Webber Park master planning to begin, public input sought

Webber Park master planning process begins this fall
Park Board seeking community input to create vision for parks’ future

On June 1, 2011, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) selected Landform to lead the Webber Park master planning process. In September, the master planning process will bring together the community and local designers to create a vision for the future of Webber Park.  The current 22-acre park includes an outdoor swimming pool, wading pool, tennis courts, playing field, playground, pond, basketball, recreation center and paved trails connecting the park to Victory Memorial Drive and North Mississippi Regional Park.  In addition, Webber Park is the only park in the Minneapolis park system that has a Hennepin County library on the premises.

“Webber Park is a key gathering place for the neighborhood, and the master planning process will include significant opportunities for public input about what facilities the community desires,” explained Jon Olson, District 2 Park Board Commissioner representing north Minneapolis. “We’re really looking for public feedback to help us identify areas for improvement.”  

The park has long been a popular destination spot for north side residents. The pool facility, which was built in 1979, is closed due to structural and mechanical concerns.

“The master planning process will provide an opportunity to look at a new aquatic facility, enhance opportunities for both active and passive recreation, improve trail connections and improve connection to Shingle Creek,” said Olson. “The plan will also address the long-term recovery from the recent tornado, including a tree replacement. The primary goal is an upgraded park with facilities that meet the needs of the community.” 

The master planning team has developed the following preliminary schedule, which will be refined in the next month:

• August – Gather information, identify key community stakeholders, and begin preliminary analysis of park site
• September – In late September the master planning team will host a multi-day master planning design charrette, where community members and the design team will work together to develop concept alternatives about the park’s future
• October - November – Refinement of the master plan concepts and additional opportunities for community involvement at community meetings.
• December – The master plan will be finalized based on information gathered at previous meetings and cost-estimates/feasibility analysis developed through the process.
• January – Master plan presented to the MPRB Board of Commissioners for approval
• Winter 2011/2012 – Development of construction documents
• Spring 2012 – Award construction bid to begin work
• Summer/Fall 2012 – Construction of park improvements
• Summer 2013 – Grand Opening

For more information about the Webber Park Planning Process, please visit the project webpage at http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=1286 or call Jennifer Ringold, Manager of Public Engagement and Citywide Planning, at 612-230-6464.