Plymouth is seeking legislative authorization for a half-cent local sales tax to fund major investments in the city’s recreational facilities. If approved by the state, the proposal would go to Plymouth voters in November.

The investment plan – known as Play it Forward Plymouth – consists of three major initiatives totaling $135 million, including an expansion and renovation of the Plymouth Ice Center ($55 million); construction of a year-round fieldhouse to replace the seasonal dome at the Plymouth Community Center, including an additional gymnasium and dedicated gymnastics space ($55 million); and a regional sports complex with multi-sport fields and a refrigerated outdoor ice rink at the former Four Seasons Mall site ($25 million).

After decades of heavy use, facilities like the Plymouth Ice Center and Fieldhouse require major repairs and upgrades to address safety, accessibility and efficiency. At the same time, participation in sports and recreation continues to grow, stretching available ice time, field space and gym access across the city. 

The plan is designed to address these needs while expanding overall recreational capacity.

Funding the projects through a half-cent local sales tax would more equitably distribute costs among residents and visitors who often use the city’s public amenities. According to research by the University of Minnesota, nonresidents would pay approximately 55% of the local sales tax – or roughly $74 million if all three projects are approved. The tax would remain in place for up to 20 years, or until the projects and related financing costs are paid.

Learn more at playitforwardplymouth.org.

Residents can mark their calendars for the 54th annual Music in Plymouth, set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 8 at the Hilde Performance Center, 3500 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth’s summer classic offers an evening of free musical entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting.

The event culminates with a performance by the world-class Minnesota Orchestra and a spectacular fireworks display. Music in Plymouth is presented by the Plymouth Civic League and the City of Plymouth and is free for the public to attend. 

Check the next edition of Plymouth News for additional event details. For information about how the community can support Music in Plymouth, visit musicinplymouth.org.

The City of Plymouth is updating its long-range Comprehensive Plan and inviting the community to help shape the city’s future through an upcoming open house and online engagement opportunities.

Residents, businesses and community leaders are encouraged to attend an open house 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13 at the Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Ave. N. The event will offer information about the planning process and provide opportunities for attendees to share feedback on priorities, issues and opportunities facing Plymouth.

Community members can also participate online at plymouthmn.gov/2050compplan by completing a survey and using an interactive mapping tool to identify areas of interest, concern or opportunity. Feedback collected online will help inform discussions throughout the planning process.

The Reimagine Plymouth 2050 Comprehensive Plan will guide decisions related to land use, housing, transportation, parks and infrastructure over the next 20 years. As Plymouth approaches full development, the plan will focus on reinvestment, redevelopment and meeting future housing and regional growth needs.

State law requires metropolitan cities to update their comprehensive plans every 10 years. For more information, to complete the survey and mapping activities, or to sign up for updates, visit plymouthmn.gov/2050compplan.

Farmers Market begins June 17

The Plymouth Farmers Market is held 2-6 p.m. Wednesdays, June 17 to Sept. 30 at Parkers Lake Playfield, 15500 County Road 6. The market features a variety of vendors selling fresh, locally grown produce and prepared food. Farmers Markets on July 15, Aug. 12, and Sept. 16 will be held on Plymouth Boulevard. EBT is accepted with select vendors. 

Plant Swap set for June 1 

A Plant Swap is set for 4-6 p.m. Monday, June 1 at the Plymouth Maintenance Facility, 14900 23rd Ave. N. Free. Participants are encouraged to bring perennials and swap them for new plants shared by others. To get involved, place extra plants in pots and label them with their common names. Seeds and plant wares are also good swap items. For more information, call City Forester Paul Buck at 763-509-5944. 

Bark in the Park is May 16

The annual Bark in the Park is set for 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 16 at the Hilde Performance Center, 3500 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth’s popular all-about-dogs event features dog products, pet supply vendors, dog rescue organizations, photo opportunities, a balloon artist, a face painter, caricatures, pup pools for four-legged friends to cool off, and other activities. Food will be available for purchase.

Waffle Breakfast May 17 

The Plymouth Fire Department and the Plymouth Crime and Fire Prevention Fund will host a waffle breakfast fundraiser 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17 at Fire Station 3, 3300 Dunkirk Lane N. Attendees may enjoy unlimited waffles, sausage, juice and coffee. Gluten free options are available. Tickets are $9 in advance or $10 at the door, $4 in advance and $5 at the door for ages 10 and younger. Advance tickets can be purchased at givemn.org/story/2026PFDwaffles. Proceeds go towards the Plymouth Crime and Fire Prevention Fund, which supports the Plymouth Public Safety Department. 

Summer Beach Series

Two events are set in the upcoming Summer Beach Series at East Medicine Lake Park, 1740 East Medicine Lake Blvd.: 

• Beaches and Bonfires: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 21 at East Medicine Lake Park. Attendees may enjoy an evening at the beach, cozy up near bonfires and enjoy live music from Twin Cities Latin Band. Food will be available for purchase. Please note: Parking is limited at East Medicine Lake Park. A previous recommendation for attendees to park at West Medicine Lake Park and use the connecting trail to access the event is no longer valid. A section of the trail between the two parks will be closed due to repairs. A free shuttle will run from 5:30–8:30 p.m. from Station 73 (10905 Highway 55). Those who wish to park and ride to the event should access the lot via Highway 55 to Revere Lane to Old County Road 15. The intersections at Sunset Trail/Zachary Lane and Highway 55/South Shore Drive may be closed due to area construction.
•  Beaches, Bands and Brews: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7 at East Medicine Lake Park. The community is invited to spend an evening at the beach, playing yard games and enjoying live music. Attendees should bring cash/credit for food and beverage purchases, as well as blankets or lawn chairs for seating. Please note: Parking is limited at East Medicine Lake Park. A previous recommendation for attendees to park at West Medicine Lake Park and use the connecting trail to access the event is no longer valid. A section of the trail between the two parks will be closed due to repairs. A free shuttle will run from 5:30–8:30 p.m. from Station 73 (10905 Highway 55). Those who wish to park and ride to the event should access the lot via Highway 55 to Revere Lane to Old County Road 15. The intersections at Sunset Trail/Zachary Lane and Highway 55/South Shore Drive may be closed due to area construction.

Summer Series Skateboard Contest

5-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 16 at Plymouth Creek Skate Park, 3625 Fernbrook Lane N. A free jam-style skateboard contest is held in partnership with Third Lair and is open to all ages. Prizes will be awarded to the top three participants from each category. Registration begins on-site at 5 p.m. and the contest starts at 6 p.m.

Stars, Stripes and Songs: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

7 p.m. Tuesday, June 23 at the Hilde Performance Center, 3500 Plymouth Blvd. The Plymouth Rockers Chorus and Plymouth Concert Band perform to celebrate America. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Food trucks available on-site. Attendees should bring cash/credit for food and beverage purchases, as well as blankets or lawn chairs for seating.

Music In Plymouth 5K

8 a.m. Saturday, June 27 at the Northwest Greenway Pavilion, 5250 Peony Lane. Join runners and walkers on a 3.1 mile route along the Northwest Greenway on a certified course. Families are all welcome. Sponsored by the Plymouth Civic League. All proceeds benefit Music in Plymouth. Learn more at musicinplymouth.org. Visit active.com to register.

Hilde Nights

Plymouth’s free summer entertainment series, Hilde Nights returns in 2026 with more opportunities to enjoy live music at the Hilde Performance Center. Food trucks will be available on-site. Attendees should bring cash/credit for food and beverage purchases, as well as blankets or lawn chairs for seating. Hilde Nights is sponsored by: Renewal by Andersen, Plymouth Lions, State Farm, First Class Plumbing, and Gateway Fiber.

• June 12: Mallrats with opening act Cole Allen Band and special guest Sena Ehrhardt – 6-10 p.m. Friday, June 12. The Cole Allen Band kicks off the night, performing contemporary blues and rock. At 7 p.m., Mallrats take the stage playing iconic sing-a-long  ‘90s rock and alternative music. 
• July 17: Kat Perkins Country Roads Band with opening act Nathan Dean Band – 6-10 p.m. Friday, July 17. Nathan Dean Band sets the stage with catchy and heartfelt originals to country/rock and pop favorites. At 7 p.m., Kat Perkins Country Roads Band brings fan-favorite country party tunes to the crowd.
• Aug. 28: Fabulous Armadillos with opening act The Holy Rocka Rollaz – 6-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28. The Holy Rocka Rollaz will take listeners back to the days of classic early Rock ‘n’ Roll and rockabilly. The Fabulous Armadillos cover songs from fan-favorite genres – country, Motown, heavy metal, ‘70s soft rock and more.

An annual get-to-know-the-neighbors initiative, Night to Unite is set to return to Plymouth this summer. Neighborhood block party registration is open until Sunday, June 14.

Set for 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4 throughout the state, Night to Unite serves as a community building event centered around crime prevention and strengthening neighborhood ties. 

Residents are encouraged to organize neighborhood block parties, which offer opportunities for community members to catch up with one another and welcome new neighbors. Get-togethers can be as simple as potluck dinners, ice cream socials or ordering carryout from a local restaurant. 

Register for a Visit from City Staff

Residents are invited to register block parties for a chance to have Plymouth police officers, firefighters, public works staff or elected officials visit their gathering. New this year, block party visits will be selected through a lottery system. 

All registrants will be entered into a drawing, and selected hosts will be notified via email following the June 14 registration deadline.

“Night to Unite is a fun event that we look forward to each summer,” said Public Safety Director Erik Fadden. “It’s a great opportunity for public safety personnel and city staff to interact with neighbors, and I’ve been really impressed by our community’s participation each year.”

To register a Night to Unite block party and to learn more, visit plymouthmn.gov/ntu.

Below are upcoming volunteer opportunities:

• Adopt a Spot: See what areas of the city are available for groups or businesses to adopt by visiting plymouthmn.gov/adoptaspot.
• Historical Document Transcription: Transcribe historical documents from Plymouth’s rich history. Must be at least 16 years old and be able to read cursive handwriting. The work can be done remotely and volunteers work at their own pace as time allows.
• Millennium Garden Work Sessions: Weed, deadhead and prune to keep the garden looking lovely during staff-led events 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays, May 12 and June 9.
• Native Plant Garden Club: Weed and maintain the pollinator garden at Fazendin Park during volunteer-led events 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays June 2, 9 and 16 and 9-11 a.m. Thursday, June 18.
• Tree Mulching Events: Help protect trees in city parks by spreading mulch around them to improve water retention 9-11 a.m. Wednesdays, May 27 and June 24.
• Tree Planting Event: Help plant trees and shrubs along the Highway 55 frontage road 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 30.
• Become a Police Explorer: Must be 14-20 years old and able to meet weekly during the school year to explore a career in law enforcement. Applications are due Saturday, Aug. 1.

To find out more about these and other opportunities, visit plymouthmn.gov/volunteer or call 763-509-5230.

Leading the volunteer emergency response team

As a volunteer, Giampaolo Malin is able to turn his passion for public safety and serving the community into action by leading the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Giampaolo said, “I’m honored to lead the Plymouth CERT team, a dedicated group of volunteers who train monthly under the guidance of the Plymouth Fire Department. Together, we support the city at public events and stand ready to assist during emergencies. It’s a privilege to work alongside people who share the same drive to support and strengthen our community.”

Because Giampaolo volunteers, the City of Plymouth is able to share more information with residents about fire safety and has dedicated volunteers to assist in emergency response.

To join CERT, contact volunteer@plymouthmn.gov or 763-509-5230.

As the construction season progresses in Plymouth, the city reminds residents of projects on two major corridors with traffic impacts and detours.

For information on the projects below – or information about other road construction happening in Plymouth – visit plymouthmn.gov/projectspotlight.

Chankahda Trail Reconstruction Phase 3

Chankahda Trail will be reconstructed from Cheshire Parkway to Northwest Boulevard in 2026. This project includes installation of concrete curb and gutter, storm sewer improvements, water quality improvements, and trails. 

In April, Chankahda Trail closed between Yucca Lane and Northwest Boulevard and is expected to reopen to local traffic in July. Once reopened, Chankahda Trail will be closed from Cheshire Parkway to Yucca Lane for the next stage of construction, which is expected to last through October. 

For additional details and up-to-date information, visit plymouthmn.gov/chankahda. 

Station 73 TRIP

Station 73 TRIP (Transit and Regional Improvement Program) construction is underway, and this year’s work focuses on improvements north and south of Highway 55, including South Shore Drive, 10th Avenue, the realigned County Road 73, Old County Road 15 and Zachary Lane. Highway 55, which was closed last summer during construction, will remain open to traffic throughout construction.

Station 73 TRIP was developed to make regionally impactful improvements to increase safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit users in the area around Highway 55 and County Road 73. 

Access to local businesses and residents will be maintained throughout the project, and motorists can keep up to date on progress and detours at plymouthmn.gov/station73trip.

Residents with questions or concerns may contact the project hotline at 763-251-1010 or info@station73trip.com.

Installation of broadband fiber optic internet is set to continue in Plymouth this year. Residents should note that fiber installation is not a City of Plymouth project, nor does the city control the pace of work. 

All companies installing fiber must apply for city right-of-way permits and meet requirements according to city ordinance. The work involves the installation of underground conduit and cables in public rights-of-way and easements by private companies. Installation is preceded by line locating, which involves marking underground utilities (gas, electric, cable, etc.) with flags and spray paint. The flags are required by law and residents should not move them until the work is complete.

Following installation, fiber companies are required to restore affected items such as grass, sprinkler systems, pet fences, asphalt and concrete. 

To help protect underground items during construction, residents are advised to notify the appropriate contractor and mark/flag all sprinkler heads, dog fence lines, sump pump lines or other underground items located within the right-of-way or easements in advance of fiber installation. Residents with questions or concerns about fiber installation should contact the company performing work in their area. To view frequently asked questions, an interactive map of affected areas, a list of companies completing work in Plymouth and additional information, visit plymouthmn.gov/fiberoptic. 

Here is a rundown of some recent business news:

Golf Specifics opens soon at 12710 Industrial Park Blvd., where they offer customized golf fitness programs for school-age athletes and small group lessons for adult and senior golfers.

Kennedy Vision Health Center has opened a second location in Plymouth at 15650 36th Ave. N. where it offers personalized eye care services and treatments, as well as MedSpa services.

Locally-owned Nested North Coffee is opening at 4190 Vinewood Lane N., Suite 112, offering crafted coffee, tea drinks and light bites.

Martinizing Plymouth is open at 4345 Nathan Lane N., Suite N, offering laundry, dry cleaning and garment care services, including on-demand pickup and delivery.

Revival House, specializing in kitchen, bath and interior design, has relocated and opened a new showroom at 3675 Plymouth Blvd., Suite 105.

Spades & Company, a destination for bridge education, play and private game gatherings, is open now at 12805 Highway 55, Suite 111.

Suite Living Senior Care’s new Plymouth Community opened in April. The newly built facility at 4335 Zachary Lane N. includes 32 assisted living and memory care units.

Outdoor water restrictions

Outdoor water use restrictions are in effect from May through September. Plymouth prohibits lawn watering from noon to 5 p.m. daily. Water customers must also follow an odd-even schedule when sprinkling lawns. Homeowners and businesses with addresses ending in an odd number may water on odd-numbered calendar days, while those with addresses ending in an even number may water on even-numbered days. 

The restrictions apply to all city water customers, and automatic irrigation systems should be adjusted accordingly. For exceptions and more information, call the hotline at 763-509-5512 or visit plymouthmn.gov/watering.

Water Efficiency Rebate Program

Plymouth’s Water Efficiency Rebate Program is accepting applications for projects that replace inefficient toilets, irrigation systems, sprinkler heads, washing machines and dishwashers with WaterSense® or Energy Star® certified devices. 

This initiative is supported by a grant from the Metropolitan Council to encourage reduction of municipal water use. Rebate funds are limited and will be issued to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until Tuesday, June 30 or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. 

All applications are reviewed and rebates are not guaranteed. Interested residents can ask questions and confirm rebate eligibility by contacting WERP@plymouthmn.gov or 763-509-5500. For more information visit plymouthmn.gov/waterrebate.

Yard Waste Site

The city-operated Yard Waste Site, 14900 23rd Ave. N., is now open for the season. Residents may dispose of spring lawn rakings, leaves, vegetative garden waste, and brush or tree waste. No grass clippings, lumber, sod, soil or stumps accepted. April through August hours are 3-8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. The site is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as Independence Day (July 4). Only Plymouth, Wayzata, Long Lake and Medicine Lake residents may use the site. Identification is required. Yard waste is closed for contractors. For more details, call 763-509-5930 or visit plymouthmn.gov/yardwaste.

Keep Pets Leashed

To keep pets and people safe, Plymouth city ordinances require dogs to be leashed at all times when off private property. Unleashed pets can pose risks to themselves and others, and owners can face a fine of up to $128. To report violations, call the public safety non-emergency number at 952-258-5321. To learn about leash-free areas at Plymouth dog parks, visit plymouthmn.gov/dogpark.

Pet Clean Up

Pet owners must clean up after their pets to protect Plymouth’s lakes and streams – it’s also the law (Plymouth City Ordinance 915.19). Pet waste contains bacteria and excess nutrients that can harm water quality and cause algal blooms. Pet owners should carry a bag or other method for proper disposal during walks and throw pet waste in the trash. Pet waste should also be picked up in residential yards to prevent runoff.

The Plymouth History Center has launched a new website designed to make it easier for residents and visitors to explore, learn and engage with Plymouth’s rich history.

The new website serves as a central destination where users can discover exhibits, access research materials, learn about special events at the Plymouth History Center and much more. 

Other notable website amenities include:

• An interactive map of property photos, which allows users to search an address and view historical images of the property along with other key information.
• An interactive landownership map that allows users to search for an address to learn who the original landowners were in the area and how much property 
  they owned.
• A research page which links users to the Minnesota Digital Library and showcases a variety of digital collections ranging from Minnesota history, exhibits, maps, timelines and more.  

“We’re very excited for this resource to be available,” Plymouth Historical Site Coordinator Ryan Barland said. “Throughout the years, a lot of effort has been made to curate, preserve and organize Plymouth’s history – and the new website makes it easy to explore all that information.”  

To view the new site, visit history.plymouthmn.gov.

The Plymouth History Center website marked the fourth and final rollout in a series of new city websites. Hello! Plymouth and the Plymouth Community Center launched brand new sites, while the main City of Plymouth website was refreshed in June 2025.

About the Plymouth History Center

Built in 1885 as the town’s municipal building, the Plymouth History Center is located at 3605 Fernbrook Lane N. Visitors may enjoy rotating exhibits; a research room to browse old newspapers, yearbooks and documents; audio recording space for oral history projects; photos; models; a timeline of the city’s history and more. The center is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and the first Saturday of every month.

The City of Plymouth reminds residents that most door-to-door peddlers and solicitors are required to be licensed under City Code 1140. Permitted hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and peddlers must carry a valid license with a photo and expiration date. 

They are not allowed to harass or intimidate residents and must leave immediately if asked.

Posting a “Peddlers and Solicitors Prohibited” sign at a residence's entrance legally prevents uninvited sales or solicitations, even from licensed individuals. Residents can pick up a free window cling at the Plymouth Public Safety Building (3400 Plymouth Blvd.) during regular business hours. To report concerns or suspicious activity, call the non-emergency line at 952-258-5321.

By Mayor Jeff Wosje

Summer in Plymouth is an amazing time to get out, have fun and make incredible memories. This year is no exception – with a new concert series, crowd-favorite events and new twists on summer classics.

Hilde Amplified 

A brand-new concert series from the City of Plymouth and Hello! Plymouth is set to turn up the volume at the Hilde Performance Center July 31-Aug. 1.  

For many years, the Hilde had been a kind of hidden gem in Plymouth. In recent years, we’ve brought new events and increased usage to this beautiful outdoor venue.  This year, we’re excited to announce an all-new ticketed concert series known as Hilde Amplified, which brings nationally recognized artists right to our backyard.  

The series kicks off Friday, July 31 with chart-topping country performers Brett Young, Ashley McBryde, Rodney Atkins and Matt Stell. On Saturday, Aug. 1, Third Eye Blind will headline with special guests. For tickets visit hildeamplified.com.  

Exciting Events

There’s something for everyone in this year’s lineup of city activities – see a full calendar of events.  

A few highlights include the Summer Beach Series, Summer Series Skateboard Contest, Bark in the Park, Music in Plymouth and much more. There’s no shortage of live music this year, with the city’s free concert series Hilde Nights bringing Mallrats, Kat Perkins Country Roads Band and the Fabulous Armadillos to the stage.  

The Farmers Market also returns for the season on Wednesdays beginning June 17. The market this year will include three special dates held on Plymouth Boulevard – July 15, Aug. 12 and Sept. 16.  

It’s going to be a great summer in Plymouth.