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MPRB Commissioner and NRP Policy Board Member Ed Solomon

The Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program and residents throughout the city suffered a devastating loss on Thursday, December 12, 2002, when NRP Policy Board Member and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Commissioner Ed Solomon died at the age of 66.

Solomon will be remembered as a champion for the city's youth and a staunch supporter of the NRP. "Ed was a powerful and passionate voice for Minneapolis neighborhoods," said NRP Director Bob Miller. " He genuinely believed that by giving residents the opportunity to make important decisions in their neighborhoods, they would in turn make the city a better place. Ed's passion and presence will be missed."

Solomon, who first became an MPRB Commissioner in 1997, had been a member of the NRP Policy Board since 1999. He served as the MPRB President in 2000 and 2001.

Solomon was outspoken about the issues he cared so much about. "I believe our greatest strength as well as challenge is the development of recreation programs that serve youth," Solomon is quoted as saying on the MPRB Web site. "I am also interested in seeing more intergenerational interaction between seniors and youth because I believe that seniors have a lot they can share with youth, and they have the time to do it."

Prior to becoming an MPRB Commissioner in 1996, Solomon worked as a personnel administrator for Control Data and Hennepin Parks - now the Three Rivers Park District. Solomon also served for 31 years with the United States Air Force Reserve. He was a resident of the Field neighborhood for more than 40 years where he earned the title "Mayor of 48th Street" and where his name became synonymous with McRae Park, the park where he coached countless youth over the years.

In addition to his wife Harriet, Solomon is survived by his son, Edward (Chuck) Solomon, Jr., daughter Dana Williams and four grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and services will be held Wednesday, December 18, at 11:00 a.m. Both will be held at St. Peter AME Church, 401 E. 41st Street.

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The announcements sign at McRae Park honors the legacy of Ed Solomon.		Solomon, second from left, joined residents from the Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association (SENA) at a grand opening celebration for a new playground at Lake Hiawatha Park on August 1, 2001.

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