See all posts in the Mayor & Cities Corner series
(Chanhassen Corner is a regular feature where Chanhassen officials and various staff and contributors will share updates, insights, and messages with their communities. Communications Manager, Patrick Gavin is providing the current edition.)
Events and Activities
September brings plenty of ways to get involved and celebrate in Chanhassen. Families with preschoolers won’t want to miss Barnyard Boogie on Sept. 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Recreation Center. Kids can enjoy a petting zoo, crafts, a bounce house and dancing to favorites like the Chicken Dance and Cotton-Eyed Joe.
The Environmental Academy also continues this fall. This free series is designed for residents who want to dive deeper into environmental topics. Classes feature expert speakers and behind-the-scenes tours of local facilities.
Sports lovers can sign up for the new Girls Flag Football Clinic, a great opportunity for youth to build skills and confidence in a fast-growing sport.
Looking ahead, registration is open for the “All Star Day Off” MEA program on Oct. 16, designed to keep kids active and engaged while school is out.
And don’t forget about the annual Cemetery Walk, where history comes alive through guided tours of historic Chanhassen cemeteries.
City News and Services
City office summer hours have ended. Beginning Sept. 2, regular hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday resume.
City offices will be closed on Sept. 12 to allow city staff to prepare for the transition to our new City Hall.
A reminder that lawn watering restrictions end on Sept. 30. If you have an irrigation system, don’t forget to winterize to avoid leaks and damage.
The city has released new resources to help residents safely enjoy the growing popularity of electric bikes.
City Council Updates
Budget season is underway. The City Council recently reviewed the 2026 levy and budget during its second work session. The preliminary levy must be approved by Sept. 30, with final adoption occurring in December.
The Council also continued its discussion on commercial vehicle parking. After review, the Council opted not to make changes at this time, while continuing to enforce sightline issues and evaluate future needs.
Community and Culture
The first-ever Night to Unite city challenge wrapped up with the City of Carver taking home bragging rights for the most food and monetary donations combined. Chanhassen led the way in food collected by weight, showing plenty of hometown strength. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Bountiful Basket Food Shelf—your generosity goes a long way toward supporting families in our community.
In the latest issue of the Chanhassen Connection, Senior Center Director Mary Blazanin answers one of the most common questions: “Who is the Senior Center really for?” Her answer is simple: it’s for you. The Senior Center offers a wide range of programs and activities that serve adults of all ages.
This month’s episode of The Local spotlights Camp Fire Minnesota. Economic Development Manager Sam DiMaggio sat down with CEO and President Kori Redepenning to discuss how the camp connects young people with the outdoors and builds lifelong skills. Watch the full episode here.
