Community update on the project to transform North Commons Park facilities
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and its partners have been working with Northsiders for several years on a project to reimagine North Commons Park as a Northside hub for arts, recreation, athletics, and a host of community activities.
As design concepts were developed, the project reached a critical point involving both cost increases and funding gaps. MPRB project staff shared the news with community members and Park Board Commissioners at meetings in late April.
Based on direction from Commissioners, MPRB staff and the design team are currently working on two concepts for park facilities, budgeted at $35 million and $49 million. The Commissioners will weigh in on the concepts this fall, possibly as early as September. Further decisions on the project will be based on their feedback at that time, as well as funding developments and other factors.
Beyond bricks and mortar: Community-based work for vital places, people and programs
While its current focus is on design concepts, MPRB is also supporting continued community engagement for the project in collaboration with its partner, the Minneapolis Parks Foundation (MPF).
The effort involves gathering a broad range of community voices to help expand awareness of the project, strengthen connections, innovate solutions, and create success from the ground up in realizing the vision for North Commons as a vital community hub.
One area of exploration is an alliance with North Community High School, NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center and Harold Mezile North Community YMCA: a “campus committee” structure that can maximize the community impact of a major investment in North Commons Park.
A particular focus is on revitalized programming for North Commons park facilities that can benefit the community beyond new buildings and other physical spaces. Themes include:
- Improved health and well-being through recreation and nature activities
- Education and social connections for all ages and backgrounds at “third spaces” (outside the home and workplace/school)
- Economic vitality through skills building, employment opportunities and career exploration
- Environmental sustainability
- Violence prevention strategies and public safety
- Serving youth in all these areas
MPRB’s commitment to the North Commons project
New, renovated and expanded facilities are essential to revitalizing North Commons Park as a longstanding community asset. It is among the oldest parks in Minneapolis, dating back to 1907, and North Commons Community Center is among the oldest recreation buildings in the park system: It has served three generations of Northsiders since 1973.
Through its leadership, mission, values and goals, MPRB is committed to make the most of the North Commons project to benefit current and future generations.
Next Steps
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Design concepts
This fall, the concept designs currently in development will be released for public review, and MPRB Commissioners will consider approving them. A public hearing will be part of the Board approval process. Release and approval dates will likely be announced later this summer.
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Ongoing community engagement
Anyone interested in learning more or participating, please contact:
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Tom Evers, executive director, Minneapolis Parks Foundation
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Dan Elias, design project manager, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
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Yvette Griffea-Gray, recreation supervisor, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
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Playground improvements
As noted in an earlier update, playground improvements are coming to North Commons Park later this year; in May, MPRB Commissioners approved the design of the new playground equipment and surfacing and in June, approved the purchasing contract.
Thanks for your support as MPRB works with Northsiders to transform North Commons Park.
More about the North Commons project
Visit the project website | Subscribe to email updates
Project Contacts
Dan Elias, Design Project Manager
612-230-6435 | delias@minneapolisparks.org
Adam Arvidson, Director, Strategic Planning
612-230-6470 | aarvidson@minneapolisparks.org
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