Minneapolis residents have a new reason to flock to the riverfront, as The River Hub at Graco Park officially opens its doors. The grand opening event held last Saturday brought together community members to celebrate the newest addition to the Northeast Minneapolis riverfront, as reported by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB). The River Hub boasts a range of features that aim to stir both leisure and learning, including a space for environmental education, art and technology programs, and community events.
Al Bangoura, the Superintendent of MPRB, expressed his enthusiasm at the opening event. "I’m thrilled to open a building that supports so many aspects of our core mission and values,” he told the assembled crowd. The River Hub is not only a gathering spot but also a paragon of sustainability, achieving 'Net Zero' energy status — a feat it manages to pull off with a combination of solar panels, geothermal energy, and energy-efficient design. Its windows also come with a reflective coating, aimed to prevent bird-glass collisions along the Mississippi Flyway, an important detail for an area teeming with avian activity.
Key among the Hub's offerings is a Spark’d Studios location, providing youth with free multimedia arts programming and access to technology. The studio is equipped with recording booths, laser cutters, and 3D printers, among other tech tools, to aid in the development of young creative minds. These programs are supported by mentorship from creative professionals and are detailed on platforms like Instagram and YouTube for the wider community to engage with.
Outside, Graco Park itself already serves as a green retreat since its opening in September 2024. The park, which includes the restored Hall’s Island and scenic trails, stands as a testament to collaboration between the MPRB and Graco Inc. "Graco Park isn’t just a beautiful new feature along the river, it's a symbol of what’s possible when businesses and communities come together," David Lowe, Chief Financial Officer at Graco, told attendees. Future plans include a trail underpass that will even further connect the area's parks. This is set to open in fall 2025.
Equally important to the park's impact, the Plymouth Avenue Bridge closure this summer is expected to provide a necessary period for repairs and the construction of a safer, more cohesive pedestrian experience. The upgrades include a Rapid Flashing Beacon and sidewalk bump-outs to make street crossings less dangerous, something that will undoubtedly be appreciated by the local foot traffic after the underpass work is completed.
With its roots stretching back to a 2010 purchase of the Scherer Bros Lumber Co. site, Graco Park's transformation underscores the city's dedication to reimagining its riverbanks. As Mayor Jacob Frey put it, “This park, a work in progress for the last 10 years, creates an uninterrupted trail along the Mississippi, and will be the hot spot for frisbee throwers and sunbathers all throughout the summer,” highlighting the decade-long journey from industrial site to urban oasis that he reflected upon in remarks sourced from the official park news announcement.
