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Troy Gourde remembers the absolute chaos that was Fourth of July 2023 in Minneapolis.
"Lots of fireworks, lots of noise," said Gourde.
Things turned around last year, Gourde said, when the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board closed portions of the parkway to vehicles around his Bde Maka Ska home.
"Changed things up significantly, a lot quieter," Gourde said. "A lot less noise."
Parts of Bde Maka Ska Parkway will once again be closed for this year's Fourth of July, in an effort to stop large volumes of vehicles gathering during the holiday, the park board said.
The Stone Arch Bridge, another problem spot in the past, will also be closed on the fourth.
Unless you have handicapped parking, the parking lot at Boom Island will be closed July Fourth. It was a month ago that Stageina Whiting was shot and killed, and six others were hurt, in a mass shooting at the park.
The Minneapolis Office of Community Safety said they are working with several agencies to keep celebrations safe.
"Gun violence, the irresponsible use of fireworks, or impaired driving of both vehicles and boats can quickly turn any celebration into a tragedy," a spokesperson said.
Minneapolis officials said they will give more details about Fourth of July safety plans on Wednesday.
With continued street closures, Gourde is hoping for another quieter fourth, especially for his dog Rocket.
"He goes and he tries to hide in the basement if possible," Gourde said.
MPRB July Fourth road closures include:
Minneapolis Police Department road closures beginning at 7 p.m. on July Fourth include:
MPD limited access local traffic only beginning at 7 p.m. on July Fourth include:
SOURCE: WCCO NEWS