From new picnic shelters and playground renovations to shoreline stabilization and trail development, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board carries out a variety of capital improvement and reconstruction projects. Current projects include:
4th Avenue Playground – Plans are underway for a new playground at 4th Avenue North and James I. Rice Parkway. The playground will feature “nature play” and will be the first playground on parkland along the west side of the river in Minneapolis.
Boom Island and B.F. Nelson – With the initial development of B.F. Nelson Park complete, plans are underway for its continued development in conjunction with the renovation of the neighboring Boom Island Park.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) – The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is developing a new CIP for the park system.
East Phillips Park Cultural and Community Center – Construction of the $4.1 million project is underway culminating a three-year effort to realize a 13-year-old dream.
Grand Rounds Missing Link – The MPRB Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the route alignment on Sept. 3, 2008. The approved plan will connect East River Parkway in Southeast Minneapolis with St. Anthony Parkway in Northeast Minneapolis.
Hiawatha Park Tennis Courts – Support the Courts and the MPRB are working in collaboration to reconstruct new tennis courts at Lake Hiawatha Park.
Lake Calhoun South Parking Lot – A remnant section of the old parkway, this parking lot will now conform to safety and environmental standards.
Lake Harriet Concessions – A citizen advisory committee reviewed options for future concession operations at Lake Harriet and presented its final report in December ‘09.
Lake Harriet Playground – The playground just north of the band shell is scheduled for renovation soon.
Loring Park Bike/Pedestrian Gateway – Plans are underway to develop and implement a design for the pedestrian and bike entrance gateway at the intersection of Oak Grove St. and Hennepin Ave. in the southwest corner of the park.
Minnehaha Creek in Minnehaha Park – Begun in January ’09, a major restoration of Minnehaha Creek is underway in Minnehaha Park.
Minnehaha Park Renovation – Renovation of Lower Wabun (formerly known as Omemee) began the summer of 2009 following renewal of the original Wabun Picnic Area in 2008. With new picnic shelters and a realigned road, among other improvements, Lower Wabun will be ready for use in the summer of 2010.
Phillips Community Center – The MPRB is seeking tenants to maintain recreation programming at the community center, which is currently closed for renovation.
Roberts Bird Sanctuary Revitalization – A community partnership-based revitalization project will develop a long-term management plan.
Sheridan Memorial Park – A newly designated regional park, Sheridan Memorial Park is the first named park owned by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board in the Sheridan neighborhood. When the park is fully developed, it will feature a veterans’ memorial—a memorial reflecting pool and flagpole, peace garden, picnic area, and river overlooks.
Southwest LRT – A Citizen Advisory Committee will develop recommendations related to the proposed corridor for the Southwest LRT and its impacts on park facilities.
Theodore Wirth Park Improvements – Visitors to Theodore Wirth Park can look forward to enhanced recreational offerings in coming months as part of the continued revitalization of one of the Twin Cities’ premier regional parks. From innovative play features to trail connections, the enhancements will add to the outstanding amenities that have made the park a popular recreation destination.
Victory Memorial Parkway – Improvements to the historic parkway include a new trail and roadway lighting and continued restoration of the Flagpole Plaza and Lincoln Statue areas.
West River Parkway – The pedestrian and bike trails have been reconstructed along West River Parkway from Franklin Avenue to Minnehaha Park.
More Current Projects – Information and links to additional projects currently underway.
Projects Open for Bidding – Construction drawings and specifications for Park Board construction projects that are open for public bidding are available for viewing.
