The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is pleased to announce that construction of planned improvements at the southeast section of Powderhorn Park, near E. 35th St. and 15th Ave. S., will begin this summer.
The project was delayed due to environmental conditions discovered last year.
Detail from the final design for improvements at the park’s southeast corner.
Last year’s planned construction was postponed due to the discovery of fly ash at the project site, as noted in the announcement at the time. Further testing indicated that soil remediation, including removing some contaminated soil, would be necessary, based on standards set by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
MPRB applied for and received a grant from the Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund to pay for soil remediation and removal; meanwhile, the project team adjusted the concept plan as well.
The final design and layout (see details in the images here) relocates the playground areas to avoid soil contamination impacts; however, it retains adventure style play elements, including climbing mounds, bridges, steppers, and slides. Note: the nature play area remains in its original proposed location.
Rendering shows the final design for the new playground.
Public Impacts during Construction
As noted, construction is planned for this summer and will extend into the fall. During that time:
- The playground at the park’s southeast corner will be closed; MPRB encourages people to use the park’s other playgrounds:
- north of the wading pool, off E. 34th St. and 15th Ave.
- west side of the park, off E. 33rd St. and S. 10th Ave.
- Access to the basketball court may be interrupted briefly at times, but will mainly remain open
MPRB will send additional information once a start date for construction is confirmed.
Project Timeline
- Spring/summer 2022 – Community Engagement
- Fall 2022 – Refined concept plan developed, based on input from community engagement
- Winter 2023 – Board approved concept plan
- Spring 2023 – Construction postponed due to environmental conditions on the project site
- Summer/Fall 2024 – Construction planned following site remediation