Dan Engelhart
Dan Miller
This November, two candidates — Dan Engelhart and Dan Miller — will compete for a seat on the Minneapolis Park Board. The position, which is located in District 1, encompasses much of Northeast Minneapolis, and elected officials have significant authority over how the Parks Board conducts itself in the area. The Northeaster reached out to Engelhart and Miller with an identical set of questions. The candidates were requested to answer each question with a maximum of 200 words. Their responses have been edited for clarity.
As a member of the Park Board, what issue would be your top priority? How would you address it?
Dan Engelhart: Labor relations. We have a lot to learn from the failings of the Board and management in the 22-day long strike summer of 2024. I am uniquely positioned to help. I am a public-sector Senior Business Agent with MAPE (the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees) with a deep understanding of PELRA (the Public Employment Labor Relations Act) — as I represent State employees. I work with Commissioners of State Agencies and the Labor Relations of MMB (the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget) every day. I stand with workers always, and also understand the dynamics of management in our collective bargaining and cherished status as a union town. This means the highest levels of accountability in order to be the employer of choice. Number-one parks require the employer to be the best possible place to work. I am committing to start and chair a labor committee from the Commissioners. If we want to be accountable to workers, this is a natural first step.
Dan Miller: My vision for the future involves revamping youth programming, sports and recreational activities to cater to the diverse needs of our community. By prioritizing innovative programs like Rec Plus, which combines recreation with childcare, we can provide a safe and engaging environment for young people to learn and grow. Furthermore, our youth employment initiatives focus on building job skills, empowering them to become confident and capable individuals.
We must prioritize valuing our parks staff, coaches and volunteers, recognizing their dedication and hard work. By fostering a culture of appreciation and respect, we can boost morale and retention rates.
Improving collaborations between local organizations, schools and community groups will enable us to pool resources, share expertise and create more impactful programs.
Updating our parks and recreation centers will provide modern and inclusive spaces for people of all ages to enjoy, promoting physical activity, social interaction and community cohesion. By working together, we can create thriving parks and recreation systems that benefit everyone involved.
How would you work to support NE Minneapolis’ parks network?
Dan Engelhart: First, we need to identify inequities. SE Como is not having the needs and promises of our park system met. This may not be something NE, yet it is important. I will work with the community and intergovernmental partners. My endorsements show the deep relationships I have within Northeast — I am uniquely positioned to understand this community through listening to what matters to every person at the table.
Dan Miller: Enhancing park accessibility and program registration processes is crucial for fostering community engagement and inclusivity.
To improve awareness, understanding and accessibility of program registrations, Minneapolis Parks and Recreation needs to improve its online platform … (thereby) allowing residents to more easily browse and sign up for programs.
To address conditions and deactivation at some Northeast parks, we should conduct regular assessments with the community to identify areas for improvement and develop targeted solutions. This includes empowering the neighborhood park director to tailor programming needs to the community, repairing or replacing damaged facilities, increasing maintenance staff and implementing sustainable practices to reduce wear and tear. By prioritizing accessibility and maintenance, our parks can become more vibrant and inclusive spaces for residents to enjoy.
In April, the MPRB voted to preserve parking in Mall Park in lieu of new green space. What infrastructure would you prioritize in parks? How would you balance the needs of commuters, transit and pedestrians?
Dan Engelhart: The Uptown Mall situation was a failure of respecting community input that, in my opinion, was about disparities and whose voices were heard. I will prioritize green space and meeting the climate crisis directly. We have to strengthen transit and have modes of moving people that meet their ability in our entire city including parks. We also have to be proactive partners in MPRB to meet our state’s goal of reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled.
Dan Miller: Our parks and parkways are truly for everyone, serving as vibrant green spaces that bring our community together. To further enhance the safety and accessibility of these beloved areas, we can implement traffic calming methods. By incorporating features like speed bumps, narrowed roadways and pedestrian-friendly crossings, we can reduce speeding and create a safer and more welcoming environment for walkers, cyclists and drivers alike.
Moreover, continuing to implement the Above the Falls and Grand Rounds missing link plans will help to complete our city’s scenic parkway system, providing more opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.
By investing in these initiatives, we can build a more livable, sustainable, and connected community that prioritizes the well-
being of all residents. Let’s work together to bring these plans to life and make our parks and parkways even more enjoyable and safe for everyone to enjoy.
The Pioneers monument in B. F. Nelson Park has seen its share of controversy. What is — and what should be — the MPRB’s role in cultural oversight in Minneapolis?
Dan Engelhart: That statue needs to go and should have never been there. MPRB needs to play a very active role with the community on cultural oversight. Land Back, naming, murals: all of anything remotely in this category needs to have the community deeply engaged with the Board. We cannot move forward with community support if we do not listen to how people are experiencing harm and dismissal.
Dan Miller: Minneapolis Parks & Recreation respects and is building on the success of the St. Anthony West Neighborhood’s five-year Pioneer Monument study.
The Parks for All plan prioritizes equity, ensuring that all community members have access to vibrant and inclusive public spaces. As part of this citywide plan, an Eco Volleyball court is currently under construction at Audubon. Looking ahead, we will work toward constructing a Regional Skate Park at Northeast Athletic Fields.
The Parks for All plan is a testament to Minneapolis Parks & Recreation’s commitment to building inclusive and thriving public spaces that benefit everyone.
What relationship would you like to foster with MPRB employees?
Dan Engelhart: I am a union organizer as my preferred title. I will deeply listen. I will work to start and chair a labor committee that should have representation from the workforce as well. We have to be the best possible employer — the employer of choice! The number one employer of youth in our city! Employment is a youth program and the turnover from summer to summer indicates an issue to resolve among our youth as well as full-time workers.
Dan Miller: Listening to, acknowledging and acting on employee concerns is crucial for the smooth operation of parks, recreation centers and operations. Employees are the frontline representatives of Minneapolis Park & Recreation, and their insights can greatly impact service delivery and overall efficiency. By prioritizing employee concerns, we can build a positive work environment, improve operational excellence, and deliver exceptional services to our parks. This is my commitment to employee well-being and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
How would this position impact residents’ lives? Why are you qualified to meet the needs of the role?
Dan Engelhart: MPRB has a budget larger than the city of Duluth. Our parks and programming are a key part of our identity and truly unique in their governance and commitment. The visionaries that set us up so long ago and our present community need to embrace our local space to be in community and experience our outdoor world. I have deep relationships in this community and in all levels of government. I am an experienced and successful organizer, so that means I will be working alongside our community to get what we need done. The best elected officials I know are organizers. They share power with their communities. This is why I stepped up to run — I want all of my neighbors heard.
Dan Miller: As a Commissioner, I believe that active listening, continuous learning, and empathy are essential in building a strong and resilient community.
By understanding the concerns and experiences of our neighbors, we can better address the harm and challenges they face. This involves fostering an environment where every voice is respected and valued, and where collaboration is at the forefront of our decision-making processes. By working together and embracing diverse perspectives, we can create solutions that are inclusive and beneficial to all members of our community. I am committed to upholding these principles, ensuring that our community thrives through mutual respect, understanding and collective action. This approach not only strengthens our bonds but also empowers us to tackle complex issues with compassion and unity.