[Mpls] Missing in Minneapolis

[Michael Atherton]

Bill Dooley wrote:
 
>  After reading the New York Times front page story, it would 
>  appear the  key to keeping more families in the city with 
>  children is: a) a sufficient  supply of affordable housing 
>  and b) attracting immigrant families with (a)  or 
>  relaxing zoning to allow extended immigrant families or more 
>  people in  general to live in single family (non-affordable) 
>  housing. It is indeed ironic  that in some cities where schools 
>  are closing because families are moving out of that city that 
>  those same schools are converted to loft condos.

Why do you want children in the city anyway?  I can't take
my children to any of the places I frequented before
we had them. :-)  

I don't see Minneapolis as being very kid friendly.  There
are no large indoor playgrounds.  The Children's Museum
moved to St. Paul.  The Science and History museums are 
there.  The Como Zoo is there.  Have you ever compared 
the difference between the community education programs?
Minneapolis is worthless compared to St. Paul.  Shoot,
even when they put an ice rink downtown they don't offer
any classes for kids.  The only things we do as a family
in our own city are MacPhail, Van Cleve Park, and the
U's family swim program.  Most of our time is spent
in St. Paul or the suburbs.

Michael Atherton
Prospect Park