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St. Louis Park proclaims National Therapy Animal Day and Arbor Day; donor funds bench at Westwood Nature Center
Summary
The council read proclamations recognizing National Therapy Animal Day (April 30) and Arbor Day (May 10, 2025) and acknowledged a $2,500 donation from Kathy and David Cooper for a bench at Westwood Nature Center honoring ‘Benny.’
The St. Louis Park City Council issued proclamations recognizing National Therapy Animal Day and Arbor Day and accepted a $2,500 donation to Parks & Recreation for a memorial bench at Westwood Nature Center.
At the meeting a representative of North Star Therapy Animals joined the council for the proclamation observing National Therapy Animal Day (April 30). The representative said the organization registers roughly 300 therapy animals—primarily dogs, with some cats, llamas and small animals—and that teams visit veterans, seniors, hospitals and community organizations. The group also noted it maintains a limited number of crisis-response certified teams that deploy after traumatic events.
Council members also read a proclamation declaring May 10, 2025, as Arbor Day and May 2025 as Arbor Month in St. Louis Park, noting the city’s long history of tree preservation, its Tree City USA status since 1980, and recognition as a Tree City of the World in 2024. The proclamation stated urban trees provide environmental and health benefits, and the council emphasized efforts to preserve and add trees while replacing those removed for public works.
Mayor Mohamad recognized Kathy and David Cooper for donating $2,500 to Parks & Recreation to fund a bench honoring Benny at the Westwood Nature Center.
The proclamations are ceremonial and do not create regulatory changes; the donation will be processed through Parks & Recreation as part of the city’s standard gift-acceptance procedures.
