489kPopular Playground Opens To Public
The Hopkins School District has granted public access to the relatively new and expansive play equipment area adjacent to the recently closed Katherine Curren Elementary School at 1600 Mainstreet. This very popular, high-end play equipment with rubberized surfacing is a welcome addition to the City’s neighboring Central Park. The play equipment, installed in 2003, won’t be needed by the charter high school that will move into the building this fall. The School District graciously granted a 30-year easement over this area to the City for continued use as a community play area. The City will take over maintenance responsibilities.
Dutch Elm Disease Threatens Hopkins Trees
Hopkins, along with other cities in the metropolitan area, has seen an increased incidence of Dutch Elm Disease. This incurable disease is an immediate threat to Hopkins’ elm trees and has already infected many of our elms.
Removing Your Diseased Elms
Once a tree is confirmed as having Dutch Elm Disease, it must be cut down to the ground line in order to control the spread of the disease. Removing trees can be expensive. Homeowners should take competitive bids for tree removal services for all trees identified as having Dutch Elm Disease on private property. The competitive bid process ensures owners that they are receiving reliable services at the lowest possible cost. To help property owners defray the cost of disposal of a tree, the City will pick up and dispose of your diseased tree. These arrangements must be confirmed in advance by calling the Forestry Division at 952-548-6372.
Diagnosing Your Elms
If your elm has not been marked, but you are concerned about its health, a forester is available to offer assistance to residents in the detection and sampling of suspected diseased elm trees. For information or to report suspicious elms, call 952-548-6372.
Lose A Tree, Plant A Tree
Trees are a priceless asset to your property, neighborhood, and community. Residents are urged to maintain and plant trees, especially those lost due to Dutch Elm Disease. To encourage a community wide reforestation effort, the City plants trees for homeowners on boulevards and other City property (some restrictions apply). The City purchases these trees in the fall of each year at quantity discount prices. If you desire a tree on your boulevard, call the Forestry Division of Public Works at 952-548-6372.
Fun With Photos At The Hopkins Activity Center
Grandparents Photo Contest
August 13-23
Bring your cutest grandchild photo to the Hopkins Activity Center between August 13-23. Photos displayed September 4-26, with fun category winners announced September 27. This year’s categories include Happy Birthday to Me, Goofy Kid, Costume Contest, Looking For Trouble, and Cute as a Bug! One picture per category may be entered. Prizes awarded in each category. Co-sponsored by RidgePointe.
Digital Camera Lab
Thursdays, 9–11 am
Frequent Card holders free;
Non Card holders $1/hr
Get the most out of your digital camera. Instructor: Glen Keener.
Scrapbooking Club
Thursdays, 10 am–12 pm
Frequent Card holders free;
Non Card holders $1
Meet weekly with others in the Scrapbooking Club to get your photos out of unsafe albums and into scrapbooks. Upcoming beginners class on Thursday, September 6, 10 am. Frequent Card holders $8; Non Card holders $10. Call to register. Facilitator: Pat Arent
The Hopkins Activity Center is located at 33 14th Ave N in Hopkins. Call 952-939-1333 with questions or to register.
City of Hopkins recycling customers may now add paper beverage cartons to the list of material that can be recycled curbside. This includes cartons that contain 4, 6, 12, or 24 bottles or cans.
Reminder: Odd/Even Lawn Watering Schedule
To ensure there is enough water for all uses, including firefighting, the city has established a voluntary lawn watering policy. Residents & businesses are asked to water on an odd/even system based on your address number. There should be no watering between 12 and 5 pm. Please call the water department at 952-548-6373 with any questions.
Community Image Awards Due Sept 28
The City of Hopkins will again honor property owners, individuals, and business owners whose pride shines through their property. The Community Image Award recognizes those people who have made significant improvements to their property; including landscaping, accessibility improvements, lighting, signs, or exterior improvements. The award also honors those who have demonstrated continued superior maintenance of their property. Awards are given in three categories:
- Commercial, industrial, or office
- Multi-family residential
- Single family residential
If you would like to nominate someone for this award, please complete a nomination form and return it by September 28. Nomination forms are also available at City Hall or by calling 952-548-6343.
Free, one-day only, brush pick up is on Tuesday, Sept 11. Call 952-939-1382 between Tuesday, Sept 4 and Monday, Sept 10 (no later than 2 pm) to schedule the free pick up for Sept 11.
This will be the only free brush pick up this fall!
Recycling collection is Aug 6–9, 20–23, and Sept 4–7 (due to Labor Day).
Refuse collection is July 31–Aug 3, 7–10, 14–17, 21–24, 28–31, and Sept 4–7 (due to Labor Day). View Garbage/Recycling Schedule.
City Offices will be closed on Monday, September 3 for Labor Day.
.