Minnetonka Publications Text-Only Version Archive

August 2026 Minnetonka Memo Text Only

Minnetonka receives City of Excellence Award

Statewide award honors innovation in service

Minnetonka has been recognized as a City of Excellence for the police department’s groundbreaking Drones as First Responders (DFR) program. The goal of the League of Minnesota Cities Award is to recognize and honor cities for outstanding, innovative programs that improve services and benefit the community.

Rapid Response

During its first year in operation, drones arrived first on the scene in 67% of DFR emergencies.

First Responder Safety

DFR pinpoints fire hotspots and guides ground crews around hidden hazards.

Efficient Service

Aerial assessments resolved 18% of calls without deploying ground officers. Strict policies restrict operations exclusively to active 911 calls.

Learn more about Minnetonka’s DFR program and view data from our first year in operation.

Three ways to vote in the Aug. 11 primary election

Vote early in person

  • Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., through Aug. 10
  • 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m.-noon Fridays
  • Extended hours Saturday, Aug. 8 (9 a.m.–3 p.m.) Monday, Aug. 10 (8 a.m.–5 p.m.)

Vote by mail

  • Ballots must be received by Election Day to count.

Vote on Election Day

Visit minnetonkamn.gov/elections to learn more.

Essay contest winners recognized 

Minnetonka’s City Council recognized the two winners of the inaugural Minnetonka Essay Contest, open to students who live in or attend school in the city. Judged by members of the DEI Commission and Senior Advisory Board, the contest celebrated thoughtful reflections on belonging. Both students received a $50 award from Blue Marble Review. The winning essays are available on the contest webpage minnetonkamn.gov/essaycontest.

Elenie Yange Mbarga | 10th grade

“Being Different Is Weird Until It Becomes Powerful”

Halo Keller | 9th grade

“Hey, Black Child, You Belong”

Go behind the scenes with Minnetonka Police

Register to attend the 2026 Minnetonka Police Academy for an in-depth look at department operations.

The policy academy is a nine-week course open to people who reside or work in Minnetonka. It covers a variety of police topics, including investigations, crime analysis, forensics, K9, crime prevention, drone operations, traffic and emergency response.

This popular course will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 9–Nov. 4.

Heads up! The academy fills quickly and space is limited. Register at minnetonkamn.gov/policeacademy. 

Take advantage of water efficiency rebates

Despite rainy days, the region has teetered on the edge of a severe drought for months. At the same time, water costs continue to rise. The city is actively encouraging residents to lower their daily water footprint.

Minnetonka’s Water Efficiency Rebate Program offers cash-back incentives to help cover the cost of qualifying conservation upgrades. Eligible investments include smart irrigation controllers, low-flow toilets, Energy Star clothes washers and water-saving showerheads.

  • Adjust watering: Follow odd-even watering schedule and avoid daytime watering.
  • Check for leaks: Routinely monitor toilets and indoor plumbing.
  • Upgrade: Swap out outdated gear for water-saving appliances.

Switching to paperless billing also allows you to receive instant bill notifications and actively track your conservation success. Sign up at minnetonkamn.gov/water.

Natural Resources Happenings

Buckthorn workshops

Get tips and strategies to control this invasive plant on your property. Choose from sessions on Wednesday, Sept. 16 or Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Volunteer with us

Work with others to reduce the impact of invasive species in our parks and try out new skills you can apply on your own property.

These fall events are open to the public. Advance registration is required at minnetonkamn.gov/NRevents. 

Visit the Minnetonka Farmers Market

  • Tuesdays, 2–6 p.m.
  • Through Sept. 29
  • The Marsh Parking Lot | 15000 Minnetonka Blvd.

Visit minnetonkamn.gov/farmersmarket for more information on weekly vendors, music, POP Club and more.

Movies in the Park

Bring your family and friends for a fun night of classic cinema under the stars! Movies take place approximately 15 minutes after sunset.

  • Thursday, Aug. 27
  • Approximately 8:10 p.m.
  • Zootopia 2 (1h 48m)

Music in the Park

Enjoy music for the whole family throughout the summer.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair.

  • Aug. 4 Rooms on Fire: The Music of Fleetwood Mac and Friends | Food truck: Sawatdee
  • Aug. 11 Power of 10 | Food truck: Byblos
  • Aug. 18 The Dirty Shorts Brass Band | Food truck: Sawatdee
  • Aug. 25 Salsa del Soul | Food truck: Sawatdee

Summer in the Commons

Spend time this summer at Ridgedale Commons attending family friendly events.

CARNIVAL

  • Saturday, Aug. 8
  • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Enjoy a DJ, food vendors, games and
  • activities for kids and more!
  • FREE EVENT!

Is it time for fall?

Visit minnetonkamn.gov/register to browse the program options and choose from an array of activities including kids’ programs, tennis lessons, craft opportunities and athletic leagues. There is something for everyone!

  • Fall Registration begins at 8 a.m.
  • 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday (8 a.m.-noon Fridays)
  • Tuesday, Aug. 11 General Programs,  952-939-8203
  • Thursday, Aug. 13 Senior Programs, 952-939-8393
  • Tuesday, Aug. 18 Ice Skating Lessons, 952-939-8310

Register online: minnetonkamn.gov/register

August 2026 Calendar

  • 4 Farmers Market, 2 p.m.
  • 4 Night to Unite, 5:30 p.m.
  • 4 Music in the Park, 6:30 p.m.
  • 5 Park Board, 6 p.m.
  • 6 Planning Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 8 Yoga in the Commons, 8:30 a.m.
  • 8 Summer in the Commons, 11 a.m.
  • 10 City Council & Economic Development Authority, 6 p.m.
  • 11 Primary Election Day, 7 a.m.
  • 11 Farmers Market, 2 p.m.
  • 11 Music in the Park, 6:30 p.m.
  • 13 Economic Development Advisory Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 17 City Council Study Session, 6 p.m.
  • 18 Senior Advisory Board, 10 a.m.
  • 18 Farmers Market, 2 p.m.
  • 18 DEI Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 18 Music in the Park, 6:30 p.m.
  • 19 Classic Car Show, 10 a.m.
  • 20 Planning Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 22 Yoga in the Commons, 8:30 a.m.
  • 25 Farmers Market, 2 p.m.
  • 25 Music in the Park, 6:30 p.m.
  • 31 City Council & Economic Development Advisory Authority, 6 p.m.

Most city meetings will begin at 6 p.m. in 2026. Visit minnetonkamn.gov/participate to learn how to also take part remotely. Watch meetings live and on-demand at minnetonkamn.gov/tv.

For up-to-date information, visit minnetonkamn.gov/calendar or call 952-939-8200. 

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