The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) officially renamed the 28th Street Tot Lot to Chickadee Park on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025.
Chickadee Park is located at 175 28th St. E, in Whittier neighborhood next to I-35W. The park was originally named for the street on which it is located and its small playground.
The MPRB leased the property from the Minnesota Department of Transportation beginning in 1968. In 2024, the land was transferred to the MPRB, and it became an official Minneapolis park. A new playground and mural were completed at the park this year after a highway reconstruction project.
Whittier Alliance submitted a request to rename the park to the MPRB in March 2025. It submitted Chickadee Park as the new name after engaging with community members on possible names. Read its nomination letter for more details on its rationale and community engagement process.
The MPRB held two public hearings about the name change, on Sept. 3, 2025, and Oct. 9, 2025. A resolution to change the name (Resolution 2025-263) was approved by the MPRB Commissioners on Dec. 10, 2025.
The MPRB website and MPRB registration software have been updated with the new name. New signs that read “Chickadee Park” will be installed at the park next spring.