September Update

Electrical service restored, asphalt paving scheduled, fencing will come down, drinking fountain scheduled to be installed in October

The Pavilion at Bde Maka Ska experienced irreparable fire damage on May 16, 2019. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) staff worked closely with the City of Minneapolis, the City’s restoration contractor and the MPRB’s insurance adjuster to make the site immediately safe, allow for assessments, and coordinate the eventual demolition, which occurred on May 28.

This summer the MPRB initiated short-term projects to restore basic services and make the site safe for park users and concessions until a long-term plan is determined. The overall plan includes:

  • Cap the site with asphalt paving
  • Restore electrical service
  • Add new electrical service for food trucks
  • Install a new drinking fountain
  • Disconnect sewer and water service damaged by the fire.

It was difficult getting contractors to bid on work at the pavilion site due to the extremely tight construction market this year and the nature of the work.

Electrical service was restored to Minneapolis Sailing Center and Wheel Fun and an electrical hookup was installed for food trucks in late August. Those businesses had been operating on generator power since the fire.

The asphalt pavement project is scheduled September 9-11, depending on weather. Prep work started on September 4. The fence will remain on site surrounding the new pavement until September 16.

The drinking fountain is planned to be installed in October, pending bidding results.

Flyer showing 2019 projects at the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion Site