EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
(Chanhassen Corner is a regular feature where Chanhassen officials and various staff and contributors will share updates, insights, and messages with their communities. Chanhassen Communications Manager Patrick Gavin is providing the current edition.)
November in Chanhassen is filled with ways to connect and celebrate community.
Join us Saturday, Nov. 8 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at the Chanhassen Recreation Center for the annual Artisan Fair, where more than 35 local artists display handcrafted woodwork, pottery, jewelry and photography. Admission is free with a non-perishable food donation to support the PROP Food Shelf.
Families can compete in Puzzle Palooza on Nov. 14 at the Recreation Center, racing to complete a 500-piece puzzle after sharing pizza and pop.
Public Works is also hosting a free Pumpkin and Gourd Drop-Off from Nov. 3 to 14, weekdays 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 7901 Park Place. Pumpkins will be repurposed as animal feed for local farms.
And for those preparing for winter, residents can pick up five free snow-plow markers at Public Works to help drivers avoid turf damage this season.
Looking ahead, the 2026 City Pavement Rehabilitation Project Open House is set for Wednesday, Nov. 19 (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.) at City Hall. Stop in anytime to learn about next year’s street repair plans and share your input.
Finally, note that city offices will be closed on Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
CITY NEWS AND SERVICES
Chanhassen continues to expand resident services while investing in safety and sustainability.
The Fire Department is hiring both part-time and paid-on-call firefighters. An informational open house on Oct. 28 introduced candidates to the department’s community-focused culture, flexible scheduling and training opportunities. Applications remain open at ChanhassenMN.gov/fire.
Residents can also borrow life-saving equipment through the city’s AED Library Program. Compact defibrillators are available to reserve for events such as games or family gatherings, with bilingual features and child settings for accessibility.
In partnership with Carver County, the city is distributing $20 recycling coupons to help residents responsibly dispose of appliances, tires, mattresses and other hard-to-recycle materials. Coupons are available at City Hall while supplies last.
The Adopt-a-Siren Program also invites volunteers to help test and monitor neighborhood emergency sirens once a month. Participants receive recognition, Fire Department swag and an invite to an annual appreciation BBQ. Details and sign-up forms are available here.
CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
The City Council reviewed the 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), outlining major projects across facilities, parks and transportation. Finance Director Kelly Grinnell reported a projected $1.4 million Vehicle and Equipment Fund balance in 2026, a $4.8 million annual street-reconstruction budget and a proposed $350,000 levy by 2030 to support new playgrounds at Lake Ann and Bandimere Parks.
In development news, council approved a series of agreements for the Avienda Apartments, a 412-unit project within the Avienda mixed-use district. The agreements cover parking, trail access and stormwater easements. Council emphasized monitoring parking and maintaining flexibility for future expansion.
Another key decision involved the Minnewashta Apartments at 6440 Hazeltine Boulevard, a 44-unit building by Headwaters Development. After hearing extensive public comment, the council approved rezoning and site plans with safety and traffic conditions, including improvements to pedestrian crossings near Minnetonka Middle School West.
COMMUNITY AND CULTURE
October marked Manufacturing Month and the latest episode of The Local – Episode 8: Quantum Controls took viewers inside one of Chanhassen’s homegrown success stories. Host Sam visited Quantum Controls to learn how the family-run business designs electronic control assemblies for global clients. General Manager Haley Schubert—who also serves on the City Council—shared insights on leading both in business and civic service.
Residents are also invited to weigh in on a proposed Heritage Tree Ordinance that would expand protections for the city’s largest and oldest trees. Feedback gathered this fall will help shape final ordinance language ahead of a public hearing in November.
