Minneapolis residents have a new green space to call their own with the opening of Graco Park along the Northeast Minneapolis Riverfront. Featuring a restored island, trails, and environmental art, the nine-acre park is poised to be a natural oasis in the urban landscape, as first reported by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB). Located just north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge, Graco Park's first phase includes public art installations, picnic areas, and new greenery designed to support the local ecosystem.
MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura emphasized the importance of equitable park access, stating "residents of Northeast and North Minneapolis must be able to enjoy thoughtfully designed access to the Mississippi Riverfront." Bangoura's comments, obtained by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, highlight the long journey from plans to reality for the park, with over a decade of advocacy finally culminating in this lush riverside refuge.
The project was supported by Graco Inc., with the company's President and CEO Mark Sheahan expressing pride in their contribution to what he calls "a gathering space where the Northeast community can come together." The agreements between the MPRB and Graco, dating back to 2018, facilitated the park's earlier-than-expected construction through a philanthropic boost rather than solely relying on traditional funding. These contributions were detailed in an article published by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
In addition to Graco Inc.'s support, the park's development included environmental considerations like habitat restoration and stormwater management. The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) played a crucial role, granting support for green infrastructure to treat stormwater runoff, as highlighted in the same MPRB report. Kevin Reich, MWMO's Executive Director, touted the river as the "star of the show," acknowledging how the park's design and water management practices emphasize the river's significance.
Graco Park's promising future includes a 4,000-square-foot "Net Zero" park building named The River Hub at Graco Park, set to open in 2025. This environmentally friendly facility is designed to be powered solely by on-site renewable resources and incorporates features like rooftop solar panels and a geothermal energy system to minimize its ecological footprint. For those interested, more information regarding the building's hours and activities will be shared in the months ahead, promises the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
