Amber Frederick (At Large):

“Coexistence requires humility—recognizing that parks are shared ecosystems, not just human spaces. When species like beavers create challenges, we should lead with adaptation and coexistence rather than removal.”

Kedar Deshpande (District 3):

“[I] will look to simple and non-harmful interventions that allow animals to express themselves fully without damaging parks or assets like trees (in the case of beavers, moving the trees inland helps, as does wire mesh, as does scents, and does abrasive paint).”

Meg Forney (At Large):

“the balance of Mother Nature should always be delicate. The protocol used throughout the park system should be followed but also adapt as we navigate this redesigned asset”

Cathy Abene (District 6):

“Foraging is currently not allowed and changing the policy would require a broader community conversation.“

Kedar Deshpande (District 3):

“I am an urban forager and a community gardener. [...] I would like to see a variety of plant species available in the new Hiawatha plan to encourage foraging training and classes, especially for kids.”

Jason Garcia (District 4):

“There are many native plants that thrive in wetland-type areas that could be reintroduced, such as wapato (duck potato) and psín (wild rice).”

Michael Wilson (At Large):

“Foraging is about more than recreation – it's about sovereignty, sustainability, and connection to land. [...] I want to learn from indigenous leaders how MPRB land management practices relate to treaty rights and how MPRB as an organization can honor these treaties.”

Jeanette Colby (District 4):

“Park properties should improve, not detract from, the quality of life in Minneapolis.”

Kedar Deshpande (District 3):

“Moving the tee location seemed to work for a time. It's unclear to me why that can't be done again, and I will seek answers as to why.”

Steffanie Musich (District 5):

“Reconfiguring the hole before 2030 would require significant funding and staff resources—diverting both from the long-term plan that already addresses the stray ball problem through a comprehensive redesign.”

Justin Cermak (District 5):

“I will honor the history of Hiawatha Golf Course by KEEPING it an 18 hole championship course. Once the ‘Master Plan’ is gone, the course will be revitalized with private funds whilst keeping it a public course.”

Mary McKelvey (At Large):

“I will work to ensure that the Solomon Hughes Clubhouse is open for Black community gatherings and Black youth golf as a priority.”

Colton Baldus (District 5):

“I will work as partners with the Black golf community to co-design the new parkland [...] integrating public art, storytelling, and dedicated gathering spaces that celebrate the course’s vital role as a social hub”

Matthew Dowgwillo (At Large):

“I recognize that many people value this land the native Americans Should be valued. However, I don’t really understand this question.”

Jason Garcia (District 4):

“I want to work with local Indigenous groups, particularly Dakota-led groups, to ensure their thoughts, concerns, and ideas are included in the implementation.”

Dan Engelhart (District 1):

“By being in community with our Native Dakota Relatives, listening to community leaders and all in our community committed to this goal. I am an organizer skilled and trained in deep listening.”

Adam Schneider (At Large):

“I would like to work with the MPRB’s Native American Parks Council to engage and consult Minneapolis’ indigenous communities, as well as those across the state of Minnesota.”