Minneapolis city officials have announced plans to increase patrols and restrict access to certain areas around Bde Maka Ska and Boom Island Park for the annual July 4th celebrations. Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that most road closures will occur around Boom Island, where the “Red, White & Boom” fireworks show takes place.
Strategic road closures will also be implemented in areas with high levels of problematic behavior, similar to last year’s measures which proved successful in disrupting such activity and protecting neighborhoods. The affected areas include N. West River Parkway from Plymouth Avenue until 11th Avenue, the St. Anthony Main waterfront on Main Street SE, and parts of Bde Maka Ska Parkway.
The parking lot at Boom Island Park will be closed to all traffic except for disability parking on Friday. Lake Harriet Parkway will also be closed due to an event. The Stone Arch Bridge remains closed due to ongoing repairs.
Chief Jason Ohotto noted that Bde Maka Ska ranked first in 911 calls in both 2023 and 2024, and is working to reduce the number of incidents in the area by implementing different security measures over the past month. O’Hara expressed gratitude towards Ohotto for last year’s efforts which helped minimize “chaos” in the area.
Source: https://www.startribune.com/in-continued-efforts-to-july-4-curb-chaos-police-to-close-minneapolis-roads-add-patrols-in-city/601385171