By Patrick Gavin, Chanhassen communications manager
October brings Halloween events, early voting, updates on Avienda and the 2027 city budget. Here’s a look at what’s happening around town.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Environmental Academy Recycling Sessions
The Environmental Academy has two recycling sessions this month: a virtual tour of a single-stream recycling facility led by Annie Eklund of Dem Con from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at City Hall, and a tour of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s organics recycling facility at Dakota Prairie Composting in Shakopee from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22.
Halloween Costume Swap
Residents can trade gently used Halloween costumes at the Chanhassen Recreation Center. Drop-off runs Oct. 12 through 2 p.m. Oct. 15, and costume pickup is from 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 15.
Halloween Party
The 42nd annual Halloween Party, sponsored by South Lake Agency Inc., runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Chanhassen Recreation Center, with trick-or-treating, carnival games, hayrides, bounce castles and crafts. Cost is $6 per child ages 2 to 12, free for ages 1 and under and accompanying adults. Pre-registration is encouraged by Oct. 23.
Yard Waste Site Saturday Hours
The yard waste site at the Public Works Facility, 7901 Park Place, is open to Chanhassen residents from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24, the last Saturday on this year’s schedule. Weekday hours are 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. until the season’s weather-dependent closing date.
Pickleball Costume Party
A costume edition of the city’s Friday night pickleball parties, with prizes and food at a local establishment afterward, is set for Friday, Oct. 30. Space is limited to 20 players.
Artisan Fair
More than 35 area artists will sell handmade woodwork, pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography and more from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Chanhassen Recreation Center. Admission is free, and visitors are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for an area food shelf.
CITY NEWS & SERVICES
Early Voting Underway
Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election is underway. Minnesota voters can vote in person or by absentee ballot through Monday, Nov. 2.
2027 Budget Process Continues
On Sept. 14, the City Council unanimously approved a preliminary 2027 property tax levy of $17.6 million, a 7.1% increase over 2026 that can be lowered, but not raised, before final adoption in December. For an average home valued at $598,000, the estimated combined increase in city property taxes and utilities is about $14.94 per month. Residents can comment at the Dec. 14 Truth in Taxation meeting.
Avienda Plan Goes to City Council
On Oct. 12, the City Council will consider amendments to the Avienda Planned Unit Development, including changes to the site plan, permitted uses, setbacks, shared parking, landscaping and signage standards. The development, anchored by Coborn’s Market & Table, includes sit-down restaurants, drive-throughs and retail, with fuel pumps and a medical user among the additional proposed uses.
How Development Happens
A short video explains how development happens and the role the city plays in that process.
Community Center Groundbreaking
The city held the official groundbreaking for the Chanhassen Community Center, launching two years of construction ahead of a planned September 2028 opening.
Fire Department Hiring Firefighters
The Fire Department is hiring part-time and paid-on-call firefighters for evening and weekend duty crew shifts. Pay is $26 per hour, and applicants must be at least 18 with a high school diploma or GED. Paid-on-call firefighters must live within 15 minutes of the fire station.
Six Fall Yard Tasks That Help Nature
Leaving a thin layer of leaves, keeping small brush piles, leaving native plants standing and planting trees and native plants while the soil is cool and moist all help birds, pollinators and other wildlife through the colder months.
Keep Leaves Out of Storm Drains
Leaves left in streets or washed into storm drains carry nutrients into lakes and rivers, increasing algae growth and reducing oxygen for fish and wildlife. Composting at home or using community programs keeps those nutrients in the garden.
See you around Chanhassen!
