Construction work for the new playground, paths and nature play area at Powderhorn Park’s southeast corner was planned to occur this summer, but is delayed due to environmental testing that needs to be completed.
Routine soil testing last winter in preparation for the project indicated the presence of fly ash 12 feet below the soil surface in one location. Fly ash is a commonly found contaminate beneath the surface of former residential land.
Historic Powderhorn neighborhood maps from 1912 confirm residential lots with homes on land that is now the southeast corner of Powderhorn Park. Sometime between 1912 and 1937, the homes were razed and the land filled in to expand the park.
Fly ash at a depth of 12 feet does not pose a risk to the public. However, to proceed with the current improvements project, MPRB needs to identify the extent of any possible subsurface contamination; conduct additional soil tests; and ensure that contaminated soils or other materials encountered during construction will be disposed of properly. Any excavation or possible remediation that does occur during construction will be closely monitored to mitigate any risk.
MPRB will complete the testing this spring and solicit construction bids for the project this fall, with construction now planned for spring 2024. We regret this construction delay, and thank everyone for their patience and support while we work to improve Minneapolis parks.