<div>Lighting the iconic rocket in Brackett Park will inspire youth, improve safety and enhance a valued community asset!
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<div>Our LIFTOFF event on September 12th showed us how many people love the Brackett Park rocket. Among the thousands of attendees there was a galaxy of young people who watched in awe, inspired by the notion of what’s possible. We know when a community comes together, just for the sheer joy of it, it opens up a world of possibilities.
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<div><strong>A History of Community and Inspiration</strong>
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<div>The Brackett Park rocket has already inspired one generation of neighbors to dream big. In 2003, local residents—the original “Rocket Boosters”—came together to save and transform the iconic and much-beloved 1962 playground structure. With the vision of artist Randy Walker, the rocket became Return Journey, a 35-foot sculpture and an
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<div>iconic neighborhood landmark at the busiest corner of the park. <strong>The only problem is it never was illuminated. In fact, it’s hardly noticeable after dark.</strong>
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<div><strong>More than a Lighting Project</strong>
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<div>Twenty years ago, neighbors proved that collective action could transform an old playground rocket into a meaningful work of public art. Today, we have the opportunity to build on that legacy.
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<li>Invest in the future. Our South Minneapolis community believes in gathering together, supporting artists, inspiring young people and making room for wonder. Let’s give the next generation something to look up to, every day and night.
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<li>Make our streets safer. Lighting the sculpture would also make safer this busy intersection where many students and young people cross the street.
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<li>The Minnesota Design Center’s recent traffic safety study recommended lighting the rocket to slow traffic at this busy intersection.
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<li>Many people have asked us to make LIFTOFF an annual event, which would draw thousands to Brackett Park to celebrate our achievements.
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<div><strong>Become a Luminary. LIGHT OUR ROCKET!</strong>
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<div>Our funding goal for the Lighting Design Phase (phase one) is $15,000.
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<li>Given the complexities of meeting both City and Park Board criteria, as well as satisfying the interests and concerns of the community, it’s critical to have a high-quality design firm leading this effort.
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<li>This is an opportunity to involve community members in selecting a design team. And like the Boosters did in 2005, youth will be involved in the selection process.
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<div>Your donation today helps turn a treasured community asset into a launchpad for imagination, discovery, possibility and community.
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<div>With gratitude for your consideration,
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<div>The volunteer members of <strong>36thART &amp; Rocket Boosters</strong> (2nd Stage)
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<div>All gifts are tax-deductible. If you prefer to give via check, a donor advised fund or via planned giving, please make your check payable to our tax-exempt fiscal sponsor:
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<div>Longfellow Community Council
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<div>(Rocket Lighting Fund)
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<div>2708 East Lake Street, Suite 300
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<div>Minneapolis, MN 55406
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<div>NOTE: Donors of $1,000 or more are entitled to place an etched message on one of the metallic Donor Recognition Sleeves mounted on the rocket’s cables. Please contact us for details.
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36th ART seeks LUMINARIES to light our rocket – permanently!

Still $14,860 to go. Help us build momentum.