A new East River Flats Concept Plan includes dedicated space for sand volleyball, new picnic areas and access to the Mississippi River.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is excited to share the East River Flats Concept Plan
A new Concept Plan for East River Flats Park proposes to transform a portion of the park into a sand volleyball hub, ideally situated near the University of Minnesota campus, with excellent parking, trail connections and improved river views. Construction is expected to begin summer 2026 and be completed by the end of the year.
East River Flats is located on the East Bank of the Mississippi River and is part of the larger Mississippi River Gorge Regional Park. It’s adjacent to the University of Minnesota East Bank campus and is the site of the boathouse for the U of M women’s rowing team.
The proposed improvements include:
- Eight sand volleyball courts
- Two picnic shelters with grills
- A non-motorized river access point for canoes and kayaks
- An outdoor riverfront classroom
- Drinking fountains, benches, bike parking and picnic tables
- Stormwater infrastructure
- Riverfront invasive species removal and native vegetation restoration
The Concept Plan is founded on the 2019 Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Plan [PDF] and was presented to the East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership in mid-March, where it received a warm welcome and strong support.
Community and stakeholder engagement included outreach to paddling groups, fly fishing advocates, University representatives and MPRB staff.
Participate in the Public Hearing on April 15
A Public Hearing will be held April 15 at 6:30 pm in the Board Room of the Mary Merrill Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Headquarters, 2117 West River Road, prior to the Board meeting.
The purpose of the Public Hearing is to hear public comments on the East River Flats Park Improvements Project, as approved in the 2019 Mississippi Gorge Regional Park Plan.
Speak in person: Go to Mary Merrill MPRB Headquarters on the day of the hearing and add your name to the sign-up sheet at the front desk. Individuals who would like to provide comments to the Board of Commissioners about the amendment may sign up to speak at the meeting before 6:30 pm.
You may also call 612-230-6400 before 3 pm on the day of the hearing to sign up to speak.
Email written comments: Email your comments to opentime@minneapolisparks.org by 3 pm on the day of the hearing. Comments will be included in the public record of the meeting.
Project Manager
Tyler Pederson
612-499-9084 | tpederson@minneapolisparks.org
2117 West River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55411