Summer rehabilitation projects announced at three recreation centers

Posted on 16 February, 2018

This summer, Whittier, Kenwood and Fuller recreation centers will undergo major rehabilitation work to repair or replace aging, obsolete and failed building components. The projects range from roof and drain-pipe replacement to electrical and HVAC work, and will require partial or full closure of the buildings during the summer. 

Effects on recreation center programs

MPRB staff are arranging alternative locations for summer activities and programs. In particular, families who participate in summer Rec Plus school-age childcare at Kenwood and Fuller recreation centers have been notified about Rec Plus options at other recreation centers. Arrangements for other programs and activities will be announced when summer program registration begins later this month.

Additional information on each project is below, and will be posted at the recreation centers and on www.minneapolisparks.org. Updates will be announced before and during the projects, especially since dates may be affected by the construction bidding process, weather and construction delays. Sign up to receive updates by email.

Thank you for your patience while we work to improve Minneapolis recreation centers! 

Rehabilitation & the 20-Year Neighborhood Park Plan

These three recreation center projects are funded by the 20-Year Neighborhood Park Plan (NPP20), a long-term initiative to transform Minneapolis’ neighborhood park system. They are part of NPP20’s expanded rehabilitation program to repair or replace failed building components. The MPRB is also honoring park projects approved prior to NPP20, as part of the 2016-2021 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

In addition to rehabilitation projects, NPP20 funds improved citywide neighborhood park maintenance and capital investments for neighborhood park amenities such as athletic fields, swimming pools, playgrounds and sport courts. Through equitable funding allocations, it ensures that these capital investments are targeted for parks and neighborhoods where they are needed the most. Through 2022, the 29 parks with the highest rankings on NPP20’s equity matrix [PDF] have NPP20 capital investment allocations. 

Rehabilitation project details

Whittier Recreation Center

Project dates and scope: June 8 to August 31, 2018 
Roof replacement for the recreation center gym

How it affects the recreation center and the park: 

  • The gym will be closed.
  • The wading pool and playground, located near the gym, will be closed for safety reasons.  
  • Mueller Park and Bryant Square Park are recommended nearby locations for wading pools and playgrounds. 
  • The rest of the recreation center and the park will be open.

Kenwood Recreation Center

Project dates and scope: June 11 to August 30, 2018
Repair of collapsed drain pipes and flooring throughout the building; additional building work for energy efficiency and accessibility

How it affects the recreation center and the park: 

  • The gym and the park will be open.
  • The rest of the recreation center building will be closed. 

Fuller Recreation Center

Project dates and scope: July 5 to September 30, 2018
Repairs and rehabilitation of the electrical and HVAC systems

How it affects the recreation center and the park:

  • The entire recreation center building will be closed. 
  • The fall Rec Plus session will begin in a portable classroom on the site, and move to the recreation center when it re-opens. 
  • The wading pool will open as scheduled and operate for as long as possible, but will close when electrical work begins. 
  • The rest of the park will be open. 

Project contact

Cliff Swenson, Director
Design & Project Management
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Phone: 612-230-6473
Email: CSwenson@minneapolisparks.org