Edward C. Solomon Park

Edward C. Solomon Park, forty acres of parkland recently acquired by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, is located in the Fifth Park District in south Minneapolis. Though no funds have yet been allocated for the park's development, staff, in consultation with area residents, have developed a concept plan.

Bounded by Cedar Avenue on the east, 58th Street on the north, 13th Avenue on the west and 60th Street on the south, the newest addition to Minneapolis's internationally renowned park system encompasses open fields, wetlands, and hilly wooded areas. It has been named to honor the memory of Ed Solomon, the late and well-loved Fifth Park District commissioner.

Concept Design and Public Comment

Please take a moment to view the concept design for Edward C. Solomon Park. Public comment was received for the plan in the spring and summer of 2005. Thank you to those who shared insights and comments regarding the preliminary design. Future steps for the concept plan will be posted here, including any future opportunities for public comment and when it will be presented to the Board for acceptance.

Future development

This park and its future prospects have generated more than the usual interest, which is not surprising as it is not everyday that an established, urban park system acquires a new park, especially one with so much space and potential. In addition, the park's connection to Commissioner Solomon makes it especially significant to those who knew him. Having held Solomon in such high regard, many people are eager to show their appreciation for his years of dedicated public service by working to create a park space that will do justice to his memory.

This park offers some unique opportunities and the MPRB hasn't modeled it after other parks in the system. All improvements, however, are low impact, require minimal maintenance, and respect the natural resources of the area.

Commissioner Edward C. Solomon

Park Board Commissioner Solomon represented the Fifth Park District from 1996 until his death in December 2002. In addition to serving on and chairing various committees during his tenure, he was President of the Board in 2000 and 2001. He also represented the Board at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, People for Parks, the Youth Coordinating Board, the John H. Stevens House Organization and the NRP Policy board.

Long before becoming commissioner, Solomon was well known for his dedication to the development and promotion of park programs and services, serving fifteen years as the president of the McRae Park Athletic Council. His first priority was young people and their healthy development, so he was always involved on the front lines as a coach. In his many years of coaching football, he used the game to school his players in such life skills as teamwork, positive attitude, and good sportsmanship. A community booster and well-known presence in the McRae neighborhood, he was dubbed "Mayor of 48th and Chicago."

For further information contact Jennifer Ringold at 612-230-6464 and jringold@minneapolisparks.org or Lonnie Nichols at 612-230-6525 and lnichols@minneapolisparks.org.