Plus: An introduction to the MPRB Indigenous Action Plan
Above: People review and discuss plans for East Phillips Park in the atrium of the East Phillips Cultural and Community Center.
East Phillips Park Update: Long-range vision plan taking shape
Thanks to everyone who shared feedback this summer on initial concept designs for East Phillips Park. Currently the project team is compiling and analyzing the feedback to create a “What We Heard” document and a single design for the park’s long-range vision plan. Both will be released and reviewed this fall. Stay tuned to learn how you can share your feedback on the design!
Cedar Avenue Field ParkUpdate: Long-range vision plan approved
At their August 6 meeting, Commissioners for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) approved the final long-range vision plan for Cedar Avenue Field Park, which creates a vision for the park over the next 10-20 years.
The approval followed almost two years of planning and engagement with the community in the East Phillips neighborhood, who shared their experiences and what they wanted to see at an improved East Phillips Park.
One key desire was for a park design that elevates cultural and ceremonial uses by the Indigenous community in the East Phillips neighborhood.
The 10-20-year vision plan for Cedar Avenue Field Park includes the following:
The plan also includes opportunities for cultural art, water play, wayfinding, and incorporating nature and natural elements.
Now that it’s approved, MPRB staff are working to finalize funding for Phase 1 park improvements, to be constructed beginning in spring 2027. More to be shared soon, so stay tuned!
Did you know MPRB has an Indigenous Action Plan?
Many folks involved in Cedar Avenue Field and East Phillips parks will recognize Carrie Day Aspinwall, who since 2023 has served as the Indigenous Parks Liaison for the MPRB.
In addition to these park-improvements projects, she is also working on the first-ever MPRB Indigenous Action Plan.
The plan has MPRB working to integrate truth, recognition and acknowledgement of Indigenous land, people, and nations into the work, policies, procedures and spaces of the Minneapolis park system.
MPRB is grateful for the guidance in these efforts coming from both Aspinwall and the Native American Parks Council (NAPC) that formed in summer 2024, as well as with many other Indigenous partners and organizations that have contributed to the initial vision for this work and to action items as it moves forward.
For more about MPRB’s Indigenous Action Plan, visit this project page, which features a recent update, a 2024 report, background information on the Parks Council, notes from community and Parks Council meetings and more.
You can also subscribe to updates on this ongoing work.