The new Audubon Park playground opened the week of October 27 along with new courts and other improvements to the park’s facilities. (Michael McKinney)
Audubon Park renovations done
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has wrapped up renovations at Audubon Park, 1320 29th Ave. NE. The park’s new playground features “specific environmental features, play equipment and sensory stimuli,” allowing the playground to be as “accessible for as many children as possible, regardless of abilities or disabilities.”
The renovation also includes four “new and renovated’ courts, which will be painted and striped next spring. For the time being, the courts have temporary striping for ecuavoley, a three-on-three volleyball variant popular in Ecuador, as well as pickleball, basketball and futsal soccer, a variant of soccer for teams of five.
The project also includes pedestrian lighting, new paths, new park landscaping and improvements to stormwater management.
The MPRB has yet to install new benches or a picnic table. Those are expected in early December.
Columbia Heights Public Schools receive finances award
On October 16, 2025, Columbia Heights Public Schools (CHPS) announced the department received the Association of School Business Officials International’s Certificate of Excellent in Financial Reporting Award for their 2024 Fiscal Year Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
The award “highlights a school district’s dedication to financial accountability,” CHPS wrote. This is the 18th consecutive year that CHPS has won the award.
“The Finance Team continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence and transparency in the district’s financial reporting, reflecting the high standards of our district,” said CHPS Director of Finance and Operations Bryan Hennekens. “I am very proud of their ongoing dedication and effort in earning this award once again.”
Cold Weather Rule kicks in
As of October 1, the Cold Weather Rule (CWR) has gone into effect. According to the Minnesota state website, the rule “may prevent utility service from shut off from October 1 to April 30.” To protect service from disconnection, residents must make and keep payment plans that they and their utility providers agree upon; it must be “reasonable” for the household’s financial circumstances.
Renters are eligible for the CWR under two conditions: first, electricity or gas must act as the home’s primary heat source; second, the utility account must be in the renter’s name.
All natural gas and electric utilities are required to offer CWR protection. CWR does not apply to delivered fuels like oil, propane or wood.
For more information, call your natural gas, electric, municipal utility or electric cooperative, or contact the Commission’s Consumer Affairs Office at consumer.puc@state.mn.us.
Columbia Heights baker passes
Elaine Janas, a baker and photo editor from Columbia Heights, died on September 19 at the age of 99. She was named “Supreme Baker of the Kitchen” at the Minneapolis State Fair 15 times.
Congratulations, students
Omotola Okunlola, of Minneapolis, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Letters and Science with a Ph.D. in African Cultural Studies. John Ballot, of St. Anthony Village, graduated from the same university’s School of Human Ecology with a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Development and Family Studies.