Smaller was an educator and activist who served Northside youth for more than 50 years
Posted on 9 April, 2024
Farwell Park in 2015, before a renovation project that expanded the playground and built a variety of other improvements
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) officially renamed Farwell Park to “Lorraine B. Smaller Park” on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.
Lorraine B. Smaller Park is located at 1201 N Sheridan Ave. According to MPRB records, the park was originally named for Farwell Place, the origin of which is unknown. Farwell Park was named in the original 1889 plat and the name was never officially adopted or changed.
About Lorraine B. Smaller
Lorraine Smaller lived and worked in North Minneapolis for more than 50 years. She was an educator and activist who founded the We Care Performing Arts Program at Farwell Park. She advocated for increased investment and improved maintenance at Farwell Park and provided free summertime performing arts programs for Northside youth.
She is warmly remembered by many in the communities surrounding the park for the love, acceptance and guidance she provided for people in the neighborhood, especially youth.
Renaming Process
The MPRB received a request to rename Farwell Park after Lorraine Smaller in March 2022. Two public hearings were held on the name change, on Feb. 7, 2024, and March 20, 2024. The MPRB Planning Committee voted to approve the renaming (Resolution 2024-64) on March 20, 2024, and the full Board of MPRB Commissioners voted to approve the renaming on April 3, 2024.
Updated Signs and Summer Event
MPRB staff are working to update the MPRB website and registration software with the new name. New signs that read “Lorraine B. Smaller Park” will be installed at the park this spring.
The renaming will be commemorated on June 27, 2024 as part of an event that will also celebrate the completion of a park renovation. The renovation project included a new, expanded playground, a picnic area and drinking fountain, upgraded paths, benches and pollinator-friendly landscaping, and new bike racks and bike fix-it station.
More details on the June 27 event will be shared later this spring.