2025 Buckthorn Bust
2025 Buckthorn Bust
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Twenty volunteers are needed. Activities include identifying, cutting, pulling, and hauling buckthorn. No experience is necessary. Bring work gloves*, a water bottle, and wear shoes that you don't mind getting a little muddy. All other equipment will be provided.
In the event of inclement weather and cancelation, registered participants will be notified via the email address provided at registration.
Meeting Location: Home2 Suites Parking Lot, 2415 E Old Shakopee Rd Suite A, Bloomington, MN 55425. The event check in table will be located in the parking lot behind the WhirlyBall Twin Cities building and behind the Home2 Suites building.
Questions? Contact Emma Struss, Sustainability Coordinator at 612-247-9781 (text or call) or sustainability@BloomingtonMN.gov
*Work gloves will be available upon request.
Hatch Bloomington contest awards $100,000 to BookMother
Hatch Bloomington contest awards $100,000 to BookMother
Just announced: BookMother, an independent bookstore and community gathering space developed by Bloomington resident and entrepreneur Twila Dang, is the winner of the 2025 Hatch Bloomington business pitch competition. Dang will be awarded $100,000 to help her open her brick-and-mortar business.
The winning entry was selected based on two rounds of community voting and the work of a seven-judge panel that assessed contestants’ pitches at the Top 25, Top 10, and Top 3 stages.
BookMother will bring an independent bookstore to Bloomington. Designed as a modern third space, BookMother will offer curated books, light fare and rich programming. The space is built to center around what Dang calls the "Auntie" archetype: a tastemaker who shares books and ideas across generations while welcoming all who are curious, creative, and community-minded.
With the Hatch award, Dang plans to secure a Bloomington location, complete the buildout of the store, and launch with opening inventory and community programming. Her vision is for BookMother to become both a beloved neighborhood hub and a regional cultural anchor, blending retail, community, and connection.
"I’m passionate about this business because it’s more than a business to me. It’s a love letter to my hometown. It’s a space I wish had existed when I was younger, and a space I know my neighbors and community members are ready for now," Dang said in her contest application. "BookMother is about creating something enduring. It's a place where people can gather, grow, dream, and feel at home."
The Hatch Bloomington competition reflects the City’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting local entrepreneurs whose ideas enhance the quality of life in Bloomington.
"Hatch Bloomington aligns with the City’s goal of cultivating an enduring and remarkable community where people want to be," said Mayor Tim Busse. "BookMother will add vibrancy to Bloomington and create a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike."
The 2025 Hatch Bloomington contest drew applicants from across the United States, each presenting innovative business ideas to strengthen Bloomington’s future. The contest is in its second year. The 2024 winner was Scramblin’ Egg, a breakfast-focused food cart that opened its restaurant at 7828 Portland Ave. S. this past spring.
Learn more: hatchbloomington.com
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Tretbaugh Bike Skills Park Grand Opening
Tretbaugh Bike Skills Park Grand Opening
Inspired by community input as part of the 2021 Park System Master Plan and further refined with community guidance, Tretbaugh Park has transformed into Bloomington’s first bike skills park.
The new facility features paved, all-wheel tot, beginner, intermediate and expert tracks, plus a gravel mountain bike course.
Celebrate the Grand Opening on Tuesday, October 7 with:
- Remarks from Mayor Tim Busse.
- Ribbon cutting.
- Free treats.
Be one of the first to experience this amazing new community amenity in person!
NOTE: Grass areas undergoing seeding may have restricted access.
For questions or additional information, contact:
Renae Clark
Deputy Director of Parks and Park Projects
952-563-8890
rclark@bloomingtonmn.gov
Bryant Park Grand Opening
Bryant Park Grand Opening
Inspired by community input as part of the 2021 Park System Master Plan and further refined with community guidance, Bryant Park has been reimagined!
The park now features Bloomington’s first fully inclusive playground, a new from-the-ground-up park shelter building, skatepark, baseball field, hockey rink, cricket pitch, new tennis and basketball courts, improved and more sustainable natural resource areas and more.
Celebrate the Grand Opening on Monday, October 6 with:
- Remarks from Mayor Tim Busse and Council Member Lona Dallessandro.
- Ribbon cutting.
- Free treats.
Be one of the first to experience the impressive amenities in person!
NOTE: Grass areas and fields undergoing seeding and restoration will have restricted access.
For questions or additional information, contact:
Renae Clark
Deputy Director of Parks and Park Projects
952-563-8890
rclark@bloomingtonmn.gov
Concurrent City Council/Port Authority Meeting
Concurrent City Council/Port Authority Meeting
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Free Pumpkin Painting for Adults 50+
Free Pumpkin Painting for Adults 50+
Adults 50 years of age and above, get into the fall spirit by visiting Logan Lodge to paint pumpkins with us!
- All supplies, including pumpkins (of course!), will be provided.
- No cost to attend.
- Registration required. Sign up online at Webtrac.
- Space limited to a maximum of 20 participants.
Questions?
- Call: 952-563-4944 or MN Relay 711
- Email: parksrec@bloomingtonmn.gov.
Peace of Mind Seminar (50+)
Peace of Mind Seminar (50+)
Adults 50 years of age and above, come to this free seminar to learn how planning for your final wishes can shield your family from unnecessary emotional and financial burden. Join Prearrangement Specialist Steve Rogers, from Washburn-McReavy, to find out more about:
- Prearrangements
- Veterans benefits
- Cremation and burial
- Payment plans
- Traditional funerals
There is no cost to attend, but space is limited to a maximum of 30 participants.
Registration is required. Register online at Webtrac.
Questions?
- Call: 952-563-4944 or MN Relay 711
- Email: parksrec@bloomingtonmn.gov.
Presented by Washburn McReavy
Find information on other events and activities for adults ages 50 and above at blm.mn/adultprograms.
Community Flu Shot Clinic - Kennedy High School
Community Flu Shot Clinic - Kennedy High School
Cold and flu season is fast approaching! Last year’s flu season in the U.S. was the most severe season since 2017-2018.
The best way to protect yourself and others from severe flu and hospitalization is by getting an annual flu shot.
Flu vaccines are available for anyone 6 months old and up.
Cost: Most major insurance providers accepted. Please bring your insurance card to your appointment if you have one. You can still be vaccinated if you don’t have insurance or are unable to pay.
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