Victory Park Improvements Project A new splash pad installation that includes improvements to pathways/circulation and connection to the building addition at Loring School

Project Milestones

Fall 2022

• Community Engagement
  • Splash Pad Final Design

Winter/Spring 2022/2023

• Splash Pad Bidding #1

Summer/Fall 2023

• Design and Splash Pad Bidding #2

Winter 2023/2024

• Electrical and Mechanical Bids (Open Bid) – January 31^st– February 28^th – Only one bidder, non-responsive and unable to award the project
  • Electrical and Mechanical separated for bid
    • Electrical Bid (state contract) – March 8^th -29^th

Spring 2024

• Splash Pad vendor contracted (state Contract) – Start soon after Mechanical and Electrical is completed.
  • PDR Process approved on 4/9

• Electrical contractor awarded 4/22 – Coordination in progress.
  • Mechanical work bids – in progress
  • Civil work bids – in progress

Summer 2024

• Construction of Splash Pad – After MPS Last day of school
• Area between the playgrounds will be fenced during construction
• Construction is anticipated to be completed before school start weather permitting

Note: Grass will need to be restored.

Background

This project was envisioned in the North Service Area Master Plan [PDF], approved in February 2019, replacing the late 1970s-era wading pool. The parkland for Victory Park is leased from the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) and is adjacent to Loring Elementary School (LES).

In Summer 2019, MPS completed a capital improvement project at LES consisting of a building expansion that included the removal and replacement of the wading pool equipment room and restrooms servicing Victory Park (and resurfacing of existing basketball courts), at no cost to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB).

In July, MPRB Asset Management staff removed the wading pool and backfilled the area.

As outlined in the master plan, the vision for Victory Park is to increase the usability primarily for children and especially for the adjacent school. The wading pool’s central location and associated fencing prevented open circulation with other park features and was closed/unusable during the school year.  In place of the wading pool, the master plan calls for a splash pad to allow for greater flexibility with aquatic play and outdoor spaces.  Splash pads do not require perimeter fencing and may double as an outdoor classroom or community gathering space with the water is turned off.

Funding

2019 CIP NPP20 $750,000 from the 20-Year Neighborhood Park Plan
2023 CIP NPP20 $200,000 from the 20-Year Neighborhood Park Plan
2023 Dibble – Hornstein $3,066.00 – Parkland Dedication Fund

Passed Project Updates

Concept plan approved for new splash pad at Victory Park

Posted on 9 June, 2020

At their meeting on May 20, commissioners for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) approved the concept plan for a new splash pad [PDF] at Victory Park in North Minneapolis. The splash pad replaces a wading pool and features zones for older and younger children, seating and gathering areas, and new plantings and shade structures.

Next Steps

After design plans are finalized, the project will go out to bid to construction contractors this summer, with construction planned to begin in the fall.