Back in 1985, 78 teams gathered in Blaine for a soccer tournament organized by the Son of Norway. Over the last four decades this tournament has grown into what we know today as Target USA Cup. From the time the first athletes stepped on the fields in Blaine to now the City has been honored to host teams from across the globe each summer.
The National Sports Center was built by the State of Minnesota but they operate today as a non-profit without any direct annual operating funding from the State or the City. The City is thankful to have a strong partnership with the NSC that includes helping to champion recent facility upgrades that will help the NSC remain competitive in the amateur sports industry.
In recognition of the dedication and partnership that the City has shown to the tournament over the years the City was presented with the Founder’s Award at the Target USA Cup Opening Ceremonies in July.
The City looks forward to continuing to partner with the National Sports Center and Target USA Cup for many years to come.
Upcoming Changes to Garbage Pick Up Days
Beginning January 2025
Walters Recycling and Refuse is collaborating with the City to evaluate the current garbage and recycling collection day routes. This evaluation aims to enhance route efficiency and service quality by ensuring a balanced number of homes are collected each day.
This project is currently in the initial review stages and the City is unable to provide specific details about which addresses might be affected at this time. Detailed information about the new collection days will be communicated through various channels, including future city newsletters, mailers from Walters, and updates on the City website and social media. Final route changes will be available by November 2024.
Stay tuned for more updates!
For more information on Garbage and Recycling, visit BlaineMN.gov/GarbageandRecycling
Blaine City Council Receives Founder’s Award at Target USA Cup Opening Ceremonies
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
651-271-3341
TNewland@BlaineMN.gov
Lori Saroya
612-516-1073
LSaroya@BlaineMN.gov
WARD 2
Leslie Larson
612-489-9651
LeslieLarson@BlaineMN.gov
Jess Robertson
763-607-2233
JRobertson@BlaineMN.gov
WARD 3
Terra Fleming
612-513-5231
TFleming@BlaineMN.gov
Chris Massoglia
651-271-1153
CMassoglia@BlaineMN.gov
CITY MANAGER
Michelle Wolfe
763-785-6120
MWolfe@BlaineMN.gov
Recycling Calendar
Upcoming Meetings
City Council*
September 4 | September 16
October 7 | October 21
7pm | City Hall Council Chambers
City Council Workshops
September 4 | September 9 | September 16
October 7 | October 14 | October 21
5:30pm | Cloverleaf Farms Room
Natural Resources Conservation Board*
October 15 7pm | City Hall Council Chambers
Park Board*
September 24 | October 22 7pm | City Hall Council Chambers
Planning Commission*
September 10 | October 8 7pm | City Hall Council Chambers
Traffic Commission*
September 3 | December 3
7pm | City Hall Council Chambers
*Meetings can be seen on cable channel 16 and 799. Meeting agendas and live and on demand videos are available at BlaineMN.gov/Agendas
Connect with your community and sign up for topics that interest you BlaineMN.gov/NotifyMe
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
Absentee Voting at Blaine City Hall
Begins September 20
The 2024 general election will be held on Tuesday, November 5. For voters who wish to beat the long lines and cast their ballot before Election Day, voting will be available at Blaine City Hall starting on September 20. In Person Absentee Voting Hours
Monday - Friday
September 20 – November 4
8AM-4:30PM
Blaine City Hall, 10801 Town Square Drive NE
Weekend Voting
Saturday: October 26 and November 2
Sunday: November 3
9AM-3PM
Blaine City Hall
Extended Evening Voting Hours
Tuesday, October 29 – Open until 7PM
Monday, November 4 – Open until 5PM
Blaine City Hall
Ballots may also be requested by mail at MNVotes.org
For those wishing to vote on Election Day all Blaine polling places will be open from 7AM-8PM on Tuesday, November 5.
Find your polling place and see your sample ballot at MNVotes.org
More information on City races is available at BlaineMN.gov/Elections.
If you have questions about the upcoming election contact Elections@BlaineMN.gov
Department Spotlight
GIS and Data Services Team
Have you ever used GPS, Google Maps, or wonder how our city’s services are placed? That is GIS at work. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a powerful and useful tool that gathers, analyzes, and visualizes geographic data, helping everyone, from city planners to residents, make better decisions.
In Blaine, our GIS team plays a big role in keeping our city running smoothly. They maintain spatial information and provide solutions that assist various city departments. Think of GIS as a digital filing cabinet for all things geographic. It allows Blaine to collect, analyze, and visualize data on maps, creating a clear picture of the City. The team also maintains utility and engineering data that helps both city staff and residents. GIS data helps plan efficient snow plowing routes and keeps council wards and election precincts balanced.
Whether planning a new park, navigating city streets, or just curious about how Blaine is mapped out, the GIS team is here to help.
You can learn more by visiting BlaineMN.gov/GIS to discover how GIS is shaping our city.
SBM Fire Explorers
Open to Ages 14-20
Are you between the ages of 14-20 years old and interested in learning more about what firefighters do? Join SBM Fire Explorer Post #3710! Fire exploring is a unique opportunity to gain experience in the career of firefighting and emergency services. An open house is scheduled for Sunday, September 15, 2024, 5PM, at SBM Fire Station 3.
SBM Fire Open House
Saturday, September 28, 10am-1pm
SBM Fire will be holding a single all station open house on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 10AM–1PM at Aquatore Park, 9191 Lincoln Street NE, Blaine. This is a free family event with a variety of fire demonstrations throughout the day! For more information, call 763-786-4436 or visit SBMFire.org
Safe Escape Planning
Fire is Fast
Fire is fast. On average, a fire doubles in size every 30 seconds. Are you prepared to safely escape your home in the event of a fire?
It is important to have a home fire escape plan. Working with those in your home, start by drawing a map of your home. Indicate all doors and windows. These are your two possible exits out of any given room. Walking through your home, locate all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. Next, pick an outside meeting place. A meeting place should be in front of your home, on the same side of the street as your home. After escaping and arriving at your meeting place, call 9-1-1. Never re-enter the home. Stay at your meeting place until emergency personnel arrive. Live in an apartment building? Locate all stairwells on your floor. If the one closest is blocked by fire or smoke, then you might have to use another stairwell to exit.
Know your safe escape plan! Practice your plan regularly, at least twice a year. Remember, if there is a fire you need to get outside and stay outside! Call for help. Never go back inside.
The SBM Fire Department offers free home safety surveys. They are confidential. Call 763-786-4436 to sign up for one to be done at your convenience.
Not ready for a home safety survey? Take a few minutes to do a free online home assessment at bit.ly/4bDmQGl
Highway 65 Project Update
Project Overview
Minnesota State Highway 65 in Blaine between 97th Avenue and 119th Avenue is set to be fully reconstructed. The project will remove the stoplights at 99th Avenue, 105th Avenue, 109th Avenue, and 117th Avenue. The design will take Highway 65 over the local cross streets and add entrance and exit ramps. The local cross streets will be able to freely move under the new elevated Highway 65 without the need for stoplights. The project will greatly reduce congestion and most importantly make the roadway much safer for drivers and pedestrians. A new west side frontage road will also be added as a part of the project.
Project Leadership
The City of Blaine has been the lead agency working on the Highway 65 project for many years. Anoka County has also been a key partner. Now that the project is fully funded the Minnesota Department of Transportation has taken over the project leadership. MnDOT has recently hired a consultant that is working on the final project design.
Construction Timeline
Currently the project is schedule to go out for construction bids in January 2026. Project construction will start in spring 2026 and will continue for three years. Some preliminary work may begin in 2025.
Project Updates
The Thrive on 65 webpage will continue to be updated with the latest project information. Once project construction begins MnDOT will also have a dedicated project webpage.
You can visit the Thrive on 65 webpage at, BlaineMN.gov/ThriveOn65
Local Business Owners
Praise Major Events
Big Boost for Local Economy
This July in Blaine saw champions crowned on the soccer fields and on the golf course. But the real winner was the local economy. Between the Target USA Cup and the 3M Open it is estimated that nearly $90 million is poured into the local and regional economy.
That money isn’t flowing into the city government it is headed in the doors of local businesses who rely on the major events in Blaine for a boost to their bottom line. “One of the biggest reasons why we came to Blaine is the National Sports Center” said Mike Dinh, co-owner of Treats Cereal Bar and Boba.
Business owners see Blaine as a destination community that is a perfect place to bring their new concepts or franchise locations. “To bring a business into Blaine is smart. I do not know a community that is growing like Blaine is now” said Ben Stai, managing partner of Raising Cane’s in Blaine. “Blaine has so much untapped potential” said Mike Breese, owner and developer of the new National Sports Village that is set to open this fall.
This year during the 3M Open the City was able to host over 150 guests from the business community. Many of the invited guests are interested in bringing a new business to the area that will continue to grow the commercial activity in the City and bring residents more of the amenities that have been requested.
Stay up to date on the latest Blaine economic development news on BlaineBiz.com and by signing up for the monthly BlaineBiz email newsletter at BlaineMN.gov/NotifyMe
Pet Waste Station Survey
Attention Trail Users
To reduce water pollution, the City of Blaine has partnered with the Coon Creek Watershed District to install and service 16 pet waste stations along trails adjacent to targeted waterways. This pet waste station initiative started in the fall of 2020. Four years later, we want your input about dog waste and the pet waste stations along these trails: Sunrise Lake, Pleasure Creek, and the trail from Little League Park south to Filmore and Quincy Parks.
The survey takes about five minutes for 10 questions and is confidential. The responses will be compiled and used for a grant that is funding weekly maintenance of 10 stations.
Scan this QR code or go to the Coon Creek Watershed District webpage to learn more at CoonCreekWD.org/pws-project
If you have already participated, thank you!
Water Service Line Project
Community Participation Needed
Through 2024 the City has been working with homeowners to complete an inventory of water service lines in the City. Thank you to all who have completed the water service line survey. If you have not completed the survey you can still participate. Visit BlaineMN.gov/WaterServiceLineSurvey and fill out the short survey. It will take less than five minutes to complete the survey.
With the data collected from the survey and other data records the City has put together a lead safe community map where residents can view water service line materials throughout the City. This initiative is part of a federal EPA program to identify and replace any lead service lines in the City. The map can be viewed at BlaineMN.gov/LeadSafeCommunity. Many homes built prior to 1975 will currently show as unknown on the map due to lack of building records that indicate the type of water service line. By completing the survey homeowners can help identify the service line type.
Residents who have not participated in the survey will soon receive a letter with additional information. Please help us meet this federal requirement and complete the survey today.
Fall Leaf Raking
Don’t Rake Your Leaves into the Street
Please keep in mind that all decaying plant material that ends up in the City’s ponds and streams contributes to greater phosphorus load and poor water quality. Please do not rake leaves into the street.
Drop-Off Options
Residents may bring leaves and grass to the Anoka County Compost sites. The hours for the sites are:
Bunker Hills, Coon Rapids
13285 Hanson Boulevard NW, Coon Rapids MN
April - November, weather permitting
Monday - Friday: 10AM - 7PM
Saturday: 9AM - 5PM
Sunday: Noon - 5PM
December - March, weather permitting
Saturday: 9AM - 1PM
Both sites observe the following holidays:
New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day
Rice Creek, Lino Lakes
7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes MN
April - November, weather permitting
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10AM - 7PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10AM - 7PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 9AM - 5PM
Sunday: Noon - 5PM
December - March, weather permitting Saturday: 9AM - 1PM
Upcoming Street Sweeping and Winter Plowing
The street sweepers will be out this fall so please remember that the following items should not be placed on any City streets as they make it difficult to sweep in the fall and plow in the winter:
• Non-working vehicles
• Garbage cans
• Basketball hoops
Also, this is a good time to check your mailbox condition to see if it can handle the weight of the winter snow.
For more information on street sweeping and snow plowing activities, visit BlaineMN.gov/Public Works
8am — noon
3rd Saturday of Each Month
Drop-Off Location
Recycle 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).
Recycle Technologies
763-559-5130
RecycleTechnologies.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
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
RecConnect Fall 2024
Fall program registration is now open.
Check out all the great program offerings at BlaineParks.com/Register
Sign up for the RecConnect online at BlaineMN.gov/NotifyMe, choose News: BlaineParks.
Harvest Hustle
Thursday, November 28
TPC Twin Cities Golf Course
Come join us for a casual walk/ run 5K around TPC Twin Cities golf course. It is a great way to start your Thanksgiving Day off burning calories ahead of the big meal. Fee includes t-shirt.
8am Registration
9am Race Starts
$20/adult; $10/youth
To register, visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Stay Connected
More information about Parks and Recreation is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online.
Youth QC Dance
Ages 0-11, All Classes Held at QC Dance Studio - 9967 Ulysses Street, Blaine
QC Dance provides quality dance instruction and a variety of fun opportunities to learn and demonstrate dance skills while building self-esteem. QC Dances strives to encourage academic excellence as well as other involvements that contribute to the development of a multi-talented, well rounded individual.
Mommy and Me
ages 0 to 2
Parents and tots enjoy an exercise/activity class together. Rockin’ tots enjoy playful songs, fun with props, and tumbling. Dads are welcome, too! Our instructor will guide parents and children through play and exercise activities. Please wear comfortable attire and clean tennis shoes or ballet slippers. This class is perfect for children not ready to separate from mom or dad. Max 12.
Wednesdays, October 2 - November 6, 5-5:30pm
$50 res; $55 nr
Kidlets: Intro to Dance
ages 2 to 3
A delightful introduction to the art of dance with ballet basics, creative movement, fun with props, and tumbling, all in a professional dance setting. Please wear a leotard (skirt attached is acceptable if not too long) or exercise/comfortable stretchy attire and ballet slippers. This class is perfect for the child who is comfortable separating from mom or dad. Max 12.
Wednesdays, October 2 - November 6, 5-5:35pm
$55 res; $60 nr
Kidance: Intro to Dance
ages 4 to 5
A delightful introduction to the art of dance with ballet basics, creative movement, fun with props and tumbling, all in a professional dance setting. Please wear a leotard (skirt attached is acceptable if not too long) or exercise/comfortable stretchy attire and ballet slippers. This class is perfect for the child who is comfortable separating from mom or dad. Max 12.
Wednesdays, October 2 - November 6, 5:40-6:15pm
$55 res; $60 nr
Dancing Kids
ages 6 to 8
This class is perfect for those wanting to try dance! It includes introductions into multiple styles of dance including ballet, jazz, lyrical, as well as hip hop. Learn technique basics as well as fun combinations each week! Wear comfortable/stretchy clothes and ballet shoes. Max 12.
Wednesdays, October 2 - November 6, 6:20-6:55pm
$55 res; $60 nr
Tech Academy
All Classes Held at Blaine City Hall
Dancing Tweens
ages 9 to 11
This class is perfect for those wanting to try dance! It includes introductions into multiple styles of dance including ballet, jazz, lyrical, as well as hip hop. Learn technique basics as well as fun combinations each week! Wear comfortable/stretchy clothes and ballet shoes. Max 12.
Wednesdays, October 2 - November 6, 7-7:35pm
$55 res; $60 nr
Trick-or-Treat Dance Party
ages 3 to 6
Come BOO-gie with us in your favorite costume for a Halloween themed dance class! We will crawl like spiders, float like ghosts, and dance like skeletons to fun and spooky Halloween songs. Your child will also make a fun craft! Please wear ballet slippers/non-slip socks. Max 12.
Saturday, October 26, 10:30am-noon
$30 res; $33 nr
For more information on dates, times, and fees, please call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Tech Academy is an exciting learning environment specializing in technology education (STEM) for children and teens ages 4 to 15. Camps are kid friendly and promote hands on learning experiences with time to experiment to foster creativity.
For more information on dates, times, and fees, please call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Skyhawk Sports Camps
Ages 2 to 12
The progression of camps and programs, led by expert staff, are geared toward youth looking for a sport introduction or those who want to refine and master their sport specific skills. Skyhawks Sports has proven to be the leader in youth sports since 1979.
Baseball Tots
Rice Creek Elementary
Tuesdays, September 17 - October 8, $69
ages 2 to 3: 4:30-5pm
ages 3 to 4: 5:10-5:40pm
T-Ball
Rice Creek Elementary
Tuesdays, September 17 - October 8, 85
ages 5 to 7: 5:50-6:50pm
Soccer Tots
Jim Peterson Athletic Complex
Wednesdays, September 18 - October 9, $69
ages 2 to 3: 4:30-5pm
ages 3 to 4: 5:10-5:40pm
Soccer
Jim Peterson Athletic Complex
Wednesdays, September 18 - October 9, $85
ages 5 to 7: 5-6:50pm
1st Down Tots
Jim Peterson Athletic Complex
Saturdays, September 21 – October 12, $69
ages 2 to 3: 9-9:30am
ages 3 to 4: 9:40-10:10am
Jim Peterson Athletic Complex
Wednesdays, October 23 – November 13, $69
ages 2 to 3: 5:15-5:45pm
ages 3 to 4: 5:50-6:20pm
Mini-Hawk Flag Football
Jim Peterson Athletic Complex
Saturdays, September 21 – October 12, $85
Ages 5 to 7: 10:20-11:20am
Flag Football
Jim Peterson Athletic Complex, $85
Saturdays, September 21 – October 12
Ages 8 to 10: 11:30am-12:30pm
Jim Peterson Athletic Complex
Wednesdays, October 23 – November 13, $85
ages 5 to 8: 6:25-7:25pm
Hoopster Tots
Rice Lake Elementary Saturdays, October 26 – November 16, $69
ages 2 to 3: 9-9:30am
ages 3 to 4: 9:40-10:10am
Basketball
Rice Lake Elementary
Saturdays, October 26 – November 16, $85 ages 5 to 7: 10:20-11:20am
Blue Heron Elementary
Saturdays, November 23 – December 21, $85
ages 5 to 7: 11:30am-12:30pm ages 8 to 11: 12:45-1:45pm
Pickleball
Rice Lake Elementary
Saturdays, October 26 – November 16, $85
ages 5 to 7: 11:30am-12:30pm ages 8 to 10: 12:40-1:40pm
For complete details including descriptions, ages, fees, dates, times, and locations, all 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Adult 5-Person Basketball
Games Played at Centennial Middle School
Officiated men’s basketball League. Players must be at least 18 years old. Games played at Centennial Middle School. Includes 10 games plus playoffs. Two officials per game and scorekeeper. Register by October 21. Game times vary in the evenings. Max teams 8.
Sundays, November 3 - February 16, 6:15p-10:15pm $700/team
Zumba at QC Dance
To register, visit BlaineParks.com/Register
All Classes Held at QC Dance Studio - 9967 Ulysses Street, Blaine
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. With Zumba, the fun comes first, and the physical benefits follow. The class will be a fat burning, body shaping, fun workout! Max 12.
Session 1: Wednesdays, October 2 - 23, 8-8:45pm
Session 2: Wednesdays, November 6-27, 8-8:45pm
$40 res; $45 nr
For complete details including descriptions, ages, fees, dates, times, and locations, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt
ages 10 and under w/parent/adult
Pumpkins are hiding and waiting to be found at Tom Ryan Park. Children along with their parents, can search the grounds for one pumpkin of their choice, celebrate by dancing under the stars with the family DJ, make a s’more, and play Halloween games. Fee includes a treat bag, one pumpkin, one craft, and refreshments. Come in a costume for the costume contest and bring a flashlight. Registration is required. Max 150. Registration deadline is October 11 or when spaces fill. Held at Tom Ryan Park.
Friday, October 18, 7-8:30pm
$20 res; $21 nr
To register, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Prince & Princess Party
ages 10 and under w/parent/adult
Your royal child can see Cinderella and her friends at the Princess and Prince Party. Come enjoy crafts, photo opportunities, tattoos, games, refreshments, face painting, a DJ, and lots of dancing. Come in your favorite princess or prince costume and do not forget your camera. Event held inside of Blaine City Hall. Max 120.
Saturday, November 9, 5-7pm
$20 res; $21 nr
To register, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Together in Blaine
Blaine welcomes over 7 million visitors each year. Blaine is a destination community and we are glad to welcome visitors from all over the world. But, just as important are the countless opportunities Blaine residents have to gather with each other in our community. From an impromptu backyard cookout, to a day at Lakeside Commons Beach, to some of the great community events organized by Blaine Parks and Rec it is clear that Blaine residents love being together. At the City events this summer we have seen interest and attendance continue to grow.
We started June with the Sizzling Summer Kickoff at Tom Ryan Park with music, a craft fair, food trucks, and more. Later in June the Blaine Festival in Aquatore Park featured live music, carnival rides, food, and many local vendors. At the Blaine Festival the new bandshell in Aquatore Park made its debut with live music on the stage all weekend. The event saw thousands come together to celebrate community.
The Performance in the Park concert series returned to Tom Ryan Park and Aquatore Park with 13 concerts this summer. Our senior community filled the Mary Ann Young center for many special events this summer. Night to Unite is all about building community and trust. Over 100 Blaine neighborhoods hosted block parties. Public safety personnel from the City of Blaine, staff from Blaine Public Works, and the Blaine City Council made stops at events all over the city.
Dogs took over Aquatore Park for the annual Bark in the Park event in August. This event featured a record 24 dog focused vendors and brought a huge crowd of both humans and dogs. One of the longest running events , Blaine Safety Camp was back again this year with incoming fourth graders gathered for two days of learning and fun. This very popular event focuses on teaching kids how to be safe in a variety of situations.
Add in Target USA Cup and the 3M Open where Blaine residents can join in the fun and help welcome all our visitors and it has been a busy and fun filled summer in Blaine.
Just because summer is ending does not mean the community events are done for the year.
Learn more about upcoming events at BlaineEvents.com
