Central Gym Park Skatepark This project will implement a second phase of the improvements identified and envisioned by the South Service Area Master Plan to implement a skatepark.

Milestones (anticipated project schedule by month/season)

Spring to Summer 2024: Community Engagement and Concept Design
Fall 2024: Design Development and Construction Documentation
Winter 2025: Bidding
Fall 2025-Spring 2026: Construction

Background

This project will implement a second phase of the improvements identified and envisioned by the South Service Area Master Plan adopted by MPRB in fall of 2016 which includes a master plan for Central Gym Park.  The scope of this phase will focus on implementing the skatepark.  The skatepark concept plan was approved by the Board in 2017 as part of the first phase of improvements that included a new playground, basketball and field improvements. The existing restroom building will be improved in 2024 as a separate project.

Funding

Project funding for this phase of work sources include NPP20, Park Dedication and from the Hennepin County Youth Activity Grant. The total available for design and construction is $1,137,688.00.

History

Name: The park began as the gym of the former Central High School. Land was subsequently acquired around the gym, but by then its name was well-established. The park board officially named the property Central Park in June 1991. It was the second property in the city to have that name. From 1883 to 1890, today’s Loring Park was named Central Park.
Acquisition and Development

The park board’s involvement in the property began after Central High School closed in 1982. The park board had acquired an option to develop a park on the site if the school were ever to close as a part of an exchange of land with the school board at Shingle Creek elementary school in 1957.

In 1987 the park board agreed to convert the gym of the former high school for park use. The gym had been built only 11 years earlier. The rest of the school, which was built in 1922, was demolished. For several years the park board had wanted to establish a park in the neighborhood, but the neighborhood was opposed to having homes razed for a park. The closing of the high school presented the park board with a way to offer recreation services in the neighborhood without removing houses. The gym was dedicated as a park facility in October 1988. A totlot playground was created outside the gym in 1989.

Eventually, however, the park board did purchase the land containing homes along 3rd Avenue South to create an outdoor park as well. The land was purchased from 1998 to 1999 using funds from city bonds, state grants, Neighborhood Revitalization Program and the Minneapolis Community Development Agency. The park board installed a softball field, soccer field and tennis courts.

In 2018, the park received a number of improvements funded by the 20-Year Neighborhood Park Plan, including an expanded, renovated multi-use athletic field, new basketball court, play areas, paths, and an updated, expanded gathering space.

History through 2008 written by David C. Smith, with updates from 2009 to present written by MPRB staff.