Van Cleve Park Play Area and Site Improvements (Phase 1) Phase 1 implementation of playground and site improvements guided by the ERMP

Project Milestones

Funding Sources

2020 Capital Improvement Program – $306,500
Park Dedication fees available for use in Van Cleve Park (not yet allocated) – $265,000 as of 10/16/20

Extensive outreach was done during the East of the River Master Plan engagement process, which was approved on March 27, 2019 by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commissioners. Recommendations specific to Van Cleve Park include the existing play areas to remain in essentially the same location, the addition of a nature play area, a refrigerated ice trail, a skate park, a transit plaza, and expanded courts.  The design envisions Van Cleve park as a major community gathering, play, and recreation destination for all age groups.

The East of the River Park Master Plan guides the development, rehabilitation and operation of Northeast and Southeast Minneapolis neighborhood parks over the next 20-30 years, and also guides capital expenditures under the 20-Year Neighborhood Park Plan

History

$306,500 is available for Van Cleve Park Site Improvements (Phase 1) from the 2020 Capital Improvement Program for improvements consistent with the approved master plan for the park. The site improvements project is anticipated to focus on the playground updates required for bringing the playground up to current ADA requirements.  Additional improvements using park dedication funds are also anticipated. The MPRB also has as substantial sum of unallocated Park Dedication fees available for use in Van Cleve Park.  (Currently $265,000.)  The Southeast Como Improvement Council has conducted community engagement to get feedback about community priorities for improvements at Van Cleve Park using Park Dedication funds.  They have issued a letter of support for the expenditure of Park Dedication funds at Van Cleve Park for the following improvements:  Add lighting to the south path (requested for immediate consideration), create sand volleyball courts, add a nature plan playground, and build a new west entrance with ADA accessibility that includes community sculptures/art and native flower planting (on-going community projects.

The highest priority for improvements listed in the community neighborhood council letter include appear to be adding (and replacing) pedestrian lighting alongside the southwesterly pathway.  It is anticipated that the southwest trail lighting work will be added to the project and the CIP amended.