Bossen Field Park summer construction update

Wading pool, playgrounds, basketball court and open play field all open; southern softball fields open by end of July

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is excited to announce that the extensive renovation of Bossen Field Park is nearing completion. This project has impacted almost the entire park at some point over the last year and the MPRB appreciates park users’ patience while spaces are reshaped to fit the wide-ranging needs of the community according to the Bossen Field Park Master Plan [PDF]. 

The new playground, basketball court and open play field are all open and the wading pool has reopened after closing in late June due to a water main break. The two softball fields in the southern half of the park will open by the end of July and the four softball fields in the northern half of the park will remain closed until 2018 to give the new turf sufficient time to establish strong roots.  

Construction Updates

Playground
The new playground is open! It was relocated closer to the center of the park and includes a container with equipment designed for 2-5 year-olds, a container with equipment designed for 5-12 year-olds, and a small area with adult exercise equipment. 

Wading Pool/Water Main Break
A broken water main has been repaired and the wading pool is open to the public after closing in late June.

Basketball Court
The new basketball court is complete. It is paved, striped and ready for action!

Parking Lots
The new parking lot at the southeastern corner of the park, along 58th Street E and 31st Avenue S, is paved, striped and open to the public. Another new parking lot on the north side of the park is still being used for construction access and won’t open to the public until 2018.

South Softball Fields and Open Play Field
The open play field in the east side of the park is open and the two softball fields in the southern section of the park are expected to open by the end of July. 

North Softball Fields
The four softball fields in the northern section of the park, realigned in a “pinwheel” layout so that the fields all face outward instead of facing each other, have been seeded and fenced. They will remain closed until 2018 to give new turf time to establish. 

Stay Off Seeded Areas: Please stay off seeded areas in the park to allow new grass to develop strong roots, ensuring the long-term health of these spaces.

Pathways
New pathways in the southern section of the park are complete and pathways in the northern section of the park are expected to be finished by the end of July.

Grand Opening Celebration

An grand opening event is planned in August to celebrate the revitalization of Bossen Field Park. Stay tuned for more details!

 

Funding

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board would like to thank Hennepin County for a $225,000 Youth Sports Program Award toward field improvements included in this project and City Parks Alliance for honoring this project with the Toro Urban Park Innovation Award [PDF], which provided $25,000 toward park improvements.

Contact

Jon Duesman
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Phone: 612-230-6471
Email: jduesman@minneapolisparks.org