CityConnect - January/February 2023

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Blaine Police Make Holidays Brighter

Heroes and Helpers Event Serves Local Families

In December the Blaine Police Department joined with nine other local public safety agencies for the annual Heroes and Helpers.

This is a community outreach event where public safety personnel from Blaine, and surrounding areas, get paired with kids and shop for presents. This year 63 children were selected to participate. Thank you to the local school districts who helped identify students who could use a little extra cheer this year. Also thank you to the sponsors that made this event happen including: the Blaine Festival, Blaine Police Federation, Target, and Jet’s Pizza.

View nearly 600 photos from the event at BlaineMN.gov/HHPhotos2022

Welcome to New Councilmembers

The recent election brought some changes to the Blaine City Council. Tom Newland, who was appointed in May to fill a vacant council seat, was elected to a four-year term to continue to represent ward one. Lori Saroya will serve the City as a ward one councilmember after winning a two-year term in November.

In ward three Terra Fleming was elected to a four-year term.

Councilmembers Wes Hovland and Richard Paul decided not to run for reelection and concluded their service at the end of December.

The City Council will start 2023 with one vacant seat as ward two councilmember Julie Jeppson

the

The

Tom Newland, Lori Saroya, Terra Fleming

was elected to

Anoka County Board.

City Council will announce the process to fill the vacancy early in 2023.

Tom Newland Councilmember Ward 1

Terra Fleming Councilmember Ward 3

Lori Saroya Councilmember Ward 1

Blaine City Hall

10801 Town Square Drive NE

Blaine, MN 55449

763-784-6700

Communications@BlaineMN.gov

City Council

MAYOR

Tim Sanders 763-203-3286

TSanders@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 1

Tom Newland 612-961-1811

TNewland@BlaineMN.gov

Lori Saroya 612-516-1073

LSaroya@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 2

Jess Robertson 763-607-2233

JRobertson@BlaineMN.gov

Vacant Seat

WARD 3

Terra Fleming 612-513-5231

TFleming@BlaineMN.gov

Chris Massoglia 612-524-9447

CMassoglia@BlaineMN.gov

CITY MANAGER

Michelle Wolfe 763-785-6120

January

Upcoming Meetings

City Council*

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For more information, visit WaltersRecycling.com or call 763-780-8464 s 1 8 15 22 29

City Directory

Police & Fire ..............................................911

Police (non-emergency) 763-785-6168

Fire (non-emergency) ........... 763-786-4436

Public Works After Hours 763-427-1212

City Hall 763-784-6700

Mary Ann Young Center ....... 763-786-9375

Public Works 763-785-6165

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

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January 4 | January 18

February 6 | February 22

7:30pm | City Hall Council Chambers

City Council Workshops

January 4 | January 9 | January 18 February 6 | February 13 | February 22

6pm | Cloverleaf Farms Room

Natural Resources Conservation Board*

January 17 | February 21

7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Park Board* January 24 | February 28

7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Planning Commission*

January 10 | February 14

7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Traffic Commission*

February 7

6:30pm | 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 CommunityConnect A Crime Prevention Partnership BlaineMN.gov/ CommunityConnect s 5 12 19 26 m 6 13 20 27 t 7 14 21 28 w 1 8 15 22 t 2 9 16 23 f 3 10 17 24 s 4 11 18 25 February Recycling Calendar NotifyMe® Connect with your community and sign up for topics that interest you BlaineMN.gov/NotifyMe s 5 12 19 26 m 6 13 20 27 t 7 14 21 28 w 1 8 15 22 29 t 2 9 16 23 30 f 3 10 17 24 31 s 4 11 18 25 March CIVICREADY Receive Emergency Communications BlaineMN.gov/CivicReady

Streets 763-785-6165

Stormwater

............................

Utility Billing 763-785-6141

Water & Sewer System 763-785-6165 Web 763-717-2638

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

105th Master Developer Selected Council Selects

Elevage Development Group and Bader Development

In 2022 the City of Blaine completed a master planning study for the 105th Avenue corridor near the National Sports Center. This area has been identified for the development of a city core and entertainment district. In November, the City Council interviewed four developers that had submitted proposals to the City for this area. Then in December, the City entered into an agreement with Elevage/Bader Development Groups to be the master developer for this project. Preliminary work on the development is expected to begin in 2023. Learn more about the project and follow the progress at BlaineMN.gov/105thRedevelopment

Please Keep Fire Hydrants Clear

Residents and business owners are asked to please remember to shovel out around fire hydrants after each snowfall. It is very important to keep hydrants clear of snow and visible from the street.

If the fire department has to spend time trying to find and dig out a fire hydrant under the snow, they lose precious time needed to fight fires. A fire can double in size every 30 seconds. If it takes firefighters even two extra minutes to locate and dig out a hydrant, the damage to a home could be massive. Please talk with your neighbors to determine who will keep the hydrant clear. Remember, the house you help save may be your own.

Department Spotlight

Say Hello to the Blaine PD K-9 Unit

The Blaine Police Department K9 Program is a vital link in providing effective and safe service to the Blaine community. The program started in the 1970s with only one K9 (Shiloh) and a trained handler, then revitalized in 2008 with Officer Greg Rowe and his K9 partner Gunner. Today, the Blaine K9 Unit consists of three dualpurpose dogs (narcotic detection and patrol) and one single-purpose dog (narcotics detection). The singlepurpose unit is assigned to the Anoka-Hennepin Drug Task Force. They are all unique and essential parts of the BPD law enforcement effort. The mission of the K9 detail is to assist field operations by utilizing K9’s when their special skills and qualities would make an incident safer or more efficient. Because dogs have such a superior sense of smell, a K9’s primary role in law enforcement is as a searching tool. When officers need help locating a suspect, narcotics, evidence, firearms, or even explosives they will use a K9.

In 2021 The Blaine K9 Unit was responsible for 27 felony arrests. The unit recovered 2.6 pounds of methamphetamine, 569 Xanax pills, a handgun, and $7,700. These well-trained animals are capable of apprehending the most dangerous felons, but they also have a gentler side. The handlers and their dogs often put on K9 demonstrations for local schools, daycare centers, and other groups. In 2021 BPD put on 16 demonstrations for 277 adults and 359 children. The dogs interact with children and show off their obedience skills. When not at work, all K9’s live with their respective handlers and become part of the family.

Nearly all the dogs in the history BPD program have been donated thanks to the generosity of civic groups, local business owners, and individuals who realize the importance of this special program. The Blaine Police Department is grateful for the support and strives to ensure that the K9 detail will fulfill its commitment in a way that serves the entire community.

Christmas Tree Collection

Walters Recycling and Refuse will be collecting Christmas trees during the weeks of January 2 and January 9. This year trees will be collected the day after your regular garbage collection day. The garbage truck driver makes a list of all the trees that are out and on the next day Walters will collect the trees that have been set out. Just set the trees out on your regular service day, and it will be collected the next day.

Pictured above left to right: Officer Alex Moore with K9 Andy, Officer Kelly Jahnke with K9 Cuda, Office Reggie Larson with K9 Hector

Building Inspection Corner

Many Blaine residents are planning now for 2023 home projects. Before you select a contractor there are a few important questions to ask and items to research when reviewing contractors.

• Verify the status of a contractor’s license or by calling 651-284-5069 or 1-800-657-3944 or visit BlaineMN. gov/ContractorLicensing

• Consider the type of remodeling project and inquire about the names of builders who specialize in or have experience with that type of construction.

• Ask friends or neighbors who have completed similar projects. Ask building supply companies or others in the industry about reputable contractors.

• Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if it has received complaints against a particular contractor.

• Ask the contractor for references and contact former customers to see if they were satisfied with the quality of the work or encountered problems.

• Ask the contractor how long they have been in business and where and ask for a Minnesota business address other than a post office box. Obtain a local phone number where the contractor can be reached during business hours.

• Check the litigation and criminal history of businesses and individuals on the state court system’s website at PA.Courts.State.MN.US

The following are indications that a contractor may not be reliable or prepared.

• Asks the homeowner to obtain permits for the job.

• Arrives in an unmarked vehicle.

• Offers to complete your job at an unusually low price.

• Requires full or substantial payment before beginning work.

• Refuses to provide a written estimate or contract.

• Refuses to provide a DLI license number or provides a registration (IR) number.

• Offers to pay your insurance deductible.

• Refuses to provide references.

• Shows up unsolicited.

• Uses high-pressure sales tactics. Once you have a list of contractors, ask them to submit bids. Obtain at least three, detailed bids for any construction or major remodeling project. The lowest bid may not be the best. The bids should be in writing and detailed in the scope of the work, type of materials, and total cost. If time is a factor, an approximate completion date should be included.

The Blaine Building Inspections Department is always available to answer questions about home projects.

For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/BuildingInspections

How to Get Your Questions Answered

Connect with City Hall

Blaine city staff and elected officials are here to help you get the answers to your questions about city government. Maybe you have development questions, public safety questions, a question about a permit, an assessment, or snow plowing. Whatever your question there are several ways to get help.

Call City Hall

Staff are available Monday-Friday from 8AM-4:30PM to answer your calls and help find the right staff member to answer your questions. Call 763-784-6700 and one of the customer service center staff will make sure to get you in touch with the right person.

Stop by City Hall

Just inside the front doors at Blaine City Hall the customer service center staff are ready to welcome you. Many routine tasks can be accomplished right at the customer service center. If you need to be directed to another department a staff member will help you find the right location inside City Hall.

Send an Email

Visit BlaineMN.gov/Directory to find the contact information for the city department you want to reach. When emailing staff, it is helpful if you include your name, address, and phone number.

Chat with BlaineBot

Want an answer right away and City Hall is closed? Or maybe you prefer to use a digital way to connect. At BlaineMN.gov you can use an automated chat feature to find answers to many commonly asked questions. During City Hall business hours you also have the option to connect to a live staff member in our customer service center.

City Website

Many answers to questions can be found on the city website at BlaineMN.gov. Use the search function or menu to find the webpage that provides the information you need.

Winter Parking Reminder

Regulations in Effect from November 1 thru April 1, 2-7am

• No parking on any street from 2AM until 7AM. A permit for overnight parking may be obtained from the Blaine Police Department in emergency situations.

• No street parking after a snowfall of two inches or more until the street is fully plowed.

Blaine Recycling Saturdays

2023 Budget and Levy Approved

City Council Decreases Tax Rate by Over 3 Percent

On December 19 the Blaine City Council adopted the 2023 general fund budget and tax levy and the Economic Development Authority levy and budget. This year Council directed staff to evaluate the budget and service levels for a growing tax base. As a result of that process the adopted 2023 tax levy has a tax rate of 32.369 percent, this is a decrease of 3.506 percent from 2022. The adopted general fund and Economic Development Authority property tax levy decreased $776,900 from the preliminary levies adopted in September. The general fund levy provides the funding for core city services with 73 percent of the general fund budget being dedicated to public safety and public works.

Highlighted changes in the 2023 budget include two additional police officer positions, an additional parks maintenance position, additional funding for roadway median maintenance, and a full time embedded mental health professional within the Blaine Police Department.

The Blaine City Council held two public hearings to take resident comments on the proposed tax levy and budget prior to adoption.

Additional budget information can be found at BlaineMN.gov/Budget

Permitting Rules Change

In the Coon Creek Watershed District

If you are planning a landscaping or other home project that will “move dirt” or expose dirt by removing vegetation or other ground cover, new permitting rules are going into effect at the start of 2023 from the Coon Creek Watershed District (CCWD), a special purpose unit of government in Anoka County that manages local water resources.

Requiring permits is one way to prevent negative impacts to property from flooding or water pollution and help you meet your home project goals, thereby balancing growth with protection.

The rules are available online at, CoonCreekWD.org/Rules

Under the new rules homeowners should especially be aware that projects that disturb soils like landscaping, sheds, or decks, may require a permit.

One example is that work up from a waterway or wetland needs erosion and sediment control such as a properly installed silt fence, and to cover over bare dirt within seven days of last disturbance. Why? To prevent pollution from soil flowing downhill or into a waterway or wetland.

If you are unsure your project needs a permit, you can fill out a one-page technical assistance application online at, CoonCreekWD.org/PermitInfo.

If you are unsure if your project is located within the Coon Creek Watershed District, visit CoonCreekWD.org/About

Stormwater Pond Winter Safety

Not Safe for Recreation

Almost all the bodies of water in Blaine are stormwater ponds. These ponds are constructed and designed for the purpose of treating stormwater runoff and providing flood storage. The City of Blaine has over 700 stormwater ponds and infiltration basins that have been designed to remove pollutants from runoff. These ponds are not designed for recreation. There is a constant flow of water in and out of stormwater ponds, even in the winter. This flow of water makes them unsafe for winter recreation such as ice skating. For your safety and the integrity of the stormwater pond system the City strongly encourages you to not use stormwater ponds for recreation this winter. The City has several outdoor ice rinks for recreation. See page 8 for more information about ice rinks.

For more information about stormwater ponds within the City of Blaine, visit the stormwater information portal at BlaineMN.gov/StormwaterPonds

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).

W

yard waste pickup.

City Recycling Information 763-785-6141 BlaineMN.gov/Recycle

Winter/Spring 2023

The winter/spring program catalog is now online, check out all the great program offerings. Registration for winter/spring programs is now open at BlaineParks.com/Register

Sign up for the RecConnect online at BlaineMN.gov/NotifyMe, choose News: BlaineParks.

Tech Academy

Game Coding: Star Wars

Grades 2 to 5, Saturdays, February 4 & 11 8-10am, $72res; $86 nr

Multiplayer Minecraft: Colosseum Builder

Grades 1 to 6, Saturdays, February 4 & 11 10:30am-12:30pm, $72res; $86 nr

Video Production for YouTube: Podcasting Grades 3 to 7, Saturdays, March 4 & 11 8-10am, $72res; $86 nr

Game Coding: Multiplayer Grades 3 to 7, Saturdays, March 4 & 11 10:30am-12:30pm, $72res; $86 nr

Kidcreate Studio

Classes held at Blaine City Hall

Valentine’s Love Bug, Ages 18 months to 6 yrs

In this class, artists will sculpt and paint as they create a cute ladybug sculpture with adorable heart-shaped wings perfect for Valentine’s Day. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Held in the Blaine City Hall Atrium. Friday, February 10, 6-7pm $22 res; $25 nr

Multiplayer Minecraft: Adventure Map Builder

Grades 1 to 6, Saturdays, January 7 & 14 8-10am, $72 res; $85 nr

Video Production for YouTube Grades 3 to 7, Saturdays, January 7 & 14 10:30am-12:30pm, $72 res; $85 nr

Minecraft: Mod Development, Custom Mods Grades 2 to 6, Saturday, January 21 9am-noon, $60res; $72 nr

For class descriptions and other specifics, visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Summer Employment

Ages 16 and up

If you have enthusiasm, energy, and excitement to work with kids, this is the job for you. The City of Blaine offers great hours, competitive pay, excellent training and a fun work environment. Applications will be available February 1 at the Blaine Parks and Recreation office or at BlaineMN.gov/Jobs. Deadline is March 30; interviews will take place in early April.

For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

BlaineParks

.com

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

BlaineEvents.com

XOXO Snow Globe, Ages 4 to 9

In this class, artists will create their very own Valentine’s Day themed snow globes using glitter, model magic, and more. This project is great to keep, or it makes the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for a very special someone. Bring a nut-free snack and a drink. Held in the Blaine City Hall Atrium. Saturday, February 11, 10am-1pm $40 res; $45 nr

For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Babysitting

Ages 11 and up

Learn to be a responsible babysitter by examining safety guidelines, child development, finding jobs, rates, and first aid. Hands-on experience with diapers and bottle feeding are included. Participants receive a packet of materials and certificates are awarded to all students who successfully demonstrate the skills during the class. Must be age 11 by the date of class. Bring a doll, lunch, and a beverage. Class held in the Blaine City Hall Community Room.

Monday, March 20, 9am-3pm $80 res; $88 nr

For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Home Alone

Ages 8 to 10

There is no magic age at which children develop the maturity and good sense needed to stay alone. This class will help prepare them to be alone for short periods of time, before or after school or while parents run errands. Programs include home safety, kitchen safety, first aid, digital safety, phone skills, fire safety, escape plans, what to do in severe weather, healthy snack ideas, appropriate non-screen time activities, and more. Lunch, snacks, and handouts provided. This class is a partnership with the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department and Blaine Parks and Recreation Department. Class held at SBM Fire Station #3, 11920 Ulysses Street NE. Max. 25. Thursday, March 16, 9am-2pm $30 res; $33 nr

For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

QC Youth Dance

Classes held at QC Dance Studio, 9967 Ulysses Street NE

QC Dance strives to provide quality dance instruction and a variety of fun opportunities to learn and demonstrate dance skills while building self-esteem. Dance classes offered range from age 0-11. Mommy and Me; Kidlets: Intro to Dance; Kidance: Intro to Dance; Dancing Kids; Dancing Tweens; Ninja Acro Camp; Frozen Friends Adventure.

For complete details, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Skyhawk Sports Camps

Camps Held at Centennial Middle School

Basketball

Saturdays, January 14 - February 11, $85

Ages 5 to 7, 10:20-11:20am, $85

Ages 5 to 7, 11:30am-12:30pm, $85

Hoopster Tots

Saturdays, January 14 – February 4, $65

Ages 2 to 3, 9-9:30am, $65

Ages 3 to 4, 9:40-10:10am, $65

Volleyball

Tuesdays, January 17 – February 7

Ages 6 to 8, 5:55-6:55pm, $85

Ages 9 to 12, 7:05-8:05pm, $85

Volleykats

Tuesdays, January 17 – February 7 Ages 3 to 5, 5:15-5:45pm, $65

Sports Camps

Non

School Days

January 16, 23, February 17, 20, March 31, April 7 9am-3:30pm, $65

Snowshoeing

Ages 6 and up

Thursdays, February 13 – March 13

Ages 5 to 7, 5:55-6:55pm, $85

Ages 8 to 11, 7:05-8:05pm, $85

Thursdays, February 13 – March 13

Ages 2 to 4, 5:15-5:45pm, $65

Saturdays, February 18-March 11

Ages 5 to 7, 10:20-11:20am, $85 Ages 8 to 11, 11:30am-12:30pm, $85

Saturdays, February 18 – March 11 Ages 2 to 3, 9-9:30am, $65 Ages 3 to 4, 9:40-10:10am, $65

For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Winter is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy nature’s wonders. Snowshoes are a great, low impact, way to get off trail and explore. After just a few minutes of instruction, participants will be led out onto the snow and learn how easy and fun it is to snowshoe. This program is well suited for families. Class will be instructed by Anoka County and held at Lochness Park. Max 15. Tuesday, January 31, 6-8pm OR Sunday, February 5, 1-3pm, $5/person/class

For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Learn to Curl

Ages 8 to 18, Held at Four Seasons Curling Club

Over seven weeks you will learn how to slide, throw, and sweep the curling stone along with the rules of the game. Beginner and intermediate instruction provided, so this program is a great place to try curling for the first time and then continue the next season if you like it. Curling equipment is provided. Sundays, January 22, 29; February 12, 19; March 5, 19, 26 1-3pm, $84

For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Cross Country Skiing

Ages 10 and up

Cross-country skiing is great exercise and a fun way to get outdoors in the winter. What better place to learn than at the beautiful Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. This introductory class is appropriate for people of all abilities. The activity fee includes ski/boot/pole rental, instruction, and ski pass fees for Anoka County. No experience necessary. Class instructed by Anoka County and held at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. Max 10. Thursday, February 9, 6-8pm, $10/person

For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Adult QC Dance

All Classes Held at QC Dance Studio, 9967 Ulysses Street NE

Yoga

Students will learn calming yoga moves used to center and control energy. Enjoy a balance of different yoga paces from basic sun salutations and relaxing savasana, to basic and supine postures. Students will work on balance, flexibility, and strength while moving and holding different yoga poses. Min 4. Max 10.

Wednesdays, January 18 - February 22 8-8:45pm, $40

For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Zumba

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 you 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, fun workout! Min 4. Max 10.

Wednesdays, February 8 - March 8 8-8:45pm, $40

Meet the Bunny

Families with Children Ages 10 and 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.  Max 60. Saturday, March 25, noon $15 res; $16 nr

For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Adult Softball Summer 2023

Men’s, women’s and co-rec leagues offered for summer 2023! Registration materials are available after January 1 and the registration date is February 6. League play begins the week of April 17, 2023.

For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Skating Rink Hours and Locations

Outdoor Lighted Rinks with Staffed Warming Houses

Aurelia Park

Hockey/General Rink 91st Avenue at Jefferson Street

Happy Acres Park 3 Hockey/General Rink 119th Avenue and 7th Street

Lexington Athletic Complex ............................. Hockey Rink ................................................................. 4286 121st Avenue

Ostmans Park Hockey/General Rink 130th Avenue and Buchanan Street Quail Creek Park (Unsupervised) General Rink 2206 Quail Creek Parkway

Warming House Hours

Aurelia, Ostmans, Happy Acres, and Lexington Athletic Complex

Monday - Friday 4-9pm

Saturday 12-9pm

Sunday 12-7pm

School Vacation Days 12-9pm

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day 12-5PM

Quincy Park .............................................................. Small Hockey/General Rink .................................10601 Quincy Blvd

Thursday and Friday 4-9pm

Saturday and Sunday 12-7pm

Outdoor Unlighted Rinks without Warming Houses or Staff

Austin Park 4041 85th Lane

Carrara East Park 13129 Eldorado Street

Deacon’s Park......................................................................................................................................11200 Arnold Palmer Drive

Ivy Hills Park 12197 Fergus Street

Xylite Park 9033 Xylite Street

Skating rinks will be open until the end of February, weather permitting. For up to date information about skating rinks, visit BlaineParks.com/SkatingRinks

Coffee with a Cop

Connecting with the Community Coffee with a Cop is a community outreach event held regularly by the Blaine Police Department. This program is designed to foster open conversations in a relaxed atmosphere. At each event a few officers will be on hand to meet with residents and answer questions. This is also a great opportunity to get to know some of the public safety staff that serve the Blaine community.

The last event in December was held at Starbucks on 109th and Lexington. Watch for details on 2023 dates and locations. We look forward to meeting you and sharing a coffee and a conversation.

Learn more at BlaineMN.gov/ CoffeeWithACop

Community Gardens

The Blaine Community Garden is located adjacent to Blaine City Hall’s south parking lot and consists of 56 plots. Plots are approximately 15 x 20 feet for a full plot; 15 x 10 feet for a half plot; and raised beds are 4 x 8 feet. Registration for a plot is on a priority basis:

December 5 – February 10: 2022 returning gardeners requesting the same plot. February 13-17: 2022 returning gardeners requesting a different plot.

February 20-24: New resident gardeners. February 27 until full: New non-resident gardeners. Application forms are available online at BlaineParks.com/ CommunityGardens or at Blaine City Hall. For more information email DHeitkamp@BlaineMN.gov or call 763-785-6164

Snow Day

Saturday, January 28, 1-4pm

Come play in the snow! This free event is a collaboration between the Anoka County Parks & Recreation Department and the Blaine Parks & Recreation Department. Participants of all ages will have a chance to partake in a variety of activities including: snowshoeing, ice fishing, kick-sledding, fat tire biking, winter crafts, viewing live animals, and more.

Event held at: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes

For more information, call Wargo Nature Center at 651-429-8007