I'd like to hear more about what makes Minneapolis "our" city from
others. If we have a dialogue about it, it would come pretty close to
defining our vision of what we want the city to be, a good picture for
all candidates to better understand what Minneapolitans value.
Here my two cents, . . .why hasn't someone added a "cents" symbol to
computer keyboards now -- it's impossible to combine characters ("c" and
"/") like we used to do on typewriters and my email program doesn't
permit access to character maps!! But, I digress.
For me, the parks and parkways and number one -- it's the first thing I
show visitors. Almost every day I intentionally use part of the parkway
systems, just to remember that nature is still with us in our urban
environment. It never fails to make me grateful that I live in this
city whose early residents had the wisdom to preserve, and even
surround, our city with these reminders of nature's awesome beauty.
Secondly, I'd put the urban forest. That's another difference between
city and suburb -- more mature trees in the housing areas. They seem to
give an aura of permanence and create a more intimate atmosphere, along
with houses placed cheek to jowl. I also think that the houses being
set close to the sidewalks (another amenity I greatly value - having
sidewalks) makes it seem friendlier.
Thirdly, I think the sense of history in the city is important. Sure
some buildings were taken down that shouldn't have been (like the
Metropolitan), but there is still a goodly amount of older buildings
mixed with newer, shiny arrivals. Another thing I show visitors
(especially foreign ones) is our skyline -- from several vantages, my
favorite being coming up 35W at night, when the city is backlit -- I've
had folks gasp as it comes into view -- it's gorgeous and looks like the
Emerald City on the hill from Wizard of Oz.
I agree with the folks who said we like it because it neighborhoods are
like small towns, each with their own mixed types of restaurants and
shops. I'd add that our "active" population adds to the essence -- you
can hardly find a time during daylight hours where there aren't folks
hoofin' it around the lakes, down the river paths, on the beaches, etc.
Walking through my neighborhood I nearly always spot groups of kids
drawn from many races playing basketball, hockey, whatever -- and I see
this on the beaches and most other public spaces too -- the atmosphere
of recreation with folks kicked back and enjoying the ambiance of the
scene and each other's vibe -- or whatever it's called -- that is SO
Minneapolis.
I'll bet if we grow big trees along the LRT route and make it a "tunnel"
through a deeply wooded urban grove, it will soon contribute to the
Minneapolis mellow, rather than be a grating intrusion that cuts through
neighborhoods.
Barbara Nelson
Seward
--
Barbara Nelson
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot little puppies.
� Gene Hill
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