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Home My WebLink AboutEditionEdina_6 June-2026_Web-2BY LAUREN SIEBENALER The Edina Aquatic Center is getting a refresh ahead of the 2026 summer season, with visible upgrades guests will notice right away and behind-the-scenes improvements designed to keep the nearly 70-year-old facility operating for years to come. Visitors returning this summer will eventually see new shade structures, rentable cabanas, resurfaced pools, updated furniture and new lifeguard stands (The cabanas and deck furniture will not be available until late June.). But much of the work has happened out of sight, inside the facility’s aging mechanical systems. “The things people will see are really going to modernize the look of the Aquatic Center,” said General Manager Patty McGrath. “We’re excited for guests to experience some refreshed spaces while also making sure the facility remains reliable for the future.” The largest portion of the project focused on upgrading the Aquatic Center’s aging pump room and filtration systems. According to Facilities & Fleet Manager Derik Otten, the need became urgent after a 2021 electrical failure damaged critical equipment that powers the pools’ filtration and heating systems. While staff were able to make repairs at the time, replacement parts were increasingly difficult to find because the facility relied on outdated electrical infrastructure. “We were really concerned that if a similar failure happened again, we would no longer be able to support the pool with repairs,” Otten said. After assessing the facility with architecture and engineering firm HGA, the City determined major mechanical upgrades were needed, including larger balancing tanks required under updated health and safety codes. That led to the construction of a new pump room addition attached to the existing facility. The City Council approved the approximately $8.432 million project in 2025, and construction began shortly after the Aquatic Center closed for the season. Along the way, crews also replaced drains and resurfaced all three pools to help extend the facility’s lifespan. The most noticeable changes for visitors, however, will likely be above ground. A large new shade structure now anchors part of the pool deck, replacing an older structure that had reached the end of its lifespan. Guests will also see new cabanas overlooking the pool area that will be available for rent. Cabana rentals will cost $50 per hour Monday through Thursday and $75 per hour Friday through Sunday. A minimum of two hours is required to book a cabana. “We’ve been short on shade at the Aquatic Center,” McGrath said. “The new shade structure and cabanas really bring some brightness and a more modern feel to the facility.” The Aquatic Center will have new deck furniture and updated lifeguard stands designed to improve visibility and safety. Inside the concession area, a new high-speed oven is expected to help shorten food wait times during busy summer days. “One of the things we know is that concession lines can get long,” McGrath said. “We’re excited about having new equipment that will help improve efficiency and get food out faster.” In addition to physical upgrades, several operational changes are coming this season. The Aquatic Center is introducing new senior admission and season pass options, as well as an August-only season pass. Children under age 2 will now receive free admission. Residents will also get a slightly longer season in 2026. Because Edina Public Schools begins school later this year, the Aquatic Center plans to stay open through Aug. 23, about a week longer than usual. While many of the project’s most important upgrades are hidden underground, City staff say the work was critical to preserving one of Edina’s most popular summer destinations. “The users are going to come to the pool and notice the cabanas and the shade structure,” Otten said. “But from a reliability standpoint, this has been a huge undertaking to ensure the Aquatic Center can continue operating well into the future.” For more information, visit EdinaAquaticCenter.com. Edina Aquatic Center Prepares for Summer with Upgrades City Invests In Long-Term Improvements Ahead of 2026 Season When the Edina Aquatic Center opens June 4 for the season, guests will find new shade structures and shorter concession lines along with favorite attractions like the Lil’ Lagoon. (File photo) Edition: Edina Strong FoundationCITY GOALS:Better TogetherReliable Service Livable City JUNE 2026 Volume 13, Issue 6 City of Edina EdinaMN.gov 1 Construction on New Rosland Park Pedestrian Bridge Begins This Summer Replacement Bridge to Feature Ramps, Improved Access Across Highway 62 BY BRITTANY BADER The new Rosland Park Pedestrian Bridge over Minnesota Highway 62 is expected to open around this time next year, improving the connection between neighborhoods north of the highway and Rosland Park amenities, including the Edina Aquatic Center. Construction begins this summer, when the current pedestrian bridge will close for the duration of the project. The new bridge will include access ramps on both the north and south sides of the highway to improve access for people with mobility challenges or those who want to walk, bike or roll to and from Rosland Park, 4300 W. 66th St. It will also be built with greater clearance above the highway to help prevent vehicle strikes like those that occurred in 2022. The City worked with engineering firm Bolton & Menk to develop bridge concepts and weigh them against criteria developed with input from residents, City staff, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and consultants, with a focus on safety, accessibility, environmental and residential considerations, costs and traffic impacts. The selected concept was then refined into the final bridge design by Snow Kreilich Architects, featuring partial decorative steel cladding to create an attractive and welcoming gateway into the community. “This project will remove a barrier to access for many people who rely on or prefer wheels or have mobility challenges,” said Public Works Director & City Engineer Chad Millner. “The new bridge and access ramps will make it easier to travel between neighborhoods north of Highway 62 and Rosland Park. We look forward to making it easier to get around.” The current pedestrian bridge is owned and managed by MnDOT, which has agreed to transfer ownership to the City once the new bridge is complete. Why does the bridge need to be replaced? Because of its age, condition and accessibility limitations, the bridge must be replaced. Originally built in the early 1960s, the bridge is accessible only by stairs and does not meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or state height standards. The bridge sustained heavy damage after being struck by vehicles twice in 2022. When is construction happening? Construction is expected to start in June or July with the new bridge completed in summer 2027. How will construction affect travel and access in the area? Bridge Use: Once construction begins, the pedestrian bridge will close for the duration of the project. During construction, pedestrians can use Valley View Road to travel between Rosland Park and neighborhoods north of Highway 62. Highway 62 Traffic: Traffic impacts to Highway 62 are expected to be minimal. Two weekend closures will be needed to remove the existing bridge and place the new structure. Occasional lane closures may also occur. Rosland Park & Edina Aquatic Center: Rosland Park amenities, including the Edina Aquatic Center, will operate as normal during construction, though visitors may need to enter certain areas of the park a different way. During construction, drivers will not be able to travel between the Mooty Pickleball Courts and the Edina Aquatic Center on West 64th Street because a portion of the roadway will be used for construction staging and equipment. •Mooty Pickleball Courts: Visitors should access the courts from the west via West 64th Street. •Edina Aquatic Center: Visitors should access the facility from the park’s main entrances off Valley View Road or West 66th Street. •Disc Golf: The disc golf course will remain open, though one or two holes may be temporarily closed during construction. Will the bridge have separate walking and biking lanes? The bridge is designed as a shared-use connection for people walking, biking and rolling and will not have separate lanes. How is the project being funded? The project is expected to cost about $8 million and will be funded through a combination of secured State funding ($6.2 million), the Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Fund ($800,000), Municipal State Aid ($600,000) and the Centennial Lakes Tax- Increment Financing district ($400,000). How can I stay informed about the project? Project updates are available at BetterTogetherEdina.org/Rosland-Park-Bridge. You can sign up for email updates on the project page and opt into text updates by texting ROSLAND to 844-929-4328. For more information, contact Millner, 952-826-0318 or cmillner@EdinaMN.gov. The new Rosland Park pedestrian bridge will include access ramps on both sides of Minnesota Highway 62 for people walking, biking and rolling to and from Rosland Park. (Submitted illustration) 2 ‘If These Streets Could Talk’ Presentation Receives 2026 Heritage Award Scipioni Honored for Research on History of Local Street Names BY LUM CHI Transportation Planner Andrew Scipioni has always been passionate about history. So, naturally, he decided to combine it with his love for engineering. Scipioni’s interest in street history sprouted in 2011 while working as an Engineering Intern for the City of Eagan. At the time, he’d read the book The Street Where You Live by Donald Empson — an encyclopedia on how streets, neighborhoods and parks in St. Paul got their names. “I grew up in Eagan, just south of St. Paul, so I’m familiar with their streets,” Scipioni said. “I found that book very interesting. At my internship, I traveled a lot through Eagan and started to see themes within neighborhood names.” Themes he observed included Monopoly properties, rocks and gemstones. His own neighborhood was named after birds. When he started working for Edina’s Engineering Department in 2014, Scipioni decided to start investigating the history of Edina’s street names. In a nod to Empson’s inspiration, Scipioni titled his project “If These Streets Could Talk.” The project, now a presentation, won the 2026 Edina Heritage Award. Sponsored by the Edina Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC), the Heritage Award is given to any person, organization or company that has contributed to the preservation of Edina’s heritage. “Many people are aware of Edina’s street names, but don’t know why they were named that way,” said Assistant City Planner Emily Dalrymple, staff liaison to the HPC. “Andrew’s presentation tells that story, and the HPC appreciated that about his work.” Scipioni’s research initially began as a fun hobby. But when the pandemic hit, it transformed into a passion project. “I looked through City Council meetings, City Council minutes, plats and talked to the Edina Historical Society,” Scipioni explained. “I also interviewed a couple surveyors and developers in the community to try and get their recollections on how street names were chosen.” By the time he finished, his project wasn’t only about street name origins. It also detailed the rich history behind Edina’s overall landscape. One standout example is how Indigenous communities and European settlers shaped Edina’s existing areas such as Indian Hills (Indigenous) and Prospect Knolls (Irish). Scipioni wanted to share his work with residents so they could learn more about the place they called home. He assembled his research and presented it to City staff, City commissions and community groups six times between 2021 and 2025. Because of his hard work, his partner, Mary Kathryn Dorr, nominated him for the Edina Heritage Award. “Scipi has transformed everyday infrastructure into a meaningful record of the city’s past, ensuring these stories are preserved and shared for future generations,” she explained. Scipioni’s achievement was honored at the May 5 City Council meeting, where HPC Chair Brad Olson presented the award. “Scipioni’s presentation is a delightful montage of different areas of Edina, covering its associated streets and interesting historical facts,” he said. “I think it is a creative endeavor that anyone is going to use to appreciate Edina and the history of our city.” Scipioni continues to work on the project, expanding on his previous research. He encourages people to contact him if they know more about their streets and parks, so he can spread their stories too. You can reach him at scipi30@gmail.com. For more information about the Heritage Award and past recipients, visit EdinaMN.gov/HeritageAward. Transportation Planner Andrew Scipioni’s research project on the history of Edina street names earned the 2026 Edina Heritage Award. (Photo by Jason Heuer) BY THE NUMBERS Summer Recreation Programs Adaptive recreation programs 5 inch winning fish in the 2025 Centennial Lakes Park Fishing Tournament 10 Learn to Skate Programs 17 Youth recreation activities 807 Sports program offerings 298 sets of kid-sized golf clubs to rent 35 With school out and warm weather here, Edina’s Parks & Recreation summer programming is the perfect way to learn something new or enjoy a familiar favorite activity. Bring the heat on the field, tap into your creative side or cool off with a Learn to Skate program at Braemar Arena. Hundreds of programs provide something for everyone, including recurring programs and special one-time events. Learn more and register at EdinaMN.gov/Fun. - COMPILED BY EDIE WEINSTEIN 3City of Edina EdinaMN.gov PROFESSIONAL MOVERS QualityMovingCo.com 952-831-6800 BY BRITTANY BADER le at BetterTogetherEdina.org/Rosland-Park- Bridge. You can sign up for email updates on the project page and opt into text updates by texting ROSLAND to 844-929-4328. For more information, contact Millner, 952-826-0318 or cmillner@EdinaMN.gov. UPCOMING EVENTS Monday, June 1 Pride Month begins Tuesday, June 2, 7 p.m. City Council meeting, Edina City Hall Tuesday, June 2, 7 p.m. Grooves & Foods concert, Spinning Wheel Trilogy, Centennial Lakes Park Thursday, June 4, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Season Opening Day, Edina Aquatic Center Thursday, June 4, 11-11:30 a.m. Project Talk: Vernon Avenue & Highway 100 Interchange Project, Online Friday, June 5, Noon-8 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, June 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Edina Art Fair, 50th & France Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m.-noon Art Lab, Edina Art Center Sunday, June 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Parade of Boats, Centennial Lakes Park Tuesday, June 9, 5-7 p.m. Art Together, Edina Fire Station 2 Tuesday, June 9, 6:30 p.m. Stay Cool, Stay Warm Webinar: Heat Pumps Demystified, Online Tuesday, June 9, 7 p.m. Grooves & Foods concert, Classic American Rockers, Centennial Lakes Park Thursday, June 11, 7 a.m. Housing & Redevelopment Authority meeting, Edina City Hall Tuesday, June 16, 7 p.m. City Council meeting, Edina City Hall RECURRING EVENTS Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Concerts, Centennial Lakes Park Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-noon Sketch & Sip, Edina Art Center Tuesdays and Thursdays starting June 9, 9-10:30 a.m. Art Cart with Edina Art Center, Centennial Lakes Park Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. Youth Entertainment Series, Centennial Lakes Park Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free Fishing Thursdays for Kids, Centennial Lakes Park Thursdays, 3-7 p.m., music 4-6 p.m. Farmers Market, Centennial Lakes Park Tuesday, June 16, 7 p.m. Grooves & Foods concert, The Good The Bad & The Funky, Centennial Lakes Park Wednesday, June 17, 6 p.m. Walk with the Mayor, Pamela Park Wednesday, June 17, 6 p.m. University of Minnesota Raptor Center, Centennial Lakes Park Wednesday, June 17, 6:30 p.m. Hot Stuff Webinar: Electrifying Water Heating, Cooking and Clothes Drying, Online Thursday, June 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Car Seat Checkup Clinic, Edina Fire Station 2 Thursday, June 18, 11-11:30 a.m. Project Talk: Vernon Avenue & Highway 100 Interchange Project, Online Friday, June 19 Juneteenth, City offices closed Friday, June 19, noon-4 p.m. Juneteenth Celebration, Centennial Lakes Park Tuesday, June 23, 7 p.m. Grooves & Foods concert, From Barry – A Tribute to The Bee Gees, Centennial Lakes Park Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30 Edina Senior Center closed for maintenance/deep cleaning Watch City Council, Housing & Redevelopment Authority and Planning Commission meetings live on Edina TV (Comcast Channels 813 or 16) or online. For a complete listing of meetings and events, visit EdinaMN.gov. 952-927-8861 | mail@EdinaMN.govCity of Edina EdinaMN.gov4 Iskaan-garee koodhkan oo ku fiiri soomaali EdinaMN.gov/SomaliEE EdinaMN.gov/SpanishEE Escanee este código para ver en español