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.

Enjoy:

• Music from DJ Cassieopia
• Mini performances by Alive & Kickin (4:30 PM) and Concerto Dance (5:30 PM) in the Black Box
• Brief remarks by Mayor Busse and Creative Placemaking Director Alejandra Pelinka (4:45 PM)
• Join Artistry for a burst of creativity with two all ages crafts: 'zine making and tote bag decorating! Design your own mini magazine using collage, writing, and drawing, or personalize a canvas tote with stamps, markers, and stencils. No experience or supplies needed—just bring your imagination and make something uniquely you!
• Refreshments and light hors d'oeuvres from D.Brian's Kitchen Food Catering - Bloomington location.

We also encourage attendees to visit the following:

• The Midweek Music & Market from 5-8 PM outside on the lawn with music, food trucks and beer.
• Alternative Perceptions in Nature exhibit featuring Cindy Fuerstenberg in the Atrium Gallery, presented by Artistry.
• Armatures exhibit featuring Savannah Bustillo and Peter Scheidt’s in the Inez Greenberg Gallery, presented by Artistry. 

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. 

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. 

• Fee: Free
• Registration: Required. Register online at Webtrac.
• Download, print and share: Master Gardener Lawn Care Presentation flyer

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

• 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. 

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

No experience is necessary. Instruction and equipment will be provided. Please bring your own work gloves 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.

Examine the 1856 Pond House as a history detective. 

• What are the mysterious markings on the bricks?
• Why is the window glass wavy?
• Why is there a door on every side of the house? 

Answer these and other curious questions to win a detective gadget!

Free program for all ages. No registration required. Drop in any time during the three-hour event. 

blm.mn/pondhouse

Play a game of dueling tops and learn how to spin a whirligig during this free event.

Then decorate your own wooden top and make a whirligig to take home! 

Tops and whirligigs amused children and fascinated Minnesota pioneer families. 

Free program for all ages. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.  

blm.mn/pondhouse

Ask about Pond House tours.

Bead a necklace to take home including Buffalo bone hairpipe beads with Lakota artist Carol Charging-Thunder. 

Carol has been beading for over 50 years. Her work has been exhibited at the Tweed Museum of Art in Duluth and was featured in an art exhibit developed by All My Relations Arts.  

Free program. All materials provided. No registration required. 

Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.  

blm.mn/pondhouse

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