Obama visit: Parks closed, neighborhoods affected

Lining up for tickets to hear Pres. Obama
People lined up at the Lake Harriet Bandshell Wednesday, June 25, 2014 to get free tickets to see President Obama speak there Friday morning.
Mark Zdechlik / MPR News

President Barack Obama's visit to Minneapolis will mean road and park closures, starting before a town hall event in Minnehaha Park this afternoon.Here's what you need to know:

Parking is banned in Minnehaha Park, while parts of Godfrey Parkway, Minnehaha Parkway, Minnehaha Avenue and Minnehaha Park Drive are closed near the park.

The park itself closed at 8 a.m. Thursday, and will be reopened after the event. That includes all paths and trails, the dog park, the playground and Minnehaha Falls themselves.

Friday, Obama will speak at Lake Harriet. Starting midnight Thursday, Lake Harriet Parkway, Roseway Road, Berry Parkway, Queen Avenue and West 42nd Street will close around the Lake. There will be no watercraft allowed on the lake, pedestrian and bike trails will close, the beach and playground will be closed, as will the Bread and Pickle restaurant and the Roberts Bird Sanctuary.

Ticket holders for the Lake Harriet event are being bused to the event from Parade Stadium.

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