LETTER

MPS votes June 9 on removing Cooper Park, converting closed school to Anishinabe Academy's future home

View full presentation attached below

Posted Thursday, May 28, 2026 6:27 pm

Attachments

20260527-140503-93c-Presentation_Anishinabe.pdf

I recently learned that the Minneapolis Public Schools Board is voting on June 9 on a proposal that would remove Cooper Park and replace much of the site with a school building that appears to occupy roughly 40–50% of the lot. The existing playground would be demolished and replaced with an enclosed playground, which appears to be intended primarily for students at the new school. Most of the open green space would also be lost.

The architecture firm’s presentation states that the community was informed and that the proposal reflects community priorities. However, my neighbors and I only learned about this a few days ago from people walking by and the proposal does not reflect how we use that space.

My hope is that you can help get the word out and encourage community members to contact the School Board if the proposed plans do not reflect how they use or value the park and playground.

Here is the architect’s presentation:
https://meetings.boardbook.org/Documents/WebViewer/1807?file=bf420059-6601-43ec-95ab-14bb6760cf2f

Here is a list of public officials and decision makers to contact:

Minneapolis School Board
SchoolBoard@mpls.k12.mn.us

Council Member Aurin Chowdhury, Ward 12
Aurin.Chowdhury@minneapolismn.gov
612-673-2212

MPRB District 5 Commissioner Kay Carvajal Moran
kmoran@minneapolisparks.org
612-230-6443 ext. 5

Anishinabe Academy
anishinabe@mpls.k12.mn.us
612-668-0880

Since the proposed project is for Anishinabe Academy’s future home, Anishinabe Academy is also a relevant stakeholder.

Rob McIntosh

Comments

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boesger73

Thank you for this article. I live one block from Cooper Park and was heartbroken when I read this article. I also was never informed about these plans which is in direct violation of the Minneapolis Park Board code 11-7. It states that every resident within a 3-block radius of a Park that is in plans for renovation needs to be informed by mail, so that they can have their voice heard at any upcoming meetings. I have included this violation to all of the contacts above. I also encourage emailing these officials.

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