In February, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) selected a design team for North Commons Park‘s new community center and water park. Now it’s launching a new phase of community engagement to ensure these facilities, including a renovated playground, meet the needs of the North Commons Park community, now and into the future. (Note: the Phase 1 Improvements do not include the planning, design, or construction of a sports dome.)
Open Houses
Everyone is invited to attend in-person and virtual Open Houses hosted by MPRB and the FIHÀN Design+Architecture team: Community members of all ages can weigh in on ideas and options, provide feedback, and get answers to their questions. The design team hopes to hear from the public about what kinds of activities are most important in the building, waterpark and playground, and how to make those spaces welcoming for the Northside community.
Community Collaborators
In addition, MPRB is hiring individuals, non-profits and community organizations to serve as Community Collaborators for public engagement. This is an opportunity for local groups to submit proposals for building relationships, convening conversations and gathering feedback about this improvements project. Selected Collaborators will be paid for their work, which will inform the priorities and design for the North Commons community center, waterpark and playground.
Additional Ways to Get Involved
Other opportunities to participate in the project include an online survey; regular “office hours” at North Commons Community Center, where people can drop in to talk with project staff; and a Design Charette Week to take place in late June.
Public Engagement Opportunities – All Are Welcome!
In-person events are at North Commons Community Center, unless noted.
- In-Person Open House #1 – Monday, May 16, 4 to 6pm, multi-purpose room
- Virtual Open House #2 – Monday, May 23, Noon to 1:30pm – Zoom Link
- In-Person Open House #3 – Thursday, June 2, 6 to 8pm, multi-purpose room
- Online Survey (ongoing) – www.surveymonkey.com/r/NorthCommonsSurvey
- Public Office Hours with project staff & consultants – Wednesdays on April 27, May 25, June 22, July 27 and August 24, 3:30 to 5pm, lounge
- All are welcome to drop in and meet with staff and consultants
- Ask questions, get information and updates and more
- Design Week – June 27 to June 30
- Kick-off & Community Open House, Monday, June 27, 4:30 to 6:30pm
- Open Design Studio – Wednesday, June 29, noon to 3pm
- Wrap-Up & Community Open House – Thursday, June 30, 4:30 to 6:30pm
- All Design Week activities take place in the multi-purpose room; additional details to be announced!
- Community Collaborator Services – Request for Proposals (RFP)
- MPRB welcomes proposals for projects to creatively gather community feedback to influence the design of North Commons Park’s new facilities
- Funding for selected projects varies from $500 up to $3,000, based on project idea and proposed budget
- Individuals, non-profits, organizations are eligible
- No deadline: Proposals are accepted and reviewed as they are submitted, through June 30
- Get details on the North Commons Park-Phase 1 Improvements project page, including a Community Collaborator proposal form
- Pop-Up Engagement at community events
North Commons project staff and consultants will be joining in community events to engage the public. If you are interested in having us at your public event or meeting, please contact us:
Dan Elias, Design Project Manager
612-230-6435 | delias@minneapolisparks.org
Adam Arvidson, Director, Strategic Planning
612-230-6470 | aarvidson@minneapolisparks.org
About the Project
The North Commons Park-Phase 1 Improvements project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebuild and transform the park’s facilities into a Northside hub for arts, recreation, athletics and a host of other community activities.
The new community center, water park and renovated playground are key elements of the master plan for North Commons Park, approved in 2019 as part of the North Service Area Master Plan covering all neighborhood parks in North Minneapolis.
Planned improvements include:
- Demolition of the current recreation center and construction of a community center to serve various Northside needs, including expanded gym space; community rooms; arts and media spaces; and youth oriented gathering spaces
- Reconfigured parking in a new location to improve efficiency, access and safety
- Relocation and reconstruction of the water park, last renovated in 1997, east of its current location
- Renovation of the playground in its current location