With a stunning view of Lake Hiawatha, the recreation center at Lake Hiawatha Park was totally renovated in 2008. The new interior features a multi-purpose room with panoramic windows overlooking the lake, kitchen, meeting and craft rooms, and a new entrance and reception area on the northwest corner of the building.

Funding for the building renovation was from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s (MPRB) Capital Improvements Program Committee ($750,000). The Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association contributed $75,000 for the multi-purpose room. The renovations update the facility to meet the needs of current residents and users as identified through public hearings and Citizen Advisory Committee recommendations.

The multi-purpose room, kitchen and arts and crafts room are available for rent. The multi-purpose room seats 40-50 people; the arts and crafts room seats 10 people. For rental information, call 612-370-4930.

The recreation center offers year-round programming for a variety of ages, interests and skill levels, such as Little Scientist classes for preschoolers, resume writing classes for teens and field trips for families and seniors.

Recreation Fee Assistance: Minneapolis residents who cannot afford instructional fees because of economic need may apply for fee assistance.

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’ renowned recreational system.