Metro briefs: Fridley High School gets new activities director

New activities director joins Fridley High School

Justin Reese is the new activities director at Fridley High School. He began his new role July 1.

Reese has worked for the Fridley School District since 2010 and currently serves as a behavior specialist and equity and inclusion specialist at Fridley High School. He also has worked on district-wide initiatives to promote student growth and achievement.

Reese has been the head coach for the school's football and track and field teams since 2015 and an assistant varsity boys basketball coach since 2008. He was named the Minnesota High School Coach of the Year by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association in 2020.

"I am humbled and grateful to step into this position and continue the Fridley activities mission of developing and inspiring excellence of our young leaders," Reese said in a news release from the school district. "The value of activities and athletics at the high school level can impact students for the rest of their lives, and I couldn't be more proud to serve in this role."

Reese holds a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Augsburg University and a master's degree in sports management and a K-12 administrative license from the University of Minnesota.

Tim Harlow

Dakota County debuted the new Thompson Park in West St. Paul last week after making about $3 million in upgrades over more than a year.

The park, at 360 Butler Av. E., features a new plaza and sundeck, an accessible, lit trail around the lake, improved water access via a new pier, and a pollinator-themed play area with benches and a picnic area nearby. There are also picnic tables, improved spaces to gather and play, new interpretative signage, and improved parking with stalls for people with disabilities in better locations, county officials said.

The project used funds from the county, the Metropolitan Council and the state.

Erin Adler

North Fire Station opens

North Fire Station replaces the outdated Fire Station No. 3, as part of a larger city plan to upgrade its fire and EMS facilities.

Construction on the new station began last summer, after years of planning. The 30,000-square-foot space includes indoor fleet storage, tool and emergency equipment storage, a gear washing and drying room, and training and conference rooms and offices, according to the city. The project was budgeted for $10.7 million.

The ribbon-cutting event is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the fire station, at 1530 County Road C E. The ceremony is open to the public, and will include station tours and refreshments.

Emma Nelson

Carver Lake Park beach reopens

The beach closed July 9 "out of an abundance of caution for park users," the city said, after a sanitary sewer leak near the main park shelter.

The beach reopened following water testing. Questions can be directed to the city's Parks and Recreation department at 651-714-3583 or reconline@woodburymn.gov.

Emma Nelson