Robbinsdale Senior Living Cooperative ‘Inflates’ Moods, Embraces Halloween

A Robbinsdale independent living cooperative for ages 55-plus knows how to lift up — or should we say inflate — the moods of others. Lee Square Cooperative, located at 4400 36th Ave North, celebrates holidays in a giant-sized way.

It started last Christmas when Linda Hoks had the idea to bring a giant inflatable snowman to the front of the campus as decoration. The 18-foot tall snowman the residents call “Frosty” became a huge hit with kids and adults who soon became kids again.

“We were blown away by how well it was received,” said Rosemary Stafford, a resident at Lee Square.

That led to other inflatable creations that attracted attention to its circle driveway entrance. On Valentine’s Day, several large hearts showed up on campus. Then on St. Patrick’s Day, a giant-sized leprechaun arrived that jumped up and down out of a pot of gold. And for Easter, a huge bunny as big as the snowman for Christmas sprung up.

Stafford says there’s only one potential problem with all the inflatable fun: the wind.

“Whenever it’s too windy, we have to deflate any of these things,” she said.

Photo from Lee Square Cooperative

Lee Square Ready to Help Celebrate Halloween

For Halloween, Lee Square Cooperative installed a big inflatable pumpkin, with two little pumpkins next to it and a black cat on top. Stafford estimates the big pumpkin is at least 7-feet tall and 7-feet wide.

Stafford says children and their families have learned to look for the larger-than-life decorations. It’s made for a fun diversion, especially when families have had to social distance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“They park and if they have kids with them, the kids pose with the items,” said Stafford.

There’s enough space in Lee Square’s guest parking area for visitors to stop by and take pictures. This Saturday, Oct. 31, from 2 to 4 p.m., families are also encouraged to drive by the main entrance where kids can receive a treat bag.

Photo from Lee Square Cooperative

After Halloween, Stafford says Lee Square Cooperative is already thinking ahead to Thanksgiving. That’s when a gigantic turkey will spring up. Then for the Christmas holiday, Frosty will make an anticipated return.

Robbinsdale