One of my ongoing life goals is to paint a more positive picture of the “northside” of the Twin Cities. We are the blue collar, working class, diverse part of town. The Brooklyns often get smooshed together as if they were one. They’re not. Brooklyn Center is more urban, an inner-ring suburb. Older, with nature always playing a big part of our lives – being within walking distance of the Mississippi River, Shingle Creek and Palmer Lake.
Brooklyn Park? That’s the suburb. Jesse Ventura was Mayor there before he became Governor. If all else fails, use the alphabetical method to jog your memory: C (as in Center), comes before P (in Park). Brooklyn Center is closest to Minneapolis.
Anyway, back on topic… This past Friday, I took a day off work and decided to enjoy the gorgeous fall weather by wheeling along the paths of North Mississippi Regional Park. I’ve often wheeled from my home in Brooklyn Center the half mile or so to the Mississippi River and traveled north to the underside of the 694 bridge and fishing pier. And, other times, headed south to the Interpretive Center, pavilion and playground area. But, until this summer I had never traveled further south along the trails.
This summer, one of my sister’s, a hiker, visited from Las Vegas. On one of the hottest Sundays in July we headed out on the trail. We discovered a treasure. Next time I want a bit of nature, I’ll save the bus fare to Lake Calhoun and head down to the river in my ‘hood.’
Part of Three Rivers Park District, North Mississippi Regional Park brings together nature and learning. Prairie trails intersect with wooded river trails. On my most recent trip, the fall colors were magnificent even though the skies started out cloudy. The tornado damage just north of the Camden Bridge was evident. The damage to the rookery was obvious with green leaves no longer shading the damage. But, as often happens, wounds heal and create their own changed beauty.
At the Camden Bridge, I wandered under I94 and made a pit stop, picking up a sandwich to go, then headed back the way I’d come. I came across a group of young people of all colors, learning about nature from a guide. By then, the sun was out, and my new direction gave new perspective to the trails I’d just traveled. At the picnic area I stopped, ate and read for about an hour, enjoying nature just a stone’s throw from a busy interstate highway.
After three hours I headed home, feeling centered and content. Parks, trails and nature may not be high our everyone’s priority list, especially in this economy. But, here’s my plug to keep them near the top.
Sue, thanks for your reminder of the great natural beauty that has been preserved on the northside. I too hope that with the austerity measures being taken we won’t trash our parks. My sense is they will become more important than ever for places of solace, reflection and renewal.