Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board : Father Hennepin Bluff Park Will Undergo Major Renovation In 2022

Press release from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

2022-01-20

Last night Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Commissioners approved a construction contract to renovate and improve Father Hennepin Bluff Park. The project includes:

• A new performance stage and attached seasonal restroom facility
• New park entry plaza spaces
• Upgraded lights, path connections, wayfinding signage and trail markings
• Landscape and stormwater management improvements

Follow the link below to view the project design and some illustrations of the new stage/restroom facility:

Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvements Design [PDF]

Timeline

Some initial work will occur in the park this winter to set the stage for full-scale construction beginning in the spring. Most of the park will be under construction starting Spring 2022, with work expected to be complete in Fall 2022.

Park Access

At this point there are no plans to fully close access to the park during construction, but please stay away from areas that are fenced off or where construction is happening. Construction updates will be sent periodically throughout the year with information on park access. Visit the Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvements project page and sign up for email updates to stay informed.

There are two other public infrastructure projects in the area that may impact park access:

The Metropolitan Council is performing nearby sewer repair that closed Main Street SE to motorized traffic between Merriam Street and 3rd Avenue SE beginning Jan. 3, 2022 through April 2022. Please visit the Minneapolis East Interceptor Rehabilitation project page for more information.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) is planning to begin a project to repair the Stone Arch Bridge in 2022. That project may include short-term closures of the bridge and impacts to park access through 2024. Please visit the MNDOT Stone Arch Bridge project page for more details.

Environmental Impact

Throughout the design process and during construction, the MPRB coordinates efforts to preserve as much of the existing tree canopy at the park as possible. This coordination will result in many trees being preserved, however, some tree removal is unavoidable to safely complete these park improvements.

This project will also improve stormwater management at the park and reduce untreated runoff into the Mississippi River.

Stay Informed

Visit the Father Hennepin Bluff Improvements project page to learn more about the project and sign up for email updates to stay informed. Updates will be sent via email and posted on MPRB social media channels throughout construction.

This press release was produced by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board. The views expressed here are the author’s own.