City officials have announced that dilapidated tennis courts along Minnehaha Creek will soon be a thing of the past. Starting next week, work kicks off to overhaul three tennis courts situated between Lake Hiawatha and Minnehaha Regional Park, as part of the Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail's long-term improvement plan.
The courts located at the intersections of 30th, 32nd, and 34th Avenues South are set to undergo major changes. The court at 30th Avenue is slated to quickly be turned into a "pollinator lawn" later this year. In a move to simultaneously preserve green space and promote local habitat, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) aims to also commence future projects at the other two locations, according to a recent bulletin.
Plans for the 32nd Avenue site include a collaboration with Minneapolis Community Clay Courts to potentially raise funds for and construct new clay tennis courts. This follows the successful opening of the park system's first clay courts at Waveland Triangle in 2021. The clay courts at that location represent an initiative to enhance local sporting amenities and offer a different playing surface for tennis aficionados in the community.
Meanwhile, at 34th Avenue, the vision is to build a bike skills course that would complement existing courses in the area. These courses provide a venue for biking enthusiasts of all ages to practice and hone their skills, catering to a growing interest in cycling within the city. It seems MNPRB plans to "work with community collaborators" on this effort, indicating an emphasis on local engagement and shared investment in the project's success.
As these courts prepare to serve new purposes, they reflect broader efforts by the MPRB to reinvigorate public spaces and cater to a diverse set of recreational needs. This pivot from worn-out tennis courts to vibrant community-centric spaces promises a fresh chapter for Minnehaha Creek's parks and for residents looking to enjoy the outdoors in varied, sustainable ways.
