A new plaza is in the works for the northeast edge of Lake Calhoun that will offer people the opportunity to buy pavers with customized messages for the plaza surface.
Construction of the plaza is scheduled to start in the fall, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announced this week, adding that it received a donation of $17,500 from the nonprofit People for Parks to help pay for the project.
Customized pavers have been available through People for Parks since 2007 near the Lake Harriet Band Shell.
Over the years, the Lake Harriet pavers have included birthday wishes, words of wisdom or wit, and even this marriage proposal set in stone: "Kelly A will you marry me?"
The plaza project is part of a larger overhaul near that side of the lake, which includes a newly improved pedestrian trail.
In May, the Park Board voted to change the lake's name to Bde Maka Ska to acknowledge its Dakota heritage. As the changeover awaits county, state and federal approval, the lake has both names on its signs.
Also in that area, the Tin Fish restaurant's operators announced last month that they will not renew their lease after this season. The Park Board has received proposals for new ownership of the dining spot, where drinks and casual seafood dishes have been served for more than a decade.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
