Community event includes short ceremony, ribbon-cutting and light refreshements

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and Commissioner Liz Wielinski invite the public to a rededication ceremony celebrating the recently rehabilitated Columbia Park picnic shelter on Saturday, October 3, 2:30-3:30 pm.

Commissioner Wielinski will deliver brief remarks at 2:45 pm to commemorate the rebirth of the 58-year-old shelter, followed by a ribbon-cutting. Light refreshments will be provided.

Numerous accessibility improvements highlight the restoration project, including an accessible drinking fountain, picnic tables and new all-gender restroom. The serving counters and existing restrooms underwent renovations as well. Half of the parking lot has been closed since the early 2000s, but now that section is open, sporting new asphalt and fresh stripes to serve more vehicles.

"I'm thrilled to see this neighborhood picnicking gem renovated and ready for more use by the community," said Commissioner Wielinski. "Now more people than ever can enjoy a unique piece of Northeast Minneapolis history."

The shelter’s modernist design was modeled after the winning entry from a contest held for University of Minnesota architecture students in the 1950s. The “new” technology of pre-stressed concrete was used to build the shelter, which was originally paid for by the Lions Club.

Please come out to celebrate the rebirth of this fantastic neighborhood amenity!