The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is sharing a final concept plan for new equipment in the playground areas for 2-5 year-olds and 5-12 year-olds at North Commons Park.
The plan is based on 18 months of community engagement around general playground designs, and feedback received for two initial concept plans last January. Staff heard support for a large climbing structure; interest in ensuring play quality for a wide age range and abilities; concerns about shade; and support for musical play elements.
Staff incorporated that feedback into the final recommended playground concept shown above and below (view the full plan here). The proposed design includes a large play structure with inclusive spinning features in both play areas for younger and older children. It features additional slides for all ages and abilities, musical play features and is located in the area with preserved trees that provide significant shade.
Next Steps
Because the project replaces play equipment – but doesn’t change the size or location of the existing play areas – it doesn’t require a public hearing.
However, community members are encouraged to review the final concept and share any feedback with Park Board Commissioners, who will consider its approval at the Board meeting on Wednesday, May 10.
If the Board approves the plan, staff will begin planning for construction to occur later this year.
View the concept plan
Options to share your feedback
- Call or write your Park Board Commissioner before the Board meeting: Find your Commissioner with a PDF Map or Interactive Map
- Submit written comments for Open Time at the Board meeting: Email OpenTime@minneapolisparks.org by noon on May 10.
- Speak In person during Open Time at the May 10 Board meeting: Arrive prior to 5:30 and add your name to the speakers list; or call 612-230-6400 before 3pm on May 10. Board meetings are held at the Mary Merrill Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Headquarters at 2117 West River Road.
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