Above, a conceptual drawing of the bridge from the Boom Island Marina to the underpass leading to Graco Park. Construction starts next month. (Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board)
Plymouth Avenue Bridge closing, River Hub opening
The Plymouth Avenue Bridge will close April 21-Aug. 22 as the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB) builds a trail connection to Boom Island Park. When the connection is complete, people will be able to run, walk or roll on a completely off-road riverside trail that connects Sheridan Memorial Park, Graco Park, Boom Island Park and Nicollet Island.
Safety improvements at the intersection of Plymouth Avenue and Sibley Street NE will include sidewalk bump-outs to narrow the distance to cross Plymouth Avenue and a flashing beacon will be added to alert vehicles to people crossing the street.
At Boom Island Park, a new bridge will be built over the Boom Island Marina and paths will be realigned leading up to an underpass leading to Graco Park. The marina will be closed throughout 2025 to accommodate construction activities. Boaters can launch watercraft on the Mississippi River at North Mississippi Regional Park while the Boom Island Marina is closed.
The new park building at Graco Park, the River Hub, is expected to open by the end of April at 810 Sibley St. NE. Hours will be Wednesday-Friday, 3-8:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 12-6 p.m.
The River Hub will offer opportunities for environmental education, art and technology programs, and performances and events supporting the local arts community. The building was built to consume only as much power as can be generated onsite by solar panels and a geothermal energy system. Its Riverview Room, with large doors that open toward the Mississippi River, will accommodate 50-150 people. It also has a conference room that can accommodate up to eight people, a welcome lobby and public restrooms.
Congratulations, graduates
Michael Peyton, Columbia Heights, was awarded a PhD in botany from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Kathryn Borchert, also from Columbia Heights, received a graduate certificate in developmental disabilities, from St. Cloud State University.
The University of Wisconsin-Stout graduated two Minneapolis students. Jackson Mack received a BS in business administration and Molly Parker, a BS in computer science.
On the dean’s list
Gabriel Eduarte, St. Anthony, has been named to Emmanuel College’s fall 2024 dean’s list. He is pursuing a double major in economics and finance. Emmanuel College is in Boston.
Traffic cams on NE streets
Minneapolis has had an increase in traffic deaths since 2020, with speeding cited as the leading cause of severe crashes. The City of Minneapolis will launch a pilot program in August to try out traffic cameras. The locations have to be fairly distributed throughout the city, have a traffic safety concern or be within 2,000 feet of a school.
Some streets in Northeast Minneapolis may be chosen for a pilot program for traffic cameras. Three locations have been proposed — 18th and Johnson, 18th and Central and Johnson and Broadway.
Asked about other locations in the neighborhood, Allen Henry, media relations coordinator for the city, told the Northeaster, “For the launch of the traffic safety camera pilot, we are only considering city streets. Lowry Avenue is a county road and Central Avenue is a MnDOT road. Locations on county or MnDOT roads may be considered in the future.” Give your input at www.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/visionzero/actions-taken/traffic-safety-camera.
Edison junior is girls’ state wrestling champ
It took Edison junior Reymie Keenan just three minutes and 54 seconds to pin Madi Hamilton of Byron, Minn., to the mat at the Minnesota State Girls Wrestling Championships the weekend of Feb. 28-March 1. Keenan, who wrestles at 235, is in her second year of wrestling. She’s also been active on the school’s debate team and its theater department.
Above, Edison junior Reymie Keenan takes down Madi Hamilton of Byron, Minn., to win the state wrestling championship on March 1. (Minnesota State High School League)
Germaine Bruins, a Northeaster founder, dies at 92
In 1978, Germaine “Gerry” Bruins pulled out her checkbook and helped found the Northeaster newspaper; she also secured its very first advertisement from Elsie’s Bowling Alley. A native of Blackduck, Minn., she attended Edison and Vocational High Schools. She worked for 32 years for the City of Minneapolis, starting out as a police stenographer, working in school administration and ending as a clerk for the City Council. She also served on the board of East Side Neighborhood Services.
She passed away Feb. 13 at age 92. Survived by brother Nyle (Marilyn) Pasko, daughter Janet (David) Lenius, grandchildren Tiernan, James and Joscelin; cousins, nieces and nephews. The family asks that donations be sent to the Northeaster Newspaper. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 15, 11 a.m. at Logan Park Rec Center, 690 13th Ave. NE.