MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Coon Rapids to Host Garden Tool and Seed Swap During May 16 Public Works Open House

COON RAPIDS, MN (May 2, 2026) The City of Coon Rapids will host a Garden Tool and Seed Swap on Saturday, May 16, integrating the event into its annual Public Works Open House as part of a broader effort to promote reuse and reduce landfill waste.

The swap is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Public Works Garage, 1831 111th Avenue NW. The open house will run concurrently from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the same location and will include facility tours, staff engagement, and displays of municipal equipment such as snowplows and tractors.

City officials have positioned the event within a structured “Community Swap Series,” a recurring program designed to circulate usable household items within the community rather than sending them to disposal streams.

Event Structure and Participation

The swap operates under a controlled exchange system intended to balance accessibility and fairness.

Residents may drop off an unlimited number of accepted items between May 12 and May 15 at the Recycling Center, located at 1827 111th Avenue NW. Items may also be brought directly to the Public Works Garage on the day of the event beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Each accepted item earns a token, which can be redeemed for a “new-to-you” item during the swap. To ensure broad participation, a maximum of five items may be taken per person on the day of the event.

Accepted Materials

The May swap focuses on seasonal gardening needs. Accepted items include:

• Gently used garden tools such as shovels, rakes, hoes, trowels, hoses, and birdfeeders, provided they are in good working condition
• Seeds and bulbs, which must be packaged and clearly labeled prior to drop-off

City guidelines require that bulbs be clean and free of excess dirt.

Prohibited Items

To maintain safety and usability standards, the city has outlined specific restrictions:

• No gas-powered or battery-operated equipment, including lawnmowers and string trimmers
• No live plants, including potted plants or divided perennials
• No chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides

Residents are directed to dispose of prohibited materials, particularly chemicals, through Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste Program facilities.

Integration with Public Works Open House

The swap event is coordinated with the Public Works Open House, which provides residents with direct access to city operations. Attendees can view heavy equipment, speak with public works staff, and learn about infrastructure maintenance and environmental services.

By pairing the swap with the open house, the city connects sustainability practices with broader public education on waste reduction and municipal resource management.

Ongoing Community Swap Series

The Garden Tool and Seed Swap is one of several themed exchanges scheduled throughout 2026. City officials organize each event around seasonal needs to encourage participation and maximize the reuse of relevant items.

Upcoming events in the series include a School Supplies and Kids’ Clothes Swap scheduled for August 15, 2026.

For additional details, residents can visit the City of Coon Rapids swap events page:
https://www.coonrapidsmn.gov/1531/Swap-Events

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