Youth created a mural on the park’s storage container during community engagement and planning for a host of improvements coming to the park in 2026.
Over the summer, the project team working on improvements for Franklin Steele Square Park engaged with local arts group Modern Day Me and neighborhood youth to create a mural on the park’s storage container.
Currently the team is working on final construction documents for the planned and approved improvements noted in the list below. Later this year, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) will invite contractors to submit construction bids.
Plans are for contractors to begin construction in spring 2026, with completion in the fall. We’ll share more details on the construction phase of the project once they’re available.
About the improvements project at Franklin Steele Square Park
The park improvements and concept design [PDF] were guided by community feedback, as well as recommendations from the park’s approved long-term plan, site analysis, and available funding.
Improvements shown in the plan below (view full plan here) include:
- central youth soccer field with ornamental fencing and landscaping along Portland Avenue
- lawn and flexible seating west of the field for spectators
- full basketball court near the pavilion
- playground with a challenge course and other new equipment
- expanded community garden: additional beds and paths
- new looped paths connect new entrance and all park features and amenities
Detail from final concept design for Franklin Steele Square Park. Click the image to view the full design.
Thanks for your support while MPRB works to improve Minneapolis parks!
More Information
Project page for Franklin Steele Square Park improvements
Project contact
Michael Jones, design project manager
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
mjones@minneapolisparks.org | 612-230-6466