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. Chanhassen communications manager, Patrick Gavin is providing the current edition.)
August closes out the summer with neighborhood gatherings, free family events and project updates. Here’s a look at what’s happening around Chanhassen.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Night to Unite
Chanhassen joins communities nationwide for Night to Unite on Tuesday, Aug. 4, when sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and city representatives visit participating neighborhood parties. Parties can also collect donations for the Bountiful Basket food shelf.
Dance for Fun Open Houses
Dance for Fun hosts open houses from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 5, 12, 20 and 24 in the Chanhassen Rec Center dance studio. Classes are offered for ages 18 months to 18 years.
Community Day
The Rec Center’s free Community Day runs from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 15, with class samples, tours, a bounce house, Touch a Truck and a chalk art mosaic.
Summer Paper Shredding Event
Residents can drop off documents for free shredding from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Chanhassen Rec Center, 2310 Coulter Blvd.
Pop-Up Splash Pad Party
The City of Chanhassen is putting on a pop-up splash pad party at Market Square Shopping Center from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 18, with food from local restaurants, music from DJ Paul Young and balloons from The Baron of Bubble. The evening is designed, in part, to encourage the support of local businesses.
Traffic Stop Safety Clinic
New and young drivers ages 14 and older can learn what to expect during a traffic stop from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 22, at City Hall. The free clinic is limited to 15 participants.
Yard Waste Site Saturday Hours
The Chanhassen Yard Waste Site offers special Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to noon Aug. 22, Sept. 19 and Oct. 24 at the Public Works Facility, 7901 Park Place. Proof of residency is required.
CITY NEWS & SERVICES
Market Boulevard Phase 2 Underway
Market Boulevard is closed near the railroad tracks from Market Street South to West 79th Street until mid-September for utility work, the downtown water reuse pump station and road widening at the crossing.
Teens Sought for City Commissions
Residents ages 16 to 18 can serve as full voting members of city advisory commissions, weighing in on parks, sustainability, economic development and other priorities. Applicants interview with the City Council on Monday, Aug. 10.
Report Highlights Low City Tax Burden
Chanhassen’s city taxes remain among the lowest in comparable communities despite some of the highest home values in the region, according to a June 22 analysis presented to the City Council.
Two Lakes Off the Impaired Waters List
Lake Riley and Rice Marsh Lake have come off the state’s impaired waters list after years of work by the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District and its partners. Both now meet state water quality standards.
Emerald Ash Borer Impacts Continue
Residents noticing dead or declining ash trees are most often seeing emerald ash borer, now widespread in Chanhassen. Trees on private property are the owner’s responsibility to treat, remove or replace.
Six Northern Lights Awards for City Communications
The Minnesota Association of Government Communicators recognized work spanning graphic design, print, video, recurring series and community engagement.
Fire Department Receives Community Safety Grant
A $2,500 Community Safety Grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation will buy four new gas monitors and calibration equipment used to detect gases and combustible materials during emergency calls.
Council Recognizes Community Contributions
At its June 22 meeting, the City Council named Brynnlee Schrupp winner of the 2026 Arbor Day Poster Contest, joined the Chanhassen Rotary in honoring Kent and Deb Ludford with the 2026 Distinguished Service Award and thanked Xfinity for its 4th of July sponsorship.
City Staff Presents on Drone Use
Water Resources Technician Ryan Pinkalla represented Chanhassen at the League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conference in Rochester, describing how the city uses drones to improve erosion-control inspections.
New Issue of the Chanhassen Connection
The latest edition of the city’s community magazine is now available to read online.
E-Bike Safety Video
The inaugural E-Bike Detective Files video, featuring Private Eye Donte Maplweather, takes on e-bike safety. Minnesota riders must be older than 15, and parents should make sure teens wear helmets, ride at safe speeds and ride an actual e-bike rather than an e-moto.
Civic Campus Construction Tour
The city’s newest video tour offers an updated look at the Civic Campus construction site.
The Rec Report
The newest episode introduces Jackie Sorensen, the city’s new Senior Center coordinator.
See you around Chanhassen!
