Kay Carvajal Moran (District 5)
The Hiawatha Golf Course Area Master Plan (aka Hiawatha Links) was approved by MPRB in 2022, calling for 9 holes of golf and the ecological restoration of Lake Hiawatha. As commissioner, will you support the master plan and work actively to move forward implementation of the plan?
Yes, I do support the Master Plan and will work with neighbors, fellow Commissioners, and staff to ensure it is implemented in the most community-centered manner possible. The Hiawatha Golf Course is a large area of land which holds great significance — we must acknowledge its deep indigenous history, the legacy of Black golfers, and ecological needs when implementing the plan.
How will you work to ensure that the new parkland at Hiawatha honors the lake’s history as Rice Lake / Bdé Psíŋ with the Dakota people who have stewarded this land since time immemorial, and ensures safe access for Native lifeways?
Honoring Rice Lake/Bdé Psíŋ is deeply important as we implement the Master Plan and develop new parkland. As Commissioner, I will like to work with our indigenous community on a permanent name change to Rice Lake/Bdé Psíŋ to honor the indigeneity of the land. In partnership with our leaders, I would establish celebrations at the park and a memorial to the history and original stewards of the land. Along with this, as we develop the new parkland, I will support funding for restoration efforts to foster wildlife and native plants to ensure we sustain the biodiversity of the space and support native lifeways.
How will you work to ensure that the new parkland at Hiawatha honors the history of Black golfers and the course’s legacy as a social hub for Minneapolis’ Black golf community?
It is critical that the new parkland at Hiawatha honors the history of Black golfers. In collaboration with the community, I will support a memorial honoring the history of the land, acknowledging the original indigenous stewards and the Black golfers who left a lasting impact on the course. We must continue the legacy of the course being accessible to all by supporting reduced pricing and free equipment for patrons. There should be no barriers for folks wanting to access our parks and we should learn from the legacy of Black golfers like Solomon Hughes Sr. to continue that work.
A recent Star Tribune article covered the problem of stray golf balls from the course hitting houses along 43rd St. What would you do as commissioner to address that issue prior to the projected 2030 course reconstruction?
Prior to the projected 2030 course reconstruction, I am committed to holding a town hall with residents along 43rd St and key MPRB leaders to hear their concerns and strategize on resolutions prior to the projected 2030 course reconstruction. Collaborating with residents and hearing their concerns is critical to developing a park system that works for all.
What role can the new parkland at Hiawatha play in expanding foraging opportunities for Minneapolis residents?
I believe we can expand the imagination of what our park system can be. The new parkland at Hiawatha can and should play a role in supporting our local food system, sustaining edible native plants and those with medicinal benefits. At a time of economic and ecological uncertainty, our park system can become one that allows for some controlled foraging while sustaining native lifeways. This is another important component of deeply practicing the work of creating an accessible parks system for generations to come.
How should we balance coexistence with other species in urban green spaces, even when doing so might causes challenges for humans? For example, beavers are native to the area and restore degraded streams, but can inconvenience us when they cut down trees.
We can balance coexistence with other species in urban green spaces through thorough planning and deep collaboration with community and stakeholders. Just as the indigenous communities who have stewarded the land for generations, we can ensure that wildlife are protected while also providing ample green space for recreation. These imperatives are not in opposition, but can be taken into account together for a more sustainable and lively park system. I will also support a wildlife protection campaign in our parks, ensuring that residents understand how to respect wildlife and ensure that their habitats are sustained.