Coon Rapids is located in Anoka County. The population was 61,607 at the 2000 census, making it the ninth largest city in Minnesota and the fifth largest Twin Cities suburb. Originally founded as a part of Anoka Township in 1857, Coon Rapids became a separate village in 1952. In 1959, it became a city. It retains its original boundaries, except for the part that became the City of Anoka.
The name "Coon Rapids" comes from "Coon Creek Rapids", a turbulent part of the Upper Mississippi River near the mouth of Coon Creek. These rapids were removed as a consequence of the construction of the Coon Rapids Dam in 1913. The Dam operated as a hydroelectric generator until 1966 when it was closed and later opened to the public as the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park in 1978. The dam marks the head of navigation on the Upper Mississippi River waterway.
The name "Coon Rapids" has come under controversy as of late. Although it was named after the raccoons that were often found in the former rapids of Coon Creek, some believe that the name has a negative connotation. Coon Rapids' logo was originally of a raccoon, and was changed to an oak leaf. In 2007 the logo was changed back to a raccoon in response to a proposal that passed with a 4-3 vote and overwhelming support of its citizens. A name change proposal, however, has failed several times in City Council. Since 1967, Coon Rapids has been the home of the main campus of Anoka-Ramsey Community College.
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