An aerial view of Bde Maka Ska taken in 2024.
Study finds proposal to move Minneapolis Sailing Center to northwest corner of the lake is too expensive due to poor soils
New direction will explore renovating existing building and piloting methods to address congestion and safety in the area
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) recently finished a study that explored relocating the Bde Maka Ska boat launch and Minneapolis Sailing Center from the current location next to the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion at the northeast shore of Bde Maka Ska to an open area at the northwest shore of the lake.
The study found that plan to be cost-prohibitive to both the MPRB and the Minneapolis Sailing Center. A geological study found that poor soil exists deeper than anticipated on the northwest side of Bde Maka Ska, which makes new construction difficult and significantly more costly than anticipated.
At the March 18 Planning Committee meeting the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, staff presented an updated proposal that includes a significant change in the project, envisioning a renovation and expansion of the Sailing Center building (operated by the Minneapolis Sailing Center) in the northeast part of Bde Maka Ska.
Next Steps
MPRB will begin a new Predesign and Community Engagement process that will consider this new project direction and potentially amend the Bde Maka Ska-Lake Harriet Long-Range Plan.
This new project direction will:
- Shift the focus from a building a new structure to exploring renovation and expansion of the Sailing Center Facility in its current location, the northeast part of the lake.
- Review the need of the proposed Boat Launch relocation.
- Consider what amenities should be proposed in the northwest corner of the lake if the Sailing Center remains in the northeast corner.
- Address concerns over congestion and safety in the area near the Sailing Center.
The MPRB understands that the area around the Sailing Center is busy and often congested with both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Temporary safety improvements, including traffic control and monitoring, will start in summer 2026.
Project History
The Bde Maka Ska-Lake Harriet Plan [PDF] was completed in 2017. Relocating the boat launch and Sailing Center to the lake’s northwest shore is included in the plan’s recommendations to reduce congestion at the bustling northeast corner of the lake. In 2023, MPRB Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Minneapolis Sailing Center directing this work.
Right now this project is in a “predesign” phase focused on broad concepts for the boat launch and the Sailing Center. Currently no funds have been allocated for more detailed design phases or construction.
Bde Maka Ska Boat Launch and Sailing Center Relocation
Project Manager: Dan Elias
612-230-6435 | delias@minneapolisparks.org