Minnetonka Rotary supports The Minnehaha Watershed District efforts in rehabilitating Minnehaha Creek

Press Release:  June 1st 12:00 (noon) along sections of the Minnehaha Creek the Minnetonka Rotary will be cleaning up debris as part of an effort to support our Minnetonka and St. Louis Park communities.  The Minnehaha Watershed District is in the process of beautifying the creek and returning it to it’s original look of the 1950s.  Minnetonka Rotary President Elect, Roger Johnson explained, “Starting in the 1950s the creek was treated as a drainage ditch and straightened out to push as much water downstream and out of the area from the streets and other run off.   The result of this was that certain areas couldn’t handle the volumes of water that entered Minnehaha Creek and flooding occurred. Current efforts by the Minnehaha Watershed District include putting the creek path back to the original meandering path that the Minnehaha Creek had prior to the drainage ditch straightening.  This will be done from photos of the creek, prior to 1950, which included enough space for the water to go when extra rain water or melting snow forces more water into the creek.  Another benefit of returning the creek to its natural setting is that it will provide an enjoyable scenic walkway for the paths that are to line the new creek and the canoeists that frequent the creek as it makes its way towards Minnehaha Falls.” Additionally, the Minnetonka Rotary, is contributing $3,000 towards funding for this project that also includes ten benches that are to be placed at various locations along the creek.  Support for this project includes the St. Louis Park Rotary Club contributing $3,000 as well.  Rotary District 5950 will also contribute a similar donation amount in support of these two Rotary Clubs and to show its support for the beatification effort along Minnehaha Creek. The Minnetonka Rotary meets at Eisenhower Community Center on Hwy 7 every Wednesday at 7:15am.