07-09-2025 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Introduction Lake Phalen Rowing builds on the long tradition of rowing in the Little Canada area. The first boathouse on Lake Phalen was built in 1903 after St. Paul Parks and Recreation secured the land in 1899. The first canoe launch was built in 1913 and since then 2 subsequent new boathouses have been built. As recently as 2016 Lake Phalen was used by the University of Minnesota to host rowing regattas. In 2020, rowing became a growing youth sport due to its ability to be practiced outdoors and at social distancing. Lake Phalen Rowing is a non-profit organization established to encourage youth of diverse backgrounds to participate in a high scholastic achievement sport, encouraging athletes to participate in college through athletic scholarships to increase access to higher education. Today, the club is composed of 22 co-ed youth athletes aged 13-19. The club is coached by two volunteers, St. Thomas rowing alumni. The athletes can practice daily, from 4:30-6pm as weather conditions permit. During the summer months, the athletes practice 8-10am to enable the athletes to have summer jobs. The hard work of the volunteers and the athletes has led to accolades across the midwest, including winning the championship North West International Regatta held in Kenora, ON each summer. At Midwest Youth Championships, a regatta of 515 entries with over 3500 athletes, Lake Phalen had 15/19 (79%) of athletes who attended qualify to row at US Rowing Youth Nationals (June 10-15, 2025). These youth are great ambassadors for Little Canada and Minnesota with letters of support and social media postings from the Mayor of St. Paul, Melvin Carter and Senator Amy Klobuchar following their National Championship win last year in U16 womens quad, U19 Team USA representation in Mexico City, MX, and winning the Head of the Charles regatta in Boston, MA. As homeowners of 2612 Edgerton St. we are not operating the Lake Phalen Rowing non-profit. We do not receive rent, or payment for the club to operate. Our two sons both row and we pay dues to the club for them to participate. We firmly believe in youth sports, and the benefits of community involvement. Our youngest son is involved as a youth member of the Canadian Days, Little Canada, MN planning committee. Our oldest son has participated in the park cleanup days. As new residents to Little Canada, we are eager to support how youth get involved and stay involved in a community as positive influences. We have greatly appreciated the welcoming neighbors, the lake pond hockey, and recreation in this community.