Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board shares updated concept for Graco Park

Posted on 14 December, 2021

Let us know what you think about refined concept for new Northeast riverfront park!

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is developing a new park along the Northeast Minneapolis riverfront called Graco Park! Last summer MPRB staff collected initial feedback from the community and researched opportunities and constraints at the site, which is located just north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge with a gravel beach and Mississippi East Bank Trail running through it.

In the fall, three distinct design concepts for Graco Park were published for public feedback. After considering that feedback, a new single, preferred concept debuted today. Use the link below to learn more about Graco Park, including:

  • Results from community engagement so far
  • Graphics, illustrations and a flythrough video explaining the new, single preferred concept
  • A short survey to let us know your thoughts on the preferred concept

Graco Park Concept

The online survey will be open through Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. Feedback on the preferred concept will be used to refine the concept further, then there will be a public hearing on the final concept, which will be subject to approval by Park Commissioners. Visit the Graco Park project page and sign up for email updates to stay informed as the process continues.

Graco Park Concept

The preferred Graco Park concept features:

  • A multiuse building with public restrooms, a non-MPRB tenant and public community space
  • A trail under the Plymouth Avenue Bridge that connects to Boom Island Park
  • Native habitat restoration, rain gardens and stormwater management features
  • Gathering spaces, walkways and river access
  • The Mississippi East Bank Trail will continue to travel through the park, with safety upgrades at the intersection of Plymouth/8th Avenue NE and Sibley Street NE

A phased construction approach is planned for Graco Park. Work is tentatively planned to start in 2022, with the park opening in 2024. Future phases would include additional park elements as funding becomes available:

  • Picnic shelter
  • Watercraft rental
  • Additional park building
  • Public art on Hall’s Island
  • Hall’s Island river overlook

Please visit the Graco Park concept page for more information and take a short survey to weigh in on the plan. The survey is open through Friday, Jan. 21, 2022.

Get Involved

In addition to the online survey, there’s a virtual community open house on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, 4:30-6 pm on Zoom. Use the link below to join the event online, where you can view an in-depth presentation of the concept, ask project staff questions and give feedback.

Join Open House
Meeting ID: 837 1774 1549

You can also invite MPRB staff to present the Graco Park concept to your group or organization in December 2021 or January 2022! Please email cchristensen@minneapolisparks.org for more information.