What can I do?

Park Board staff is currently engaging with the newly elected Board of Commissioners on their budget priorities for the 2027-2028 Budget. 

We are not currently in the public comment period for the budget–that comes much later in the process. However, we can share input with our elected Commissioners at any time. Natural Areas are a priority for many on the Park Board, but change is difficult. They need our supportive messages. Even a short message saying you support 1% for natural areas staffing goes a long way.

Email or call Park Board Commissioners—preferably by Earth Day (April 22, 2026)

President Tom Olsen (At Large): tolsen@minneapolisparks.org

Vice President Kedar Deshpande (District 3): kdeshpande@minneapolisparks.org

Commissioner Dan Englehart (District 1): dengelhart@minneapolisparks.org

Commissioner Charles Rucker (District 2): crucker@minneapolisparks.org

Commissioner Jason Garcia (District 4): jgarcia@minneapolisparks.org

Commissioner Kay Carvajal Moran (District 5): kmoran@minneapolisparks.org

Commissioner Cathy Abene (District 6): cabene@minneapolisparks.org

Commissioner Amber A. Frederick (At Large): afrederick@minneapolisparks.org

Commissioner Meg Forney (At Large): mforney@minneapolisparks.org

Find your district and learn more about the commissioners here:

https://www.minneapolisparks.org/about-us/leadership-and-structure/park-board-commissioners/

Volunteer in a Natural Area:

https://www.minneapolisparks.org/volunteer-and-give/garden-and-natural-area-volunteers/

Join a Friends Group:

Friends of the Wildflower Garden. https://friendsofeloisebutler.org/

Friends of Minnehaha Park. https://www.friendsofminnehahapark.org/

Friends of Roberts Bird Sanctuary. https://www.friendsofroberts.org/