SOC
About Stories of Connection
The Loppet is working on an exciting new transformative project funded by LCCMR that’s rooted in community and part of an ongoing journey of healing:
Stories of Connection (SOC): Collecting and sharing stories from North Mpls & BIPOC communities about their connections to the outdoors, nature and Theodore Wirth Park, and using these stories to create educational artwork, nature-based programming and healing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.
“The Stories of Connection Project emerged from crucial conversations with Black community elders in North Minneapolis. Despite the park’s proximity to diverse neighborhoods, it has historically been utilized predominantly by white, high-income communities. The project aims to understand and address this disparity through storytelling and community engagement.” (Excerpt from our project partners at the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA)).
Share Your Story
The narratives of people and the land are interdependent. Your story of connection to nature, community, and Theodore Wirth Park can help others recognize their own stories reflected in the identity of this place. We’d love to hear from you!
We welcome written stories and/or photos about your experiences in Wirth or perspectives on access to green space and ecological justice. To submit written content or photos, or questions, please contact us at: stories@loppet.org. You can also find a SOC recording area at events, and we’re happy to come to you and/or your organization. Please feel free to get in touch!
GALLERY
SOC
Project Timeline
Happening Now:
- Five artists are creating indoor traveling art exhibit for SOC – EXHIBIT IS LIVE!
- Graphic Designer hired & working on creating SOC branding: Charizma Agency
- Videographer hired & working on documentary (Summer 2026): Spiritfolk
- Story based nature programming for North Mpls & Community Partners – Interested in partnering? Please reach out to: stories@loppet.org
Coming Soon:
- Stories of Connection Documentary Interviews: Friday Sept 5th 10am – 2pm @ The Trailhead
Coming Next Year:
- Free Nature Education Stations located in and around Theo Wirth Park
- Call For Artist (CFA) for Outdoor Art Installations located at Theo Wirth Park & surrounding areas in North Mpls
- More story based nature programming for North Mpls & Community Partners
- SOC feature documentary
SOC
Stories of Connection Indoor Art Exhibit
This new Art Exhibit features powerful original works by local artists—Charles Caldwell, Jearica Fountain, Kevin Martinez, Philipo Dyauli, and Asa-Azriel “Ace” Rice—each inspired by stories shared by community members around five central themes of connection, resilience, and place.
StoryMap
Developed by UMN CURA and NatureWerks in partnership with The Loppet Foundation
Stories of Connection is Made Possible By:
Join the Community
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Support our mission of connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community.
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