Commission to consult parks volunteers after parks board recommends natural-style 45th Parallel marker

At its July 1 meeting, the North St. Paul Arts and Culture Commission reviewed feedback from the parks and recreation commission on a proposed 45th Parallel monument and agreed to consult Southwood volunteers and nearby neighbors before advancing a design.

Commission members said the parks commission expressed general support for the project but recommended against an obelisk, suggesting a natural treatment — such as a boulder or wood sign — that would blend into Southwood Nature Preserve. Members said parks also recommended the Arts and Culture Commission seek input from the Southwood volunteers and, if the monument would be visible from private homes, contact neighboring residents.

Commission members noted that the monument site is reached by a walk into the park and may not be visible from the street; they nevertheless supported confirming visibility and neighbor concerns before finalizing design or placement. Members discussed Lloyd Graychek as a parks commissioner and neighbor who could help connect the commission to Southwood volunteers.

No formal approval or funding decision was taken. Commissioners directed staff to follow up with parks contacts and volunteers, gather neighborhood feedback if the site proves visible, and return with recommendations to the commission for the next steps.

The discussion began when commissioners reviewed the parks commission feedback and concluded with staff follow-up assigned to coordinating volunteers and neighbors; no vote was recorded on a specific monument design.