Text that says Connections, a weekly update from the City of Hopkins

Shady Oak Beach Opens for the Season June 8

Summer is nearly here, which means it is time to hit the beach! Shady Oak beach will be opening for the season Saturday, June 8. The beach is open June 8 through July 31, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., (10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 4), and August 1 through 18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., weather dependent. Renew or purchase your 2024 Shady Oak Beach season pass to enjoy unlimited entry to the beach at great rates. You may purchase or renew online, or at the beach during business hours. Existing cards will be reactivated. Find more information about Shady Oak Beach.

Hopkins Activity Center Open House is June 18

Whether you're a regular participant or are new to the area, you're invited to the Hopkins Activity Center Open House on Tuesday, June 18, between 10 a.m. and noon, to discover exciting program offerings for active adults 55 and over. Bring a friend and stop in to enjoy a tasty treat, meet with Tech Help volunteers, try out pickleball, view a new art exhibition and visit with the artist, learn about travel and volunteer opportunities, or tour the facility and plan your next party. During the Open House, take advantage of membership savings including a $5 credit voucher for new members or a $5 credit to current members for new member referrals. No registration needed to attend. We also welcome you to stop by the Activity Center any time during open program hours Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., for a personal tour. Find more information on the Hopkins Activity Center Open House.

DEED Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund
Webinar is June 20

Business owners are invited to join the Department of Employment and Economic Development for an employer webinar on Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF). During the webinar, "Unlocking Inclusivity: How ERAF Can Transform Your Business," employers will discover how your business can benefit from the ERAF, a remarkable initiative that supports small to mid-sized businesses by reimbursing up to $30,000 for expenses related to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities. Learn more and register for the webinar.

Register Your National Night Out Neighborhood Gathering

National Night Out is less than two months away on August 6, which means it's time to start thinking about your neighborhood's celebration. Register your National Night Out gathering online by July 30 or by contacting Anne Marie Buck at 952-548-6407. No time to organize and no party happening on your block? Attend the National Night Out Kick-Off Celebration at Valley Park at 5 p.m. for family fun and giveaways for youth and adults.

Registration Open for Police Department's
Summer Youth Program

The Hopkins Police Department is looking for students to participate in the 2024 Summer Youth Program. The Summer Youth Program provides hands-on learning about law enforcement with local police, and touches on topics including life skills, community outreach, and sports and games. This FREE eight-week program begins June 19 and runs through August 15. Learn more and submit an application form.

First Generation Homebuyers Assistance
Applications Now Open

The First Generation Homebuyers Community Down Payment Assistance Fund is now accepting applications. Open to all prospective first-generation homebuyer households in Minnesota with earnings at or below 100 percent Median Income and regardless of race, the forgivable First-Generation Homebuyers Community Down Payment Assistance Fund provides eligible buyers with up to ten percent of a home’s purchase price (capped at $32,000). These funds will be structured as a loan, which is forgivable over five years of owning the home as the buyer’s primary residence. Learn more about the program and eligibility and apply online.