Along the banks of the Mississippi River is where one finds the city of Brooklyn Park. A second-ring suburb, Brooklyn Park is a healthy balance of big city convenience with rural natural beauty. On one hand, Brooklyn Park is one of the ten largest cities in the state located minutes northwest of downtown Minneapolis. On the other hand, this former agricultural community is still only two-thirds developed. The city occupies close to 27 square miles. Thanks to several newer road projects, Brooklyn Park residents now have much improved access to the remainder of the northern Twin Cities and beyond.

History 

Because of its location just west of the Mississippi River, the area now occupied by Brooklyn Park was not part of the U.S. until the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The only roads in the area were trails forged by the American Indian tribe known as the Ojibway. The area was part of the Fort Snelling Reserve in the early 19th century until the newly organized Hennepin County absorbed it in 1852. In that year, Washington Getchell and his son Winslow became the first settlers to stake a claim in the area. Brooklyn Park was mostly agricultural until the era after World War II when it began to rapidly change shape. The population in 1954 was just shy of 4,000 and has grown to 67,000 today.

Tater Daze 

In 1965 the Junior Chamber of Commerce wanted to honor the city's major industry with a special event. Potato farming was the lifestyle for many Brooklyn Park residents at the time and the Tater Daze celebration was born. At that time the city had 40 growers cultivating upwards of 3,000 acres of potato fields. Originally held in August, the event has since been moved to the month of June. It features a parade and numerous other community events each year.

Parks and Recreation 

There are over 1,700 acres of neighborhood parks, special facilities, athletic complexes and environmental areas throughout Brooklyn Park. One of the more notable locations is the Memory Rose Garden found at the Community Activity Center. It boasts over 200 roses and serves as a living memorial for friends and relatives of community members who have passed on. Ice skaters and hockey players love the sheet of ice found at the community center's rink that is open year round. Skaters who prefer wheels attached to a board can also utilize the city's skate park.

Schools

Brooklyn Park children attend one of three school districts that service the city. These three districts have 11 elementary schools, two junior highs and two high schools. Osseo District 279 services the largest portion of the city followed by the Anoka Hennepin 11 and Robbinsdale 281 districts. All three provide students with the diversity of cultures and experiences typical of more urban districts.

-Home Buyer's Resource Guide