North news briefs: River Park access closes temporarily

River Park access closes temporarilyThe public boat launch at Brooklyn Park's River Park closed last week for reconstruction of the ramp and parking lot. The work is expected to continue through mid-November.

The construction project will nearly double the capacity of River Park from six trailers to 11, including one that will be handicapped accessible.

Other access points along this stretch of the Mississippi River are available during the closure: at Anoka Riverfront Regional Park on East River Road in Fridley, and at North Mississippi Regional Park on N. Mississippi Drive in Minneapolis.

For more information, go to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website at www.mndnr.gov .

The River Park access is jointly managed by the DNR and the city of Brooklyn Park, and the DNR is providing up to $100,000 of the $250,000 cost of the project with money from the State Water Recreation Account, funded by boat license fees and state gas tax receipts for gasoline used for marine purposes.

Nucleus Clinic Holds fundraiserThe Nucleus Clinic will hold its annual Fall Wine, Salad and Chocolate Open House and Benefit from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the clinic, located at 1323 Coon Rapids Blvd. in Coon Rapids.

The 40-year-old clinic provides comprehensive health care to women in the region, many of whom do not have insurance. The guest speaker will be Dr. Nimi Singh, director of the Adolescent Medicine Fellowship Program at the University of Minnesota. Free-will contributions are welcome, by mail or at the door.

Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children ages 5 to 12, and free for children 4 and younger. Proceeds will support community projects.

The Coon Rapids Lioness Club's craft and bake sale will go on all morning. The public also can donate used eyeglasses and hearing aids and nonperishable food items.

'Pumpkin Night' at nature centerMore than 500 carved pumpkins will be aglow along the "Enchanted Trail" as the Springbrook Nature Center celebrates "Pumpkin Night in the Park" from 6-10 p.m. Saturday.

The "Eco Witch" and her sister, the "Garbage Witch," will be on hand, along with pirates and Elvis and a host of other entertaining creatures and characters.

Guests can enjoy food from the "Road Kill Café" and snack while warming up by a bonfire.

'Superhero Day' at indoor playgroundNew Brighton Parks and Rec will celebrate Superhero Adventure Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at the Eagles Nest Indoor Playground, located in the New Brighton Community Center at 400 10th St. NW.

Kids can visit a "kryptonite cave," test Spiderman's "web," and see how high they can leap on the play area's giant jumper. Parents can help kids find lost "gems" stashed around the play area, and kids will have a chance to strike their best superhero pose in the Photo Blast booth.

Admission to the Eagles Nest costs $5 for children ages 12 months to 12 years. Their caregivers get in free. For more information, go to www.ci. new-brighton.mn.us .

Tween Halloween party will howlThe Monster Mash Teen Dance, sponsored by the parks and recreation departments of New Hope, Crystal, Golden Valley and Robbinsdale, will take place from 7-9:30 p.m. Oct. 28.

The party, aimed at kids in grades 5 through 7, will include music, contests and treats for those who go in costume. It will be at the Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Drive. Tickets are $5 if bought by Oct. 27 or $8 at the door.

Initially, it will serve Osseo High School juniors who will graduate and seek college entrance in 2013. The 11-year-old program currently serves 7,600 low-income Twin Cities high school and college age students.

Youth ice skating instructor soughtNew Brighton Parks and Recreation is looking for a youth ice skating instructor to teach beginning skating to children ages 5-9.

Starting pay is $15.20 per hour. Duties include demonstrating basic skating skills, including forward and backward skating, crossovers, spins and turns.

Classes will be held on Tuesdays at Freedom Park, with sessions at 5 and 6 p.m. Jan. 10-31. Call 651-638-2123 for additional information or an application.