Address
2399 S 17th Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
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Contact
Phone: 612-370-4888
Email: info@minneapolisparks.org
Park Hours
6 am–midnight
Ordinance PB-2-33
Wading Pool Information
East Phillips Park
Recreation Center: East Phillips Park Cultural and Community Center
View Photo GalleryFeatures & Amenities
- Baseball Field
- Basketball Court
- Drinking Fountain
- Grill
- Picnic Area
- Playground/Tot Lot
- Restroom Facility
- Softball Field
- Wading Pool
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Good to Know
Master Plans
This park will be affected by a completed park or service area master plan. View Master Plans
Your NPP20 money at work:
Maintenance is increasing at all neighborhood parks, thanks to additional annual funding from the 20-Year Neighborhood Park Plan (NPP20). This initiative also funds ongoing rehabilitation and major project to restore neighborhood parks and help address racial and economic equity.
Park Details
Size: 6.46 acres
Neighborhood: East Phillips
Service Area: South
Master Plan: East Phillips Park underwent a master planning process that concluded in 2010 with the implementation of many park facilities. Therefore, a new master plan for East Phillips was not included in the South Service Area Master Plan. Instead, a full master plan for the park will be performed when the first major asset in the park needs replacement, expected around 2020.
Rentals & Permits
Outdoor Use and Event Space: Learn how to reserve park space for corporate events, community celebrations, and more.
History
Name: The name comes from the neighborhood in which the park is located. The name comes from the Phillips School in the neighborhood, which was named for abolitionist orator Wendell Phillips.
Acquisition and Development
The park was acquired from the Minneapolis Community Development Agency (MCDA) in 1977. The land was available after the MCDA decided not to develop the site for housing.
Development of the park began in 1978 with construction of playing fields, playgrounds and a wading pool, as well as general landscaping. A shelter was built in the park in 1979. Additional improvements continued into 1981 with the construction of tennis courts and additional paths.
At the time the land was acquired the Police Athletic Council used a concrete block building on the site. The park board leased that building to the American Indian Movement when it acquired the land. In 2006 the building was demolished due to structural deterioration.
In 1997, the basketball courts in the park were refurbished with a grant from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In 2007, the state legislature approved funds for a new community center in the park. Ground was broken for the new center in late 2009 and the center was substantially completed in 2010. The 14,000-square foot center includes a gym, teen center, computer room, kitchen and multi-purpose rooms. In 2010 the playing fields at the park were also upgraded. The outdoor hard courts were resurfaced in 2011. In 2016, solar panels were installed on the roof of the gym.
In 2013, the Park Board’s annual Arbor Day celebration was held at East Phillips Park. More than 200 trees representing 40 different species were planted with the help of local volunteers.
History through 2008 written by David C. Smith, with updates from 2009 to present written by MPRB.