Edina hopes to tackle recent park disturbances with a 3-part approach

The city of Edina is using a three-phased approach after recent disturbances and group gatherings at city parks.  

A shots-fired call brought a major police response to Yancey Park a few weeks ago, though no one was injured.

“Doesn’t make me feel very good,” said Joey, an Edina resident.

The first step is enforcement, with more cameras and increased officer presence during peak evening hours. The city council also recently approved a joint powers agreement to have Edina Police join the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s (BCA) Violent Crime Reduction Unit.

“It does make me feel safer, it is unfortunate that we have to get to that point, it’s really sad,” said Sue Lomax, an Edina resident.

“Day in and day out that task force again focuses on that proactive work and is really resourceful and strategic in going after the most violent and most pro...