Community Health Assessment Feedback Session

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Community Health Assessment Feedback Session

Date(s)
Monday, May 12, 2025 - 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
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Contact Information

Public Health Division

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Rotary Room

Join the Bloomington Public Health Division on behalf of the Public Health Alliance of Bloomington, Edina, and Richfield (PHABER). We’ll be sharing the results of our Community Health Assessment (CHA) and asking for your input on the most important health issues to focus on for the next five years. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration in advance is preferred. Please bring a valid ID for facility access. 

Dred Scott Sizzler Softball Tournament

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Dred Scott Sizzler Softball Tournament

Date(s)
Starts Saturday, June 21, 2025 - 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Contact Information

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Parks and Recreation Department

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Dred Scott Sizzler 2025 Softball Tournament logo with bats, glove, and yellow softball on fire

Get your summer off to a sizzlin' start. Sign your team up to play in the Dred Scott Sizzler softball tournament June 21 and 22! 

All participating teams are guaranteed to play no fewer than three (3) games. 

Divisions
  • Men's C
  • Men's D
  • Men's E/Rec
  • Co-Ed Open
  • Co-Ed D/E
Prize Payouts
  • 1st Place: $800
  • 2nd Place: $500
  • 3rd Place: $300

(based on 16-team field)

Registration and Fee

Download and share the 2025 Dred Scott Sizzler flyer.

Questions? Email adibella@bloomingtonmn.gov


Presented by the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, USA Softball Minnesota and DBL3'Z SPORTS, LLC. 

MN Softball + COB PR + DBL3'Z Sports logos

Sunday Funday: Celebration of Hmong Culture

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Sunday Funday: Celebration of Hmong Culture

Date(s)
Sunday, June 15, 2025 - 5–8 p.m.
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Contact Information

Parks and Recreation Department

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traditional Hmong attire and dance

Join in a vibrant celebration of 50 years of Hmong resettlement and powerful contributions to Minnesota’s cultural landscape. 

All are welcome to experience the richness of Hmong heritage through traditional and modern music and dance performances. 

Whether you’re new to Hmong culture or have lived it for generations, you’ll enjoy this celebration that tells the story of the Hmong journey from the mountains of Laos to communities across Minnesota, honoring a half-century of courage, creativity and cultural preservation. 

Yengyee Lor medium

The event consultant is Juha Thao. The master of ceremonies is Yengyee Lor (pictured), founder of Faithful Consulting, host of Uncover More Good on 3HmongTV, and a trusted leadership and organizational consultant through which she helps organizations and communities grow stronger through strategy, culture, and heart-centered leadership.

 

Performances

  • Sun Moon & J.I.M
    • Sun Moon and J.I.M are a dynamic new duo—Sun Moon with a beautiful voice and J.I.M, a versatile rapper. Blending elements of R&B, hip-hop and soul, their music tells real stories with emotion, purpose and authenticity.
  • Nraug Paj Qeej
    • Boys ages 8 - 15 who serve the Hmong community as txiv qeej at funerals and also perform at celebrations and special events including Hmong New Year.
  • Saint Lydia
    • Hmong variety rapper/singer based in St. Paul, Minnesota
  • Ammolites
    • Dynamic competition group that brings creativity, raw energy and authenticity to every dance, music and spoken word performance.
  • DJ Fatal
  • Kwv Txhiaj
  • YEEJ
    • YEEJ is an artist, filmmaker, production designer and singer-songwriter. Films to his credit include “The Wind Always Strikes the Highest Mountain," "Pink Drink,” and "Bitterroot," the latter of which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2024. His current short film, "BYTE” is in pre-production and scheduled for release in spring 2026.
  • Seev Cev Hmong Line Dance
    • Seev Cev is a Minnesota-based Hmong Line Dance Team promoting health and wellness through line dance classes and performances since 2016. The group was originally formed by Hmong wives, mothers and women who wanted a safe space to share and explore their love of dance and focus on self-care. They offer bookings for private classes, workshops and performances. 

Food

Enjoy authentic Hmong food from: 

MT Thai and Chip's Thai food trucks

The Sunday Funday series features live, family-friendly music and theater performances 5 - 7 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on Sundays, June 15 - August 10. Look for a show at a neighborhood park near you!

The performance venue has no permanent seating. Please consider bringing a blanket or lawn chair for your comfort and convenience while enjoying the event. 


Visit the Arts in the Parks web page to see other fun events in summer 2025! 

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Address
Room Name/Location
East Lawn

Follow Bloomington Parks and Recreation on Facebook.

Citywide Creative Placemaking Plan Celebration

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Citywide Creative Placemaking Plan Celebration

Date(s)
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - 4–6 p.m.
Contact Information

Contact Information

Creative Placemaking

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Please join us to celebrate the completion and approval of the Bloomington Citywide Creative Placemaking Plan


This plan would not have been possible without the collective efforts of many individuals and organizations who generously offered their expertise, creativity, and insights. From resident to artists and engagement partners to city staff and commissioners, their contributions laid the foundation for a brighter, more connected future for Bloomington. We honor and celebrate the invaluable role everyone played in this journey.

Brief remarks will be followed by food, a creative activity, and music. More details will be shared on this page. 

We also encourage attendees to visit the following afterwards:

Camp Kota Singalong

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Camp Kota Singalong

Date(s)
Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 6–7 p.m.
Contact Information

Contact Information

Parks and Recreation Department

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Camp Kota singalong graphic

For more than 50 years, participants at Bloomington’s Camp Kota have enjoyed learning outdoor skills, singing interactive songs, playing fun games, singing interactive songs, meeting new friends, singing interactive songs, swimming, singing interactive songs and so much more! 

Did we forget to mention singing interactive songs? 

The first-ever Camp Kota Sing-A-Long puts the songs in the spotlight! 

Led by Camp Kota Counselors who spent the entire summer fine-tuning their song repertoire, this free event is the perfect introduction to Camp Kota for future participants or anyone just wanting a fun night out. Bring a blanket, snacks and an eagerness to dance and sing the night away! 

Where: Bush Lake Beach, 9140 E. Bush Lake Rd.
When: August 7, 2025, 6 - 7 p.m. 
Who: Geared towards pre-K, but all are welcome to attend! 
Registration: None.
Fee: Free.

Download and share the Camp Kota Singalong flyer

Master Gardener Presentation: Lawn Care

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Master Gardener Presentation: Lawn Care

Date(s)
Friday, May 16, 2025 - 1–2 p.m.
Contact Information

Contact Information

Creekside Community Center

Parks and Recreation Department

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lawn and garden maintenance graphic with wheelbarrow, tools, grass, flowers and trees

Adults 50 years of age and older, take this opportunity to learn about lawn care from an expert certified master gardener! 

Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, you won't want to miss this opportunity to get professional advice and answers to all your lawn care questions. 


For more information, contact Creekside Community Center at: 952-563-4944 | MN Relay 711 | Creekside@BloomingtonMN.gov

Address
Room Name/Location
Room 110

Adult Pickleball Tournament

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Adult Pickleball Tournament

Date(s)
Saturday, May 17, 2025 - 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Contact Information

Contact Information

Parks and Recreation Department

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Pickleball 1
Join us for an exciting Pickleball Tournament at the Westwood Pickleball Courts! 

Co-hosted by Nine Mile Brewing and Bloomington Parks and Recreation, this event promises great competition, fun and community support. 
Nine Mile Brewing
 
  • Where: Westwood Park Jim Klasseus Pickleball Courts, 3490 W. 109th St.
  • Date: Saturday, May 17 (rain date Sunday, May 18)
  • Time: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. (check-in 10 a.m.)
  • Who: Adults 18 and above
    • 40 teams maximum. Sign up now!
    • Separate brackets for beginners and advanced players
  • Fee: $40 per team.
    • Entry fee includes a free beer at Nine Mile Brewing after the tournament.
  • Registration: Online at Nine Mile Tournament Sign-Up
Don’t miss out on a fun-filled day of pickleball, prizes, and community spirit. Register now before spots fill up!

Support a Good Cause: A portion of each entry fee will be donated to VEAP

VEAP logo

 

Room Name/Location
Pickleball Courts

The Great Garlic Mustard Pull

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The Great Garlic Mustard Pull

Date(s)
Sunday, June 1, 2025 - 1–3 p.m.
Contact Information

Contact Information

Parks and Recreation Department

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Garlic Mustard Pull three panel montage image

Calling all garlic mustard busters: we need you to help biodiversity thrive in Bloomington! Remove invasive garlic mustard to protect the ecosystem at Parkers Picnic Grounds during this hands-on volunteer event. 

Whether you’re a seasoned weed warrior or just looking to spend a little time outdoors, we’d love your help. Feeling competitive?  Bring your A-game and try for prizes that will be given to the top garlic mustard pullers!

  • What is garlic mustard? Garlic mustard is a non-native, invasive plant. Because of its aggressive nature and prolific seeding, it alters ecosystems and chokes out beneficial native plants and flowers that pollinators and other wildlife depend on. It's pesky, smelly, and has to go!
  • What should I bring? Water bottle, gardening gloves (limited supply will be provided), kneeling pad (optional).
  • What should I wear? Long sleeves and pants to avoid poky plants and bug bites, clothes that may get dirty, sunscreen.
  • What else should I know?
    • Participants must be able to traverse uneven terrain and bend down to safely participate in this activity.
    • No experience is necessary.
    • No registration necessary.
    • Hand tools and other equipment will be provided.
    • Participants should meet in the parking lot at 1 p.m. for an introduction and training session. 

NOTE: This event was originally scheduled for May 4 at Parkers Picnic Grounds but was rescheduled due to a lack of mature garlic mustard to pull at that time. 

Have questions or need more information? Email parksrec@bloomingtonmn.gov


Presented as part of our ongoing Naturalist Programs series. 

Controlling garlic mustard in Bloomington
Controlling garlic mustard in Bloomington

Garlic Mustard Pull

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Garlic Mustard Pull

Date(s)
Saturday, May 10, 2025 - 10–11 a.m.
Contact Information

Contact Information

Dave Hanson

Assistant Director - Parks and Natural Resources
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Room Name/Location
Parking Lot
Garlic mustard plant: leaves and white flowers.

No experience is necessary. Instruction and equipment will be provided. Please bring your own workgloves and water bottle. Watch the video below for more info. (We will be at a different location than what is shown in the video.)

Registration is required. If you are under 18 years old, a guardian will need to participate in the registration process.

Controlling garlic mustard in Bloomington
Controlling garlic mustard in Bloomington

Veterans memorial to be built at Harrison Park in Bloomington

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Veterans memorial to be built at Harrison Park in Bloomington

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Bloomington, MN—A new memorial to honor and recognize veterans will be built at Harrison Park, 1701 W. 100th Street, as part of a partnership between the City of Bloomington and Bloomington Remembers Veterans, the nonprofit organization leading the memorial’s development.

Designed to provide a place for honor, reflection, education, community gathering and inspiration for the future, the Bloomington Veterans Memorial will be located in a dedicated area within Harrison Park. The site offers a peaceful setting with accessible parking, a connection to the Nine Mile Creek Corridor, and visibility for those passing by.

Construction of the memorial will be part of the broader Harrison Park and Nine Mile Creek Corridor renewal project, which includes improvements such as parking lot reconstruction, stormwater management, and enhanced gathering spaces.

The design of the memorial will include armatures representing military branches, service branch crests and symbolic dog tags honoring veterans. The memorial will feature walking paths, digital storytelling elements, native plantings, and space for community gatherings and quiet remembrance.

“This memorial represents our community’s commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families,” Mayor Tim Busse said.

Funding for the project comes from multiple sources including a $350,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), $275,000 from the City of Bloomington, and $320,000 raised by Bloomington Remembers Veterans. Of those funds, $100,000 is currently available for construction, and fundraising efforts are ongoing.

“This memorial will be a lasting tribute to area veterans and their families. We’re grateful for the support of the City and so many community members for helping to make this Memorial at Harrison Park a reality,” Bloomington Remembers Veterans President Kate Blessing said.

Construction is scheduled to align with the Harrison Park renewal project, with the goal of completing the memorial by Veterans Day 2026.

Donations to the memorial and veteran name submissions are still needed. To learn more, visit BloomingtonVeteransMemorial.org.

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Media Releases

The City of Bloomington publishes media releases from time to time, to share newsworthy information that may be of interest to the community and to the audiences of local media outlets.

Contact Information

Contact Information

Kate Blessing

President, Bloomington Remembers Veterans
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