North Mississippi Regional Park 2009 improvements completed
The latest improvements at North Mississippi Park have now been completed. Three new shelters have been assembled and installed, the bike trail extended, and a new parking lot constructed. The newly improved section of the nearly mile-long park was formally dedicated August 6.
The three new shelters, designed to complement the existing shelter, have been dubbed “Eagle,” “Beaver,” and “Turtle.” They are equipped with picnic tables and grills, and each seats up to 50 adults (and more children). Eagle is adjacent to the wading pool and playground; the other two, which are now reservable, are set farther into the north end of the park. Large sandstone boulders and rocks, rescued from the Main Street Bridge project, have been arranged for seating around the shelters and as elements in the landscape.
The bike trail was extended to the north end of the park, beyond the new shelters, where it connects with an existing trail into Brooklyn Park. As part of the stormwater management plan, a rain garden was created near the parking lot. The pool deck has new shade structures. Shade trees, shrubs, and grasses have been planted, and new LED energy efficient lighting installed.
This project continues the implementation of the North Mississippi Regional Park site development plan, completed with the assistance of a citizen advisory committee and approved by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board in 1999. A public information meeting regarding the current round of improvements was held June 3, 2008. Components of the plan that have already been completed include riverbank stabilization; construction of bike and pedestrian trails, the playground and wading pool, and of the picnic shelter and interpretive center; and restoration of the prairie south of 49th Avenue.
To reserve a picnic shelter go to www.minneapolisparks.org and click on “Picnic Reservations” in the “Quick Links” column, or call 612-230-6400.
North Mississippi Regional Park
History of Improvements
Mid-1970s: Land set aside by Minnesota Department of Transportation as I-94 was developed.
Late 1970s: Man-made waterfall constructed to accommodate grade drop of Shingle Creek.
1985: $500,000 appropriated from the Metropolitan Council Parks & Open Spaces Commission for park development.
Early 1990s: Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board completed acquisition of the 70 acres for North Mississippi Regional Park from the Camden Bridge north to 53rd Avenue.
Since 1995: Riverbank reinforced, boat launch / fishing dock installed, trails and picnic tables and grills, were added throughout the park.
1999: Upper River Master Plan adopted by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and the City of Minneapolis.
1999: At 51st Avenue North, a wading pool with rock waterfall and rock walls, new playground, picnic shelter and a restroom/maintenance building were added to the park.
December, 2000: Groundbreaking for the new Interpretive Center at 49th Avenue North.
May 4, 2002: Grand Opening & Dedication of the Carl W. Kroening Interpretive Center
August 6, 2009: Dedication of new picnic area improvements: themed picnic shelters, continuation of bike and pedestrian trails, benches, bike racks, large stone seating area, shade structures and improved park entry points.
