The largest investment in a neighborhood park in the 140-year history of the MPRB
At their meeting on October 4, Commissioners for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) voted to approve a concept design for the North Commons Park Improvements project that focuses on major renovations and additions to existing facilities.
The $35 million project represents the largest investment in a neighborhood park in the 140-year history of the MPRB. It will renovate and expand the park’s community center and add a fieldhouse, the first in the park system. In addition, a rebuilt water park will replace the existing facility that opened in 1997.
Concept Features
Overall expansion: The project more than doubles the size of the existing facilities, from about 21,500 square feet to 58,500 square feet between the water park, gym/event space and community center.
Fieldhouse: This major addition to the community center will feature an elevated walking/running track and space for three gyms, accommodating full-sized basketball courts with flexibility for use for other sports, activities and community events.
Water park: A substantial rebuild replaces a decades-old system dominated by a wading pool with a mix of pools, spray features and hybrid facilities to better serve a broader range of ages.
Other spaces: These include a generous lobby/lounge/check-in center, fitness center, concessions, larger warming room and teen room, dedicated space for seniors and a wellness suite.
Concept approval a milestone in what will be a six-year project
“We’re excited to move forward on this project,” said MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura. “Investing in the flagship park for North Minneapolis has been a top priority of our organization. This project is so much more than just buildings – it’s about creating a vital community hub with the kinds of spaces that welcome all ages and programs that serve people with a range of interests.”
With an approved concept, the Minneapolis Parks Foundation is poised to launch a fundraising campaign supporting the North Commons project. The campaign will build on more than $10 million in gifts and commitments the Foundation has already received and help secure the additional public funding needed to fully realize this vision.
“We’re eager to work with community and philanthropic partners to fulfill this once-in-a-generation opportunity,” said Tom Evers, executive director of the Foundation. “A revitalized North Commons Park will serve as an asset and source of pride for surrounding neighborhoods and the whole city.”
Regarding the fundraising for the project, MPRB President Meg Forney noted that “a key advantage of the approved concept is that a $35 million budget is achievable and puts the project on a definite timeline. She added that “I and other commissioners who voted to approve it believed that MPRB needed to move forward on this project sooner rather than later – and not risk losing funds already committed to it.”
“This project is visionary and already hard won,” said Commissioner Becka Thompson, whose District 2 includes North Commons Park and North Minneapolis. “I am so grateful to my many constituents for sharing with me both their visions for the space as well as concerns. I am grateful to my colleagues for listening to everyone, for showing up time and again just to do so. I am mostly grateful that we have found a concept that can bring the community and all our stakeholders together. I look forward to and remain committed to working with everyone who is invested in this park and the community it serves.”