine

BlaineMN.gov

CityConnect March/April 2022

What’s Inside

New Online Utility Payment Services....................................................5 Intersection of 105th Avenue and Trunk Highway 65

What’s Next for Highway 65 Summer Registration Begins Monday, March 7......................................6

City of Blaine 10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine MN 55449

POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL

DATED MATERIAL PREPARED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

ECRWSS

POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID TWIN CITIES, MN Permit No. 32324

Arbor Day Tree Sale Starts Tuesday, March 15.....................................8

The City of Blaine continues to drive the coordination of improvements to Highway 65. The City has taken the lead through the necessary studies, applying for funding, contracting for design services, and setting the stage to finally construct improvements. Blaine residents and businesses all know the issues and problems created by the congestion on Highway 65. It would be great to go straight to a design solution to begin construction. However, the funding will be decided at the national level by people who have never driven in this area. Meaning that studies are a critical piece to tell the story and compete against all the other traffic problems across the country. Development of these projects from concept to construction takes years. Three to five years is extremely fast even for simple projects. More complex projects like this typically take five to eight years or longer. Doing the up-front work including the permitting, design, and right of way acquisition goes a long way in making a project competitive. At that point a project can be built within an election cycle if funds are made available. The latest push began in 2018 with approval to have the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) start a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study of the corridor. While there have been studies done in the past, the process to make the project eligible for federal grants and funding requires these studies to be less than five years old to reflect the current transportation demands and patterns of development. The PEL study area extended from 81st Avenue in Spring Lake Park all the way north to Bunker Lake Boulevard in Ham Lake. The area was further broken down into three sections. The City of Blaine is currently focusing on the center section from just south of 99th Avenue to just north of 117th Avenue. The study follows the federal process to examine a range of alternatives that address capacity, access, mobility, and safety issues. Development of a purpose and need statement, followed by identification and evaluation of potential design concepts. The final study report was officially accepted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and MnDOT in September of 2021. The City of Blaine through our local state delegates Senator Jerry Newton, Representative Erin Koegel, and Representative Nolan West were able to receive grant funding from the state legislature for the next steps. The City contracted in early 2021 to begin the investigation and design work of the center section of the study area before the PEL was officially complete. A team from TKDA and HDR consulting firms were selected to do this work. This team has also been helping the City apply for additional grants for the eventual construction of the improvements. The final project for this section of Highway 65 will cost between $100M to $150M and cannot be built all at once. Therefore, it needs to be designed so each individual project can be built separately and still work with the other pieces. Smaller projects are also easier to get funded. Continued on Page 4

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BlaineMN.gov - CityConnect

Upcoming Meetings

Recycling Calendar

City Council*

March s

April s

Blaine City Hall 10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6700 Communications@BlaineMN.gov

May

MAYOR Tim Sanders 763-203-3286 TSanders@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 1 Wes Hovland 763-228-1117 WHovland@BlaineMN.gov Jason Smith 612-460-0199 JSmith@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 2 Julie Jeppson 763-354-4709 JJeppson@BlaineMN.gov Jess Robertson 763-607-2233 JRobertson@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 3 Chris Massoglia 612-524-9447 CMassoglia@BlaineMN.gov Richard Paul 763-607-6641 RPaul@BlaineMN.gov

CITY MANAGER Michelle Wolfe 763-785-6120 MWolfe@BlaineMN.gov

City Council Workshops March 7 | March 21 April 8 | April 11 | April 18 6pm | Cloverleaf Farms Room

Natural Resources Conservation Board* March 15 | April 19 7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Park Board* March 22 | April 26 7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Planning Commission*

Traffic Commission*

March 1 | April 5 6:30pm | City Hall Council Chambers

City Council

March 7 | March 21 April 4 | April 18 7:30pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Holiday

Zone A

Zone B

For more information, visit WaltersRecycling.com or call 763-780-8464.

City Directory Police & Fire...............................................911

March 8 | April 12 7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

*Meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16 and 799. A livestream of meetings is available at BlaineMN.gov/Video.

Stay Connected

CIVICREADY

Police (non-emergency) ....... 763-785-6168 Fire (non-emergency)............ 763-786-4436 Public Works After Hours...... 763-427-1212

Receive Emergency Communications BlaineMN.gov/CivicReady

City Hall................................... 763-784-6700 Mary Ann Young Center........ 763-786-9375 Public Works........................... 763-785-6165

NotifyMe®

Building Inspections.............. 763-785-6170 City Cable Channel 16 .......... 763-785-6181 City Clerk ................................ 763-785-6122 City Manager.......................... 763-785-6120 Communications.................... 763-785-6181 Community Standards.......... 763-785-6187 Community Outreach............ 763-717-2713 Economic Development........ 763-785-6180 Engineering............................. 763-785-6172 Finance.................................... 763-717-2677 Fire Inspections ..................... 763-785-6187 Forestry .................................. 763-717-2660 Housing Services ................... 763-785-6146 Human Resources ................. 763-785-6109 Newsletter.............................. 763-785-6181 North Metro TV...................... 763-780-8241 Parks & Recreation ............... 763-785-6164 Planning & Zoning ................. 763-785-6180 Recycling & Solid Waste ....... 763-785-6141 Sewer Backup......................... 763-785-6165 Streets .................................... 763-785-6165 Stormwater............................. 763-785-6172 Utility Billing ........................... 763-785-6141 Water & Sewer System ......... 763-785-6165 Web.......................................... 763-717-2638

Connect with your community and sign up for topics that interest you BlaineMN.gov/NotifyMe

CommunityConnect A Crime Prevention Partnership BlaineMN.gov/ CommunityConnect

CityConnect is published bimonthly by the City of Blaine and distributed to all residents and businesses. Past copies of the city newsletter are available at BlaineMN.gov/Newsletter

March/April 2022

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2021 Housing Wrap Up Housing Growth Returns to Prerecession Levels Recovering from a lower year in 2020, 2021 was a strong year for residential development in Blaine. Units permitted, permits issued, and lots platted all hit their highest level since the Great Recession. Residential permitting in Blaine last year included 332 single family detached homes, 172 townhome units, and 82 apartment units, totaling 586 total units permitted, the highest since 2005. Last year also saw a diversification in product types with growth in townhomes and apartments reflecting the need for a variety of housing options to meet the needs of current and future Blaine residents. Townhomes have grown substantially in popularity as a lower cost, lower maintenance, homeownership option. Blaine was fifth among Twin Cities suburbs for residential permits issued and sixth for residential units permitted in 2021, a higher ranking for both statistics than 2020. National builders made up a large share of new homes in 2021 with several large subdivisions developed by national builders, and four national builders active in the townhome market.

Alexander Woods 2nd Addition

Local builders continue to be active in the market, primarily in smaller subdivisions and infill development. Over 600 lots received final plat approval in 2021. New developments included the continued build out of the northeast area and infill subdivisions throughout the City. Platted lots were evenly split between townhomes and single family detached dwellings. Newly platted single family lots are predominantly smaller lots, sized for narrower homes. Last year had the highest platting activity since the Great Recession, with 634 new lots receiving final plat approval. Four multifamily projects received City Council approval in 2021 and are anticipated to start construction in 2022 totaling 503 units, including senior, market rate, and luxury products. The City anticipates strong growth to continue into 2022 with a large inventory of platted lots and several apartment projects expected to be permitted in the first half of the year. For more 2021 highlights, visit BlaineMN.gov/2021HousingWrapUp.

2022 Bike Helmet Fitting & Sale When:

Wednesday, April 20, 4-7pm Saturday, May 21, 9am-12pm

Where: SBM Fire Station #3 11920 Ulysses Street NE Blaine MN 55434 Helmets are available in a variety of colors and sizes ranging from toddler to adult, so bring the whole family. Have a previously purchased helmet, but are unsure of the fit? Bring it with you and our trained staff will be happy to check the fit and make adjustments accordingly. No appointment necessary. Bike helmets are priced at $10 each. Payments accepted include cash and check. All attendees must wear a mask. No mask; no entry. For more information, call 763-767-4003 or visit SBMFire.org.

Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, poisonous gas. Your senses cannot detect its presence. Planning Department, Pictured Left to Right: Shawn Kaye, Sheila Sellman, Pat Robinson, Erik Thorvig, Elizabeth Showalter, and Ruth Tucker

Department Spotlight Say Hello to the Planning Department The Planning and Economic Development team is part of the Community Development Department. The planning division oversees all land development with the City of Blaine. This includes reviewing and processing development proposals submitted to the City which are considered by the Planning Commission and City Council as well as interpreting and enforcing zoning and subdivision ordinances. This division also implements the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan which guides land use and future development of the City based on guidance from the Blaine City Council and Metropolitan Council. The department also prepares special reports, studies, and long-range redevelopment plans for certain areas of the City. The economic development division offers assistance to businesses, developers, and real estate brokers in finding available sites and buildings based on their space needs and future plans for the City. In some instances, financial assistance is provided by the Blaine Economic Development Authority. Various home improvement programs for residents are also administered by this division. Economic development staff also assist in planning and hosting various events throughout the year to market the City of Blaine to prospective businesses and developers such as the Blaine Business Appreciation Day, the Blaine Business Council, and the 3M Open. Economic development staff also manage any real estate transactions executed by the Blaine Economic Development Authority that are part of identified redevelopment areas of the City. Learn more at BlaineMN.gov/CommunityDevelopment.

CO is produced by anything in your home that burns fuel inefficiently. Sources can include, but are not limited to gas dryers, furnaces, stoves, water heaters, fireplaces, automobile fumes, and portable heaters. It is important to have a CO alarm for early warning and detection. In Minnesota, you must install CO alarms within 10 feet of the bedrooms. If people sleep on multiple levels, there must be a CO alarm on every level. Check CO alarms regularly to be sure they are functioning properly. CO alarms last between 5 and 10 years per the manufacturer’s date, which is located on the back of the device. If you’re interested in participating in a CO data study and receive a free CO alarm or you want to schedule a confidential home safety survey, call 763-767-4003. For a short survey regarding home safety, visit https://bit.ly/2VO1hNX.

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Building Inspections Corner

Septic System Pumping Minnesotans with homes connected to municipal wastewater services may not be aware of the role of septic systems in protecting water quality in the state. More than 618,000 Minnesota homes and businesses use septic systems, including hundreds in Blaine. An average home with two baths and three occupants can produce about 250 to 300 gallons of wastewater per day. That is a lot of flow for an on-site septic system to treat and process. This is why regularly pumping your septic tank is perhaps the most important factor in maintaining your septic system. A neglected septic system can quickly become a health hazard and an expensive problem all around. Replacing a septic system can be as expensive as buying a new car. Just as you would regularly have your car serviced every few thousand miles, you should likewise clean your septic tank after a few thousand flushes and laundry loads. When to pump? The MPCA and the University of Minnesota recommends pumping all tanks every 2 years. In Blaine, city ordinance requires that any septic tank be pumped, cleaned, and inspected through the tank maintenance manhole no less than once every three years. In lieu of pumping, homeowners can have a licensed service provider send a form to the City verifying the levels in the tank do not meet the pumping threshold. This might apply for systems with very light usage. Who can pump? Pumping must be done by a licensed service provider. After the pumping is completed, they submit a Septic Tank Maintenance Reporting Form to the City of Blaine. When was the last time my tanks were pumped? You can view previously submitted pumping and maintenance records on BlaineMN.gov/ PropertyInformationLookup. The City of Blaine will also send a pumping/maintenance reminder when tanks are due for pumping and maintenance. What happens if I sell/transfer my property? If the system hasn’t had a compliance inspection recently (in the past five years for a new system or the past three years for an existing system) a compliance inspection is required when the property is sold or transferred. A qualified private septic inspector must perform the compliance inspection. A Compliance Inspection is not the same as pumping or maintenance, it is a more detailed inspection of the condition of the entire septic system. More information is available at BlaineMN.gov/SepticInformation. For help with a dispute with a residential contractor, call 800-657-3944 (press 5) or dli.contractor@state.mn.us.

BlaineMN.gov - CityConnect

Highway 65 Continued from Page 1 - Smaller Project Components • 99th Avenue grade separated intersection This is a City road connecting to Highway 65 and provides access to the National Sports Center, a large area of industrial businesses, and the shopping areas along Davenport Avenue. This is the City’s top priority for the corridor. • A west frontage road from 99th Avenue to the north Intersection of 99th Avenue and Highway 65 All studies about Highway 65 for the last 20 years have shown that the highway needs good frontage roads to work properly. Too many people are forced to get onto Highway 65 for short trips north or south, adding to the congestion. This is also one of the remaining areas where the City can see commercial development. This is the City’s second highest priority for the corridor. The City has been in contact with the manufactured home communities and the property owners of the undeveloped land in that area as options are evaluated. • 105th Avenue grade separated intersection This intersection is the primary access to the National Sports Center and local businesses. It is very close to the other intersections and the signal creates more backups. The project is looking at how to provide functional access across the highway, on and off the highway by the frontage road system or slip ramps, and still serve the businesses in the area. • 109th Avenue grade separated intersection This intersection has the most significant impact on the entire area. It is Anoka County’s top priority for the corridor. It will also be the most expensive. The project team is putting extra effort into this location to make sure the right project solution is found. • 117th Avenue grade separated intersection This City road connection is an important connection to and across the highway for access to the commercial areas and the residential areas on each side. When traveling northbound this is the last signal in Blaine, making this an important addition with the projects further south. The project team includes consultants, staff from the City of Blaine, Anoka County, MnDOT, and FHWA. The process requires all possible options be evaluated. Then the team will begin to eliminate options based on very specific criteria that help solve the identified problems. The team has narrowed it down to three final options. This process ensures that the final selected alternative meets all the needs of the community, is technically feasible, that the benefits outweigh the costs, and it will not create different future problems. These final options will be presented to the City and County elected officials in April along with a technical recommendation for the final selected alternative. Additional community outreach will also happen at that time. The City and our partners continue to pursue every funding opportunity available. To date over $20 million has been secured for the project corridor. • A $1.5 million grant in 2020 from the state legislature to Anoka County is being used to pay for the environmental review, refinement of options, and the work that will determine the final selected alternative. • A $7 million grant in 2021 from the state legislature to the City of Blaine. The City anticipates using these funds to complete preliminary design of the entire section of 99th Avenue to 117th Avenue, final construction plans for the 99th, 105th, and 109th Avenue intersections, relocation of electric and gas utilities as necessary, and begin some of the right of way purchases. • A $10 million grant from the Metropolitan Council to the City of Blaine under the Federal Regional Solicitation process toward the construction of the 99th Avenue intersection and frontage road connections. The funding is available in 2024 and covers about 35 percent of the estimated cost of construction. • The most recent grant awarded was $4.6 million to the City of Blaine from the state Transportation Economic Development (TED) program toward the construction of the west frontage road project. The grant recognizes the potential for job creation with this project. This money will be available after 2024. The City will be working in the meantime to finalize the alignment along with the design and coordinate property impacts or needed acquisitions. • The City is seeking major funding during this state legislative session that would move the project forward. The City has requested $25 million towards the 99th Avenue intersection and $30 million towards the 117th Avenue intersection. There continues to be a lot of momentum towards funding Highway 65 improvements. The public can always help by contacting their state and federal elected officials to stress how important funding for these projects are to the people living here, the 7 million visitors a year that come to Blaine, and to the people that travel this vital corridor between the Twin Cities and north central Minnesota For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/TH65.

Spring Water Levels

Keep Sheds, Equipment, and Other Items Out of Low Areas After a dry 2021 and less than normal snow moisture so far, the Coon Creek Watershed District reports that the local ditch systems, stormwater ponds and wetlands have good capacity for holding spring snowmelt. This is the same as last year and perhaps is one benefit of our drought conditions. Still, with more winter weather yet to come, please remember that ditch capacity for holding floodwaters can change. To be safe and reduce property damage from future flooding, keep sheds, equipment, landscape materials, and piles of debris out of low areas year-round. This includes piles of grass clippings or leaves. Also, if you plan to landscape or build on your property this year, find out if your activity might cause flooding or other impacts. Check with the City and your watershed organization. Don’t know which watershed? Go to CoonCreekWD.org, learn & explore landing page, then select “Are You in Our District?” Type in your address to find your watershed organization contact information. Information provided by Coon Creek Watershed District:763-755-0975 or CoonCreekWD.org

March/April 2022

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New Utility Billing Payment Services More Choices for Customers To provide utility customers with easy access to make payments and more payment options, the City has implemented an advanced electronic billing and payment solution. In addition to electronic check, debit, and credit card payments, customers will gain the ability to pay by phone or text message. The new service brings a user-friendly online payment portal enabling customers to view and pay bills, schedule one-time and automatic payments, securely store payment information for later use, review up to 24 months* of past bills, and enroll in paperless billing. Email notifications are sent when the bill is ready to view, just before the due date, and when a scheduled payment is pending. Creating an account is recommended, however, it is not necessary to view bills and make a payment. A 24/7 automated payment line will be available for customers to make a payment or check a balance. Customers can conveniently sign up for pay-by-text to receive text notifications about their bill and elect to pay through text message using their default payment method.

New User Account Required The current online payment option will be discontinued, and user data will not be transferred. Please watch the mail for your next utility bill, electronic notification will not be sent. The new payment site will require customers to register as a new user, set up payment and bill delivery preferences. Sign-up information will be included with your next utility bill. You may also visit BlaineMN.gov/InvoiceCloud for additional information. *Bills will be saved for 24 months from the upload date; historical bills will not be available. For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/InvoiceCloud.

Peddlers and Solicitors All Peddlers and Solicitors Must Wear City-issued Photo Identification Throughout the year door-to-door peddling, soliciting, and canvassing raises questions from Blaine residents. While most of these activities are regulated by the City, they cannot be prohibited entirely. A canvasser, for example, may go door-to-door without a permit from the City. A canvasser may be a person asking for signatures on a petition, requesting support for a political candidate or position, seeking donations for religious organizations, or fundraising for a school booster club. All peddlers and solicitors are required to obtain and wear a City-issued photo identification license that is visible while going door-to-door. For your safety Blaine residents should: •

Not let a peddler, solicitor, or canvasser into your home, even if they have a permit.

•

Direct complaints about business practices to the Better Business Bureau at 651-699-1111.

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Check contractor references at dli.mn.gov.

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File any insurance claims at mn.gov/commerce.

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Report suspicious persons or activities to the police department at 763-427-1212 or by dialing 911. Please join in helping make Blaine neighborhoods safer by promptly reporting unlicensed solicitors. For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/CityClerk.

Redistricting

New Boundaries will be Determined to Reflect Population Growth Redistricting is the process of redrawing the boundaries of election districts to ensure that the people of each district are equally represented. This process begins once the federal census is completed every 10 years. Using data from the 2020 Census, new boundaries will be determined that reflect population growth and shifts over the past decade. The Minnesota State Legislature is responsible for redistricting Minnesota’s congressional districts, Minnesota Senate and House districts, and Metropolitan Council districts. Local governments are responsible for redistricting the remaining election districts, such as county commissioners, school boards, and city council wards. The statewide work was completed by a court appointed panel in mid-February. The City is in the process of drawing new ward and precinct boundaries, this work must be completed by March 29. Based on data from the 2020 census, Blaine’s population grew by 13,036 to 70,222 residents – almost a 23 percent increase since the 2010 census. Redistricting will help balance the population in each of Blaine’s three council wards, defined as portions of the City represented by a specific elected official on the Blaine City Council. Different from wards, precincts are geographical areas used for elections and help determine where a resident votes and who and what is on a voter’s ballot. Once ward boundaries are determined, precincts will be identified or reestablished. Any changes that may occur to current voting precincts and polling places will be shared with voters. All registered voters will receive a special redistricting postal verification card from Anoka County outlining this information. New ward and precinct boundaries will be in effect for the state primary election in August. Candidate filing for City and other offices begins May 17. More information on redistricting can be found at, BlaineMN.gov/Elections. Watch for opportunities for public input as the process continues to move forward.

Blaine Recycling Saturdays 8am — noon 3rd Saturday of Each Month Drop-Off Location Recycling Technologies Enter at 1525 - 99th Lane NE The City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off day the third Saturday of each month. Participants do not need to be a Blaine resident to bring items to the drop-off day. Please note, no garbage will be accepted. Follow the signs for the entrance and staff directions through the drop-off process. The recycling drop-off day is funded by Anoka County and Minnesota SCORE funds (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment). Green Lights Recycling 763-785-0456 | GLRNow.com Cash or Check Only Mattresses, box springs, carpet, appliances, fluorescent lamps, electronics, rechargeable batteries, and tires are some of the items collected. Free items include scrap metal and vehicle batteries. See a complete list of fees at BlaineMN.gov/ RecyclingSaturdays Randy’s Environmental Services 763-972-3335 RandysEnvironmental Services.com Randy’s offers free paper shredding. Please note, there may be long wait times for shredding. Four box or bag limit for paper shredding.

Bike Collection for Bikes4KidsMN.org Bikes4Kids resumes in April. Drop off any size bicycle. Bikes will be refurbished or have their parts used in refurbishing other bikes. Bikes are then donated to people in need. There is no charge to drop off a bike. Bikes for Kids is part of the Robert & Wilma Burbach Bike Foundation. Bike collection is available from April through October. Walters Recycling & Refuse 763-780-8464 WaltersRecycling.com/Blaine Contact Walters to report missed garbage, recycling, or yard waste pickup. City Recycling Information 763-785-6141 BlaineMN.gov/Recycle

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BlaineMN.gov - CityConnect

RecConnect Summer 2022

The summer program catalog is now online, check out all the great program offerings. Registration for summer programs is now open at, BlaineParks.com/Register. Sign up for the RecConnect online at BlaineMN.gov/NotifyMe, choose News: BlaineParks.

Skyhawks Ages 2 to 10, Held at Jim Peterson Athletic Complex Flag Football

Soccer

Learning football has never been this awesome. Kids will play flag football and get to learn the basics like throwing, passing, and handling the ball. This program is especially popular due to its engaging but no-tackle atmosphere.

Soccer tots uses age appropriate games to engage kids in sports. The goal of this class is to develop kicking, running control, and dribbling. It also teaches listening and following instructions. The class uses a variety of fun games with a lot of physical activity. Bring a water bottle and running shoes.

Saturdays, April 30 – May 21 Ages 2-3: 9-9:30AM.......................................................$59 Ages 3-4: 9:40-10:10AM...............................................$59 Ages 5-7: 10:20 – 11:20AM...........................................$79 Ages 8-10: 11:30AM – 12:30PM.................................$79

Tuesdays, May 3-24 Ages 2-3: 5:15-5:45PM.................................................$59 Ages 3-4: 6-6:3-PM OR 6:45-7:15PM......................$59 Ages 5-7: 7:30-8:15PM................................................. $69

Tenicity Tennis Classes Held at Centennial Middle School Learn the lifelong game of tennis in a fun, positive, and well structured coaching program created by Tenicity. Players will develop strong fundamental skills for higher levels of play and be inspired by the learning environment. Spots are limited. Please select either beginner or intermediate skill level during registration.

Summer Employment Opportunities Blaine Parks and Recreation is looking for recreation leaders and coaches for summer youth programs. Individuals with enthusiasm, energy, and excitement to work with kids are encouraged to apply. Application deadline is March 31. Interviews will take place in early April. Must be at least 17 years old to apply. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at 763-785-6164. Apply online at BlaineMN.gov/Jobs.

Stay Connected BlaineParks.com More information about Parks and Recreation is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online.

Coaching Team: Tenicity’s tennis program is led by former NCAA National Tennis Champion and top development coach, Harsh Mankad. Harsh has over 10 years of coaching experience and deep expertise in developing players, including to the Division 1 college level. His team of coaches comprises varsity level coaches and players who are trained with the program’s methods to provide a high standard of coaching.

Adult Beginner and Intermediate Group Lessons Saturdays, April 23 - May 21, 9-10am...................... $130

Youth Beginner Group Lessons Mondays and Saturdays, April 18 – May 21..........$133 Ages: 5-7................................................................ 5:30-6:30PM Ages 8-10.............................................................. 5:30-6:30PM Ages 11-17..............................................................6:30-7:30PM Register online at BlaineParks.com/AdultSports or BlaineParks.com/YouthSports.

Super Hero Party Ages 10 and under Children can dress up like their favorite super hero and fly around and enjoy super hero themed fun. Participants will enjoy carnival games, bingo, crafts, and more. Come get your picture taken with the super hero squad. Held at Tom Ryan Park. Friday, May 20, 6:30-8PM $15 RES; $16 NR Register online at BlaineParks.com/SpecialEvents.

BlaineEvents.com

March/April 2022

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Mickey, Bugs, and Betty Boop The Birth of Animation, Held at North Metro TV Station Everyone has fond memories of Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny, but how were they created? And who were the cartoon stars who proceeded them? You can find that out and more in this great, one-hour class from North Metro TV’s Movie Man Eric. You will learn about the very first animated movies, see which famous comic strip artists helped cartoons get their start and even meet wacky characters like Gertie the Dinosaur, Felix the Cat, and Betty Boop along the way. It is an unforgettable look at the earliest days of your cartoon heroes that you won’t want to miss. Tuesday, March 22, 6:30-7:30PM, $10 Register online at BlaineParks.com/ EducationLeisureLifeSkills.

RecConnect Summer 2022

Adult Softball Held at Aquatore Park Grab your glove, bat, and a group of friends and join a summer or fall softball league. Blaine offers summer and fall men’s, women’s, and co-rec softball. Games are played at Aquatore Park. Fee includes softballs, umpires, and tax. Monday Men’s Doubleheaders Wednesday Men’s Doubleheaders Tuesday Co-Rec Doubleheaders Thursday Women’s Doubleheaders Thursday Women’s Single games Register online at BlaineParks.com/AdultSports.

CoRec Adult Tennis League Ladder League This is an informal approach to organized competition using the ladder style format. Matches will be scheduled by the players at an agreed upon location and time. A weekly ladder will be sent to all of the players to keep them informed of what position they are in. First, second, and third place awards will be given. Register by May 1, players can be added throughout the season. May 2 – August 1 $20 RES; $25 NR Register online at BlaineParks.com/AdultSports.

Adult Zumba Held at QC Dance Love to dance? Join the party. This specialty course is designed for those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle or the older active adult. Zumba fitness is for everyone, all shapes and sizes and just about any age. This class allows everyone to have fun while safely losing pounds and inches. With Zumba, the fun comes first, and the physical benefits follow. Zumba Gold is like a basic Zumba class with lower impact. The class will be a fat burning, body shaping, and fun workout. Max 10.

Bunny Options with Parks and Rec Ages 10 and under Breakfast with the Bunny Enjoy a continental breakfast, craft time, and pictures with the bunny. Do not miss this memorable event. Fee includes a continental breakfast for one child and one adult, two crafts for one child, pictures with the bunny. Staff will take a picture of your kids with the bunny and email it to you or bring your own camera for pictures with the bunny. Registration is required and limited to 25 children per time slot. Held at Blaine City Hall. Saturday, April 2. Choose ONE: 9AM, 10AM, 11AM, NOON $15 RES; $16 NR

Meet with the Bunny Families with children ages 10 & under. Enjoy roasting a peep over a bonfire, craft time, an egg hunt, and pictures with the bunny. Do not miss this memorable event. Fee includes two crafts, a peep s’more, five eggs from the hunt, and time with the bunny. Held at Tom Ryan Park.

Wednesdays, March 23–April 27, 8-8:45PM, $30 RES

Saturday, April 9. Choose One: 10AM, 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 2PM $10 RES; $11 NR

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BlaineMN.gov - CityConnect

Annual Arbor Day Tree Sale Purchase Trees Online Beginning March 15 at 8am

The City of Blaine needs your help to find caring homes for these vegetative vagabonds. Plant carefully, water occasionally, and groom (trim) once in a while and you will get a great addition to your home. Benefits of adding a new tree to your yard:

Types of trees available:

• Produces about 260 pounds of oxygen each year. • Cleans 360 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere per year. • Provides food and habitat for wildlife. • Increases the value of your property. • Provides you with cool shade and fresh air. How to reserve a tree:

• • • • • • • •

• Order online at BlaineMN.gov/ArborDayTreeSale.

Restrictions:

How to get your bare-root tree: Tree pick up will be held on Saturday, May 14 from 9AM to 1PM at: Blaine Public Works 1801 101st Avenue NE

Accolade Elm - $42 Acer Autumn Blaze - $58 Betula Paper Birch - $27 Betula River Birch - $32 Japanese Tree Lilac - $46 Shademaster Honey Locust - $46 Snowdrift Crab White - $34 Spring Snow Crab White - $34

Cookie Decorating Ages 10 and under You and your child will have a great time decorating cookies for the holidays. The City will supply one dozen cookies and all of the toppings. Bring a container to take your cookies home. Dress for the mess. Max. 20. Held at Blaine City Hall. Thursday, April 14, 5PM OR 6PM $12 RES; $13 NR Register online at BlaineParks.com/SpecialEvents.

• You must be a Blaine resident. • Each residence is limited to two trees per year.

Order early, trees sold out quickly in 2021. To order, visit BlaineMN.gov/ArborDayTreeSale. For questions, call Public Works at 763-785-6165 or email Trees@BlaineMN.gov.

Now Taking Reservations The Blaine Community Garden is located adjacent to Blaine City Hall’s south parking lot and consists of 48 plots. Plots are approximately 15 feet by 20 feet; half-plots are 15 feet by 10 feet.

Earth Day April 11 - May 13 Celebrate Earth Day by gathering with your neighbors and cleaning up your neighborhood park. The Blaine Parks and Recreation Department is looking for residents to organize a Blaine Earth Day clean-up event at any of the 65 city parks. Select the date, time, and park and the supplies will be provided. For more information, call 763-717-2724 or visit BlaineMN.gov/EarthDay.

Registration forms are available at Blaine City Hall and online at BlaineParks.com/ CommunityGardens. For more information, call 763-785-6164.