Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Minnesota Now with Nina Moini
Cathy Wurzer and Kelly Gordon

Why is drawing with chalk on the sidewalk now illegal in Anoka?

Broken chalk on the street.
Broken sidewalk chalk sits on Chicago Avenue on May 26 as protestors gather near the site where George Floyd died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers. In the city of Anoka, drawing with chalk on the sidewalk is now against the law, thanks to a new sweeping ordinance.
Evan Frost | MPR News 2020

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Remember drawing with chalk on the sidewalk outside your house when you were a kid? Maybe you scrawled out a hopscotch grid, or maybe you came up with something more intricate.

In the city of Anoka, drawing with chalk on the sidewalk is now against the law, thanks to a sweeping ordinance passed by the Anoka City Council. The ordinance covers all kinds of displays on city property, including flags, murals, banners and — yes — even chalk drawings.

Erik Skogquist was the only City Council member to vote against the ordinance. As he explained to host Cathy Wurzer, the policy isn't aimed at kids in the street — it's actually part of a debate about private opinions being expressed on public property.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.