There’s a special kind of magic in watching kids simply be kids—no deadlines, no worries, just joy in its purest form. That magic was alive and shining at Valleyfair, where the Minnesota CHILL Foundation and the Thielen Foundation proudly sponsored a full day of fun, adventure, and connection for the incredible scholars of the Zanewood Recreation Center summer program.

Last May 3rd, the MN CHILL Foundation proudly stood in harmony with fellow changemakers at the SOARNORTH Gala—Northside Achievement Zone’s largest and most impactful fundraising event of the year. Held at the iconic Armory, the evening was nothing short of extraordinary. From Jon Batiste’s electrifying performance to scholar Janiya’s powerful story of perseverance, every moment echoed the transformative power of community and opportunity.

April 7, 2025, will be remembered as the day Brooklyn Park answered the call from its youth. With shovels in the ground and hope in the air, the city officially broke ground on “The Wood,” a state-of-the-art Teen Center at Zanewood Recreation Center — a long-awaited project fueled by purpose, passion, and people who believe in the power of our youth.

Marcus Hill grew up right here in Brooklyn Park. He played at Central Park, joined youth programs through Park and Rec, and became the kind of young leader those programs were designed to shape. Years later, he returned — not just to give back, but to create something that would change the future for kids coming up behind him.

We want to extend a special thank you to our incredible partner, Fogo de Chão, for helping make yesterday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the new Zanewood Teen Center — “The Wood” — even more memorable for our youth.

The Annual Cops and Teens Basketball Tournament is back at Zanewood Recreation Center—and we want to see YOU there!

Join us on April 17th from 5–7 PM for an exciting evening of basketball, music, concessions, special guests, and community connection. Open to students in grades 6–11!