Board Approves Phase 2 Construction of Boardwalk at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
Posted on 10 September, 2018
New boardwalk expands on award-winning initial phase that opened in 2015
At their September 5 meeting, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) commissioners approved a second phase of construction that will expand the wetlands boardwalk in Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary (EWBG) in Theodore Wirth Regional Park.
Both phases of the boardwalk were made possible by the generosity of Friends of the Wild Flower Garden, Inc. “We are thrilled to partner once again with Friends of the Wild Flower Garden,” said MPRB Superintendent Mary Merrill. “Their support and foresight have been instrumental to the success and sustainability of Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, one of the park system’s crown jewels.“
Funding, construction and public impacts
The phase-two boardwalk utilizes the same design as existing boardwalk, which has been a great success and won a 2017 design award from the Minnesota Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Decking lumber for both phases was locally sourced from ash trees harvested as a result of the emerald ash borer infestation.
The Board-approved agreement allows for the Friends group to fund and coordinate construction of the boardwalk segments and their delivery to the park. The MPRB is responsible for engaging a local contractor for installation, as well as coordination and oversight of the construction. The MPRB will maintain and own the boardwalk after construction is complete.
Construction is expected in the autumn of 2018, after the garden is closed for the season, and will likely take several weeks. It is expected that visitors will be able to enjoy the new boardwalk with the garden re-opens in spring 2019.
Media contact
Robin Smothers
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Phone: 612-230-6410
Email: RSmothers@minneapolisparks.org