East River Flats Park offers one of the few opportunities within the urbanized portion of the Mississippi River Gorge to easily access, interact with and view the river from a point below the bluff line.
The park is situated below 25-foot limestone bluffs and lies upon relatively flat deposits on the inner side of a large bend in the river and just below the University of Minnesota. It is the site of the boathouse for the U of M’s women’s rowing team.
While some native vegetation, particularly floodplain forest, exists on the bluff slope and riverbank, invasive exotic species such as buckthorn are also present.
User facilities have been limited to a pay parking lot, paths, and picnic tables. In 1999-2000, a master plan was prepared that recognizes the potential of this park for improved river access, educational opportunities, and environmental enhancements. Since then, only public restrooms have been added to the park.
The parking lot was resurfaced and trails and pathways updated in the summer of 2008. Funding is being sought for implementation of project components, which include:
- Creation of a new pedestrian/bicycle circulation system within the park
- Creation of a strong visual and circulation connection from the University of Minnesota's Coffman Union and planned South Mall, over East River Parkway, and down the bluff to the river edge. This involves creation of terraced gardens down the bluff, a central oval of trees and paths, and a riverside terrace with pavilions and water access.
- Restoration of native vegetation; shoreline and bluff stabilization.
East River Parkway reconstruction
In order to strengthen the connection between Coffman Union, the new Riverbend Commons area, and East River Flats park, an approximately 1500-foot-long section of East River Parkway between the campus and the park was redesigned as part of the Master Planning process. This construction was undertaken as a cooperative project between the University of Minnesota and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
The reconstructed stretch of parkway incorporates a number of features intended to slow traffic and increase safety for all users, to increase the safety and visibility of pedestrians crossing between the campus and the park, and to enrich the visual environment with aesthetic enhancements.
Historical Profile: More information about this and other parks is included in Parks, Lakes, Trails and So Much More, a richly detailed account of the histories of Minneapolis’ renown recreational system. (See East River Parkway section.)
