How are we implementing our mission?
Two current goals are listed below, followed by the specific projects we are involved in or working towards.
We invite comments from the members on this "How are we implementing our mission?" section so we can keep acurate and up to date. Send comments to info@comoparkalliance.org.
Enhance public awareness of the park and its unique features:
- Historical Walking Tour
One current project is the development of a historical walking tour of the park, an initial version of which will be starting up in June. Plans include a downloadable guide on the website and hard copies available from the District 10 Office at the Street Car Station. - Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom
The group also is eager to support development of the Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom, which brings an educational focus to natural areas of the park. A tour of this area as well as assisting with removal of invasives such as buckthorn, burdock and garlic mustard in the woodland are starting points in this endeavor.
Increase public participation in park projects and park operations:
- Pool Renovation
The upcoming Como Pool renovation was an immediate factor that prompted formation of this group. Park neighbors are interested in participating in the design process for this new facility. Last summer, the CPA Pool Committee prepared and systematically distributed a survey to solicit citizen input. Survey results were presented to the Como Pool Task Force, which, organized by the St. Paul Parks and Recreation Department, includes several citizen representatives. This group began meeting in December 2008 and will meet through April of this year. - Como Park Shuttle and Parking
CPA members also have been involved in creation of a Como Park Shuttle, scheduled to begin in April 2009 and designed to help alleviate ever escalating traffic and parking problems in the park. Citizen involvement has helped ensure that the shuttle buses will be environmentally-friendly low-emission vehicles. We are working with the city on a related issue that should contribute to the shuttle’s success. This is establishment of permit parking only areas on neighborhood streets adjacent to the park. - Como Town, Como Zoo, Conservatory
Other park projects the group plans to monitor for their impact on the neighborhoods include a new “splash pad” at Como Town, new polar bear exhibit at the zoo, and repercussions of Lancer Catering’s liquor license for Zoo and Conservatory events. - Working as Partners
CPA recognizes that the park will benefit from improved communication among all park stakeholders, including the City Parks and Recreation Department, the Como Campus and Como Friends organization (formerly the Como Zoo and Conservatory Society), Districts 6 and 10, Wards 4 and 5 Community Council representatives, State legislators, area residents and visitors. We are eager to promote information sharing and interaction between and among individuals and groups on behalf of the park. - Funding and Resources
The group plans to advocate for increased Como Park funding in general, and securing resources for the restoration and repair of severely deteriorated historical park features is a targeted goal.
How did the Como Park Alliance begin and what do we do?
We started because of the concern for the updates to the pool and the potential effects of traffic on the neighborhood and green space being converted into parking lots.
It started with some neighbors who wanted to have a voice in what happens in the park, and is now extended to anyone anywhere who has an interest in helping the park achieve mutual goals.
As a group we can help draw in a larger community to help fund projects in the park and fill the holes created by reduced government budgets.
Read more details on the Midway Monitor article, April 2008 (pdf).
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Who runs the Park ?
The Park is run by several entities.
- The money collected at the Como Zoo and Conservatory goes to the Como Zoo and Conservatory.
- Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the park.
- Catering is another entity, and the golf course another, and the Black Bear Pavillion building is owned by the Parks Department but the Black Bear Crossing is run by a private enterprise.
We would like this group to look at entire park working with all these units together.
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Who do we work with?
We are currently working on relationships with Saint Paul Parks & Recreation, District 10 and 6, Ramsey Conservation District, the Capitol Region Watershed District, the Como Zoo and Conservatory, and the regional park system. We've met with Councilman Russ Stark and have discussed the idea of gathering interested groups who are feeling left out of the planning process with a focus on the park.
Como Park Alliance is independent from existing groups, such as the district councils who have broader agendas. We are just focused on the park, but are looking to work together on park-related issues and projects and possibly joinng with one as a fiscal host.
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Other Models: Loring Park and Rice Park
We have talked to other groups who are doing similar things such as the Friends of Loring Park and the Friends of Rice Park.
The Friends of Loring Park started when the City of Minneapolis was providing funds for neighborhood revitalization. They work closely with the Minneapolis Parks and Rec Dept. The initial funds for improvements were through the neighborhood council, but now they are a nonprofit and can take the funds directly. They are all volunteers and have no office or staff, and raise funds by selling bricks.
They added lights and benches, planted trees, funded tree health, worked on the gardens in the park, and improved the water quality of Loring Pond. They are seeking volunteers to do a lot of work in the park. The biggest challenge is getting people involved to keep the organization running over the long term.
The Friends of Rice Park works with the City and their District.
The main difference between us and them is that we span more than one district, and that Como Park is a regional rather than a city park. Our partnership is more dispersed.