Concept plan approved by Board of Commissioners

Concept plan approved by Board of Commissioners

Two-phase plan widens section of trail between Bryant and Garfield avenues to improve accessibility and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commissioners approved the concept plan for improvements to Minnehaha Parkway Trail between Bryant and Garfield avenues at its Dec. 2, 2015 meeting.

MPRB commissioners and staff selected a two-phase project that will provide a shared-use trail allowing both bicyclists and pedestrians to cross underneath the Lyndale Avenue Bridge when it is completed. The plan was decided on after an extensive community engagement process and consulting with the Minnehaha Creek Regional Park Master Plan adopted in 1999.

Phase 1 construction is expected to begin in 2016. It will widen the existing pedestrian asphalt trail starting just west of Bryant Avenue up to the Lyndale Avenue Bridge and improve the trail crossing at Lyndale Avenue. This widened segment of trail will not open to bicyclists until Phase 2 is complete. 

Phase 2 will rebuild the boardwalk along Minnehaha Creek east of Lyndale Avenue to Garfield Avenue. When Phase 2 is complete, the boardwalk will be wide enough to accommodate both bicyclists and pedestrians travelling underneath the Lyndale Avenue Bridge. The new boardwalk will also have a reduced slope that complies with standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Phase 1 is fully funded through a $550,000 grant from the Parks and Trails Fund created by the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. Future regional park funding is expected to pay for Phase 2.