Local group supports underfunded parks in Minneapolis

For the last year, local parks have been a safe place where people can get out to exercise and socialize, for the most part, without worry.

A morning at Lake Harriet is where life seems to slow down for Lance and Lyshia Hollie.

"I actually got furloughed for a bit during the pandemic, so one of my morning routines was to come down Lake Harriet or Calhoun and run around the lake," Lance Hollie said.

When the pandemic first hit, many people turned to the great outdoors and while parks may be up in popularity, the pandemic brought on a revenue shortfall for the park system.

According to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, 2020 building closures and program and event cancelations resulted in a $1 million to $2 million loss in revenue each month. While many activities have resumed, programs and services are still being affected financially.

"It’s one of the places people could go and feel normal," said Dan Woychick, who founded Love MPLS Parks in 2014.

"My idea was to just create a dedicated revenue stream. Basically people raising their hands saying, ‘Yeah, I support the parks.’ It’s sort of that purchase with purpose," Woychick said.

In the last 7 years, he’s donated more than $50,000 by selling T-shirts, posters and other merchandise that showcases Minneapolis’ parks. Half of the proceeds go to artists who design the merchandise, and the other half goes right back into the parks.

"Most people love the parks but would have no idea that their funding sources were insecure in many ways," he said.