When the popular Segue coffeehouse closed, the Coalition for Elliot Park began serving coffee in the park. Monthly cleanups bring neighbors together in the hope that well-kept spaces will be treated with more respect. Area security guards are now in constant communication, so if a fight breaks out on one property, everyone else is alerted. When more dangerous characters are spotted, the police are called.
The park service has begun offering more adult activities, and Henry Huber, interim director of the recreation center, has gotten to know the men who man the picnic benches every day. Many are simply “unlucky” and want to be left alone, he has learned. When others try to disturb the peace, they check themselves.
“We’ve struggled with violence over the last few years, but I think a lot of people have moved on and don’t come here as much anymore,” Huber said. “Now we’re trying to get people the help they need. We’re trying to bring back the kids, teens and adults who are here because of the positive park programs. So that’s our next step.”
This year, police calls to the park have tapered off. The number of violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault) has dropped from 13 last year to one. Crime rates in the surrounding neighborhood paint a more complicated picture: Murder, sex offenses and theft are up; assault, vandalism and robbery are down, according to Minneapolis police.
The massive Neighborhood Night Out cookout in Elliot Park in early August was the biggest in years, with a DJ, dancing and good cheer. But much of the conversation revolved around safety and Catholic Charities.
“There are people who are scared to death to leave their building,” said Ann Brandenburg, an Augustana tenant who has lived in Elliot Park for 30 years and specializes in drug rehabilitation. “They’re scared to leave their apartments. They don’t want to get to the bus stop. Families are scared their parents won’t be able to come to the park.”
