A voice for the diverse heart of Minneapolis

My name is Kedar Deshpande and I’m running to be District 3’s voice on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

I advocate for the people and wildlife who rely on Minneapolis parks. Through my community work, I am a fighter for environmental and food justice.

District 3 is the most diverse community in Minneapolis. Whether you live in Cedar Riverside, Central, Corcoran, East Phillips, Midtown Phillips, Phillips West, Powderhorn, Seward, Ventura Village or Whittier, you deserve someone who will listen and fight for you.

Park board district 3 candidate Kedar Deshpande in front of a tree

Why I’m running

I’m running for the green spaces and wildlife that make our urban environment whole and healthy.

I’m running for the families and kids who deserve a say in the future of Minneapolis parks now more than ever.

I’m running because I believe parks are the connective tissue that make the city livable and strengthen communities by bringing people together.

Priorities for District 3

Close-up of white serviceberry flowers with yellow centers and brown leaves on a branch, against a blurred background.

Protecting our green spaces

The independence of Minneapolis parks protects against habitat loss and ecological destabilization.

And as our city gets denser, we need to protect our green spaces more than ever for our mental health, and for climate resiliency. Nature isn’t “out there” somewhere; it’s here in the city. Urban green spaces reduce flooding, cool the city, and mitigate hazardous pollutants.

I will preserve and protect parkland, which is the core mission of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

Young girl in green coat playing with bubbles outdoors.

District 3 is diverse, multilingual, and historically underrepresented.

My everyday focus will be on constituent demands. As the child of immigrants, I will amplify the voices of my neighbors and speak for those overlooked because of social, cultural, economic or language barriers.

Expect to see me in community, engaging with you in the language you speak, directly or with an interpreter.

Fighting for immigrants, kids and families

Two children playing on swing-like equipment in a park, surrounded by trees.

Getting our youth active outdoors

Kids are in front of screens too much and the Park Board has a unique role in getting kids outside.

As I have done in Whittier, I will push for deep ties with teachers and coaches who are at the frontlines of getting kids physically active outside through team sports, gardening, and nature explorations.

I will push for skateparks, playgrounds, ballparks, courts, and community gardens which mean the world to kids and families and keep our parks thriving.

Close-up of a bee on a pink coneflower in a garden with blurred green foliage.

Creating habitat zones

Minneapolis has the best parks in the United States, and not just for people.

I will advocate for creating pollinator and wildlife corridors throughout the city, starting with the Southside Green Zone.

Do you live in District 3?

Find your park district here:

Picture of Minneapolis Park Board District 3 map

Important 2025 election dates

April 8 - DFL Caucus night

May 3, 11:00 AM - Ward 2 council DFL convention - Rarig Center (330 21st Ave S)

May 4, 12:00 PM - Ward 8 council DFL convention - Justice Page Middle School (1 W. 49th Street)

May 31, 10:00 AM - Ward 9 council DFL convention - South High School (3131 19th Ave S)

May 31, 10:00 AM - Ward 10 council DFL convention - Ella Baker School (1200 W. 26th St)

June 1, 11:00am - Ward 6 council DFL convention - Brian Coyle Neighborhood Center (420 15th Ave S)

July 19, 10:00 AM - Mayoral DFL City convention

July 20, 12:00 PM - Park Board & Board of Estimate & Taxation DFL City convention

September 19 - Early voting begins

November 4 - General election