REGIONAL TRAILS

Three regional trail facilities were included in The following park packets follow the required and submit each to the Metropolitan Council the NSAMP planning process. The Luce Line Metropolitan Council format for regional trail for approval. Council approval is necessary prior Regional Trail, Shingle Creek Regional Trail master plans. The Luce Line is considered a to any expenditure of state or regional funds on (which includes the Creekview and Shingle Creek regional linking trail, while Shingle Creek and these regional trails. Park areas), and the Theodore Wirth Parkway Victory (Wirth) are destination regional trails, section of the Victory (Wirth) Memorial Parkway because they have wide corridors with significant Regional Trail do not have master plans and are natural resources. The Metropolitan Council inextricably intertwined with the neighborhood requires descriptions of community engagement, facilities in the NSAMP project area. The other which is included in this document in Chapter 2. regional parks and trails in the area (Theodore After adoption of the NSAMP document, MPRB Wirth Regional Park, Victory Memorial Parkway staff will separate each of these regional trail Regional Trail, North Mississippi Regional Park— master plan packets from this overall document, including the 49th Avenue Corridor, and Above add back in this document’s introductory the Falls Regional Park) already have adopted sections on process and community engagement, master plans.

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 239 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN This page was intentionally left blank LOCATION AND HISTORY The trail travels through Bassett’s Creek Park until it reaches the end of Chestnut Avenue. It then LUCE LINE The Luce Line is an existing regional trail corridor moves onto the street again to follow Chestnut that connects the Cedar Lake Regional Trail and Cedar Lake Road to the entrance of Bryn westward through Theodore Wirth Regional Park Mawr Park, another Minneapolis neighborhood REGIONAL TRAIL and then farther west to other regional parks and park. The trail follows Cedar Lake Road in order trails in the Three Rivers Park District System. The to cross the same railroad tracks that pass under portion described in this master plan is operated the Glenwood Avenue bridge. The trail goes by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board through Bryn Mawr Park to a bike and pedestrian and travels from Theodore Wirth Parkway within overpass at the eastern end of the park. The Wirth Park to the Cedar Lake Trail. The trail is a overpass is necessary to cross a different railroad critical connecting link in north Minneapolis. Due track, and it includes helix ramps on both ends. to its intersection with the Cedar Lake Trail, it At the bottom of the easterly helix is the Cedar also provides connectivity to the Mississippi River Lake Trail, where the Luce Line ends. and therefore the Minneapolis Grand Rounds. The improvement of the Luce Line Regional Trail Currently, the trail exists entirely within other through existing MPRB properties was largely park properties, not within its own trail right-of- accomplished in 1996. The Minneapolis portion way or separate parcel definition. In addition, the of the trail currently lacks clear signage and trail takes a rather disjointed route from Wirth mapping and offers little in the way of other Park to Cedar Lake Trail, with several segments visitor comfort, such as benches, restrooms on-street. From the intersection of Three Rivers’s and drinking fountains. Though some of these Luce Line and Theodore Wirth Parkway, the amenities exist within the parks through which Minneapolis Luce Line travels southward on trails the Luce Line runs, they are not always closely paralleling Wirth Parkway within Wirth Regional associated with the trail. Park. It then turns east on trails paralleling Highway 55, also within Wirth Park. The Luce A key need for this trail has always been a more Line then passes under Highway 55, winds straight-forward routing without on-street through the eastern portion of Wirth Park, and segments. Recently, a railroad abandonment rises up to Glenwood Avenue. It then goes on- and a corridor offered for sale creates the street to cross railroad tracks on the Glenwood opportunity to set a similar but improved corridor LOCATION Avenue bridge, and then southerly along a street for the Luce Line. This master plan proposes to the northern edge of Bassett’s Creek Park, a that revised routing and provides associated neighborhood park in the Minneapolis system. acquisition and development activities and costs.

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 241 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN 17TH

LEGEND 17TH Park Boundaries CP RAIL SEGMENTS (see next page) Existing Trail • Theodore Wirth Park16TH segment Three Rivers 1 15TH 15TH

FREMONT Proposed Trail EMERSON

UPTON QUEEN

OLIVER GIRARD

THEODORE WIRTH IRVING

RUSSELL

VINCENT

THOMAS •2 Fruen Mill segmentNEWTON Parcel Boundaries GOLF COURSE 14TH SHERIDAN 14TH •3 Bassets Creek Park segment

PLYMOUTH •4 Eastern segment 7TH FARWELL •5 Van White Boulevard

KNOX

LOGAN

JAMES

1 WASHBURN FARWELL 11TH

OAK PARK HUMBOLDT

OLIVER RUSSELL QUEEN

SHERIDAN

NEWTON

CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS THOMAS

OLSON MEMORIAL OLSON MEMORIAL M. MINTER TRUSTEE THEODORE WIRTH

IRVING REGIONAL PARK PIONEER5TH INDUSTRIES INC 5TH

RUSSELL

QUEEN

KNOX OLIVER LOGAN

NEWTON MORGAN 4TH 167 JAMES LLC 4TH GLENWOOD RICHARD O HANOUSEK 2 INGLEWOOD 3RD SOO LNE RAILROAD 2ND

VINCENT

CEDAR LAKE JAMES ELOISE BUTLER CHESTNUT 3 CHESTNUT IRVING WILDFLOWER GARDEN 4 HAWTHORNE 5

PENN

RUSSELL

QUEEN

UPTON

THOMAS

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD NEWTON CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS

MOUNT VIEW QUEEN BRYN MAWR PARK 394 HOV INTERSTATE 394 INTERSTATE 394 INTERSTATE 394

CEDAR LAKE

PROPERTY OWNER MAP: LUCE LINE REGIONAL TRAIL

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 242 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN BOUNDARY AND ACQUISITION currently has a collaborative relationship park dedication. The trail will run in this with private development entities in this newly acquired corridor. Properties acquired In order to create a more streamlined corridor area and is willing to work with them would become part of Luce Lune property, for the Luce Line, MPRB proposes to acquire, on the best routing for the trail. The rail not neighborhood park. in collaboration with partners, all or a portion corridor itself passes through the middle of of the abandoned CP Rail/Soo Line corridor 5• Van White Boulevard segment: At the end the development area, which may not be that runs through the Bassett’s Creek Valley. of the eastern creek segment, the proposed the best corridor for the trail. Nor may the There are in fact two different rail corridors trail follows existing very wide ped/bike trail need the entire railroad right-of-way that run through the valley: the CP Rail and facilities on the Van White Boulevard bridge width. Therefore, this master plan proposes the BNSF (which is active). The CP Rail is the as it crosses the Minneapolis impound acquisition of this segment in a collaborative line that most closely parallels the historic Luce lot and railroad tracks. The Luce Line effort with private development entities and Line and provides the greatest opportunity for will connect to the Cedar Lake Trail at its retention of a minimum 20-foot trail right- connecting the trail without on-road segments. intersection with Van White or as part of of-way or permanent easement at an exact The following describes the CP Rail corridor, the new southwest light rail station, when location to be determined. segment by segment, and notes opportunities implemented. This segment will run within for collaboration. Costs for acquisition are not 3• Bassett’s Creek Park segment: Between existing public right-of-way. included at this time, as an MPRB-ordered the Fruen Mill bridge and Cedar Lake Road, This master plan proposes to associate land area appraisal is still being reviewed and discussed the master plan proposes acquisition of with the Luce Line for the first time. Between with partners. the rail corridor as Luce Line property, not Glenwood and Van White, the trail would run in neighborhood park property. One key piece •1 Theodore Wirth Park segment: The CP Rail its own dedicated land area. North of Glenwood it of this acquisition will be the assurance of an corridor runs through the middle of Wirth would run through Wirth Regional Park, and on at-grade crossing of the BNSF railroad just Park from the western park boundary to Van White it would run in existing public right-of- east of Penn Avenue. Glenwood Avenue. This land is identified in way that would not change hands. the Master Plan for Theodore Wirth Park as 4• Eastern segment: After passing underneath an inholding in the park. This master plan the Cedar Lake Road bridge, the proposed DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT (AND COSTS) proposes acquisition of this segment as part trail leaves the rail corridor behind and The primary feature of the Luce Line Regional of Theodore Wirth Regional Park, with the begins to follow Bassett’s Creek. MPRB is Trail is the trail surface itself. A new 12-foot wide Luce Line Trail surface running through that currently working collaboratively with the multi-use trail will run from Wirth Parkway to larger Regional Park facility. City of Minneapolis and private developers the Cedar Lake Trail where it intersects with Van as the industrial land between cedar Lake •2 Fruen Mill segment: South of Glenwood White Boulevard. The new trail will run primarily Road and Van White Boulevard redevelops. Avenue is a commercial development site on in a corridor to be acquired from CP Rail and All parties’ intent is to preserve the corridor the old Fruen Mill site. This segment extends partly on industrial land currently redeveloping. of Bassett’s Creek as public green space. only from Glenwood Avenue to the first The total length of new trail is approximatley This green space corridor will be acquired by railroad bridge over Bassett’s Creek. MPRB 2.32 miles. The general routing of the trail is MPRB as sites redevelop, potentially through

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 243 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN Luce Line Regional Trail PENN AVE S PENN AVE TRAIL CONNECTION

HWY 55 HWY 55

GLENWOOD AVE

POTENTIAL NEW DEVELOPMENT Coordinate final trail routing with development site.

VAN WHITE MEMORIAL BLVD GLENWOOD AVE CHESNUT AVE N

PROPOSED TRAIL + RAILROAD CROSSINGS

LEGEND EXISTING TRAIL

OPERATED BY THREE RIVERS PARKS CEDAR LAKE RD

PROPOSED TRAIL CEDAR LAKE TRAIL

600 I-394 Feet

Minneapolis GIS, Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community PROPOSED PLAN: LUCE LINE REGIONAL TRAIL

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 244 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN described in the boundaries and acquisitions improvements on existing Van White DEMAND FORECAST section above. This section describes several Boulevard bridge The Luce Line Regional Trail sees 125,000 visits other categories of improvements. per year, according to the 2017 Regional Parks Connecting Trails and Split Corridors: System Use Estimate. This places the Luce Crossings and Bridges: • Eastern Bassett’s Creek Park: trail connection Line at the lower end of the spectrum among • Bassett’s Creek bridge within Wirth Park: ramp to Chestnut Avenue, similar to existing Minneapolis regional trails. The Luce Line serves renovation of existing railroad bridge for trail condition for current Luce Line Trail corridor. primarily as a connector between Theodore Wirth use • Bryn Mawr Park connection: east of Cedar Regional Park (805,000 visits) and the Cedar • Golf path underpasses within Wirth Park: Lake Road, a critical trail spur will cross Lake Regional Trail (500,000 visits), the latter renovation of existing railroad bridges for Bassett’s Creek on a new bridge, ascend a of which provides a connection to downtown trail use slope to an MPRB-owned parcel, then cross Minneapolis and Central Mississippi Riverfront BNSF railroad on another new bridge into Regional Park (2,782,800 visits). As part of a series • Bassett’s Creek (old channel) bridge north of Bryn Mawr meadows. The railroad corridor of interconnected loops that includes the historic Highway 55: renovation of existing railroad is lower than both MPRB parcels, so this and well-connected Minneapolis Grand Rounds, bridge for trail use second bridge will have level approaches. the Luce Line could have higher use. However, its • Highway 55 underpass: limited trail-related rather disjointed current route is likely a barrier • Within the eastern segment between Cedar improvements under existing bridge for those seeking a true regional trail experience. Lake Road and Van White Boulevard, the MPRB expects that local and regional use will • Glenwood Avenue underpass: limited trail- pedestrian and bicycle corridor will separate. increase once the trail route is streamlined, as related improvements under existing bridge The bicycle corridor will stay on the northern proposed in this master plan. side of the creek, while the pedestrian • Bassett’s Creek bridge near Fruen Mill: corridor will cross over the creek on the renovation of existing railroad bridge for trail bridge leading to Bryn Mawr, follow the CONFLICTS use south side of the creek, and cross back over Two potentially significant conflicts exist related • BNSF railroad crossing: at-grade pedestrian near Van White Boulevard. to the development concept for the Luce Line: bicycle crossing with safety approaches and land ownership and commercial developments. possible signalization Trailside Amenities: Ownership of the CP Rail line is critical to the implementation of the new Luce Line corridor, • Bassett’s Creek bridge at eastern end of • Directional signage included at each end of and the railroad has expressed interest in selling. Bassett’s Creek Park: renovation of existing trail corridor, at spur trails, and where trail However, coordination with the railroad has not railroad bridge for trail use turns to follow Van White Boulevard yet begun and unknowns always exist in such • Trailside seating within the Bassett’s Creek • Cedar Lake Road underpass: limited trail- conversations. To resolve this potential conflict, Park segment adjacent to the creek related improvements under existing bridge MPRB plans to convene a coalition of buyers— • Van White bridge: limited trail-related including public and private sector entities—to work collaboratively on acquisition.

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 245 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN Two commercial development areas flank the PARTNER AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT EQUITY ANALYSIS proposed route of the Luce Line: the Fruen Mill Extensive community and partner engagement The Luce Line and Bassett’s Creek trace a historic area near Glenwood Avenue and the Bassett’s took place as part of the North Service Area line of disparity in Minneapolis. The creek itself Creek Valley area between Cedar Lake Road and Master Plan, the MPRB planning effort of which is the official boundary between neighborhoods, Van White Memorial Drive. Implementation of the Luce Line was a part. The engagement city council wards, park board districts, and the Luce Line through these areas will require process unfolded over more than 18 months and even MPRB’s operational service areas. It marks coordination with two different developers involved a wide variety of initiatives, more than the division between streets labeled “north” working in these areas. MPRB has established 100 direct engagement events, and personal and those labeled “south.” North of the creek, positive working relationships with each and contacts with thousands of park users and area homeownership is significantly lower than to has even collaborated and provided input on residents. The development plan was finally the south, along with educational attainment, an overall development plan for the Bassett’s vetted in a series of public Community Advisory family wealth, and access to automobiles. Creek area. Both developers, in fact, are likely Committee (CAC) meetings in June and July of Perhaps unsurprisingly, many more people of participants in the coalition of buyers described 2018, which resulted in a recommendation by color live north of the creek than south of it. above. As these projects do develop, MPRB the CAC to support the development concept. Throughout the planning process for the Luce plans to retain its seat at the table (along with The summary of the engagement process is Line and associated parks, this disparity was the City of Minneapolis) to ensure desired trail included in the project introduction section. highlighted and considered, specifically through connections are accomplished. discussion of how the Luce Line and nearby Within that overall process the Luce Line was parks could become a link between north and included in one of the targeted work groups. PUBLIC SERVICES south as well as along the creek east and west. The Bassett’s Creek Valley Work Group convened The Bassett’s Creek Valley Work Group included The Luce Line is located in a developed urban multiple times to help envision and design the representatives of both the Harrison (north) area with extensive public services. No Luce Line and associated neighborhood parks. and Bryn Mawr (south) neighborhoods, and additional public services are necessary for the The community had direct involvement with the participation included a fair representation of implementation of the trail. project throughout the design process. racial diversity on the area. Partner agencies were also consulted throughout OPERATIONS The North Service Area Master Plan as a whole, the planning process and comments were it must be noted, has equity—specifically racial As an existing part of the well-established incorporated into the development concept as equity—at its core. The overall plan includes Minneapolis park system, the Luce Line is it evolved over 18 months. Specifically, MPRB guiding principles meant to ensure disparities are already being maintained as part of MPRB’s consulted with the City of Minneapolis (multiple eliminated rather than reinforced, and extensive overall budget. This will continue under the new departments including transportation, planning, efforts were made to include under-represented development concept. Because the trail length and economic development), Bassett Creek communities in the planning process (see is roughly the same as the existing trail, MPRB Watershed Management Commission, Three “Partner and Public Engagement” above, as well expects a generally similar maintenance need Rivers Park District, and MetroTransit. and cost. All of MPRB’s ordinances will apply to as the introductory process section of this plan). the revised trail alignment, as they do today.

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 246 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN One potential equity concern with the PUBLIC AWARENESS development concept for the new Luce Line MPRB will make the public aware of route is the relocation of the regional trail to the improvements to the Luce Line over time south side of the creek through the segment through e-notifications, press releases, direct that most closely approaches the northern communication with community engagement neighborhoods today—within Bassett’s Creek partners, and on-site signage. MPRB has a robust Park. Though the potential for a streamlined, standard notification process and will apply uninterrupted connection between Wirth Park this notification infrastructure to the Luce Line. and the Cedar Lake Trail is welcomed, the plan Furthermore, MPRB is initiating a project (funded must also ensure that the Harrison neighborhood by Parks and Trails Legacy dollars) to better in particular is not excluded unintentionally connect transit riders to the regional parks. from trail access. Several elements outside of This project may include on-transit advertising the specific bounds of the Luce Line master and mapping, at-station information, and/or plan will help accomplish this goal. The existing ambassadors. It is expected to roll out in 2019 Luce Line trail corridor will be preserved as a and 2020. local trail within Bassett’s Creek Park, and will connect with the Luce Line at the eastern end of the park. The new creek bridges envisioned ACCESSIBILITY in the development concept will provide several The new Luce Line trail will be constructed linkages between north and south that do to meet or exceed ADA standards, as applied not exist today. Neighborhood connections at to accessible routes, trailside infrastructure, Chestnut (near Cedar Lake Road) and through restrooms, and other regional trail amenities. the Fruen Mill via Inglewood will be retained. The development concept will in fact allow for improved accessibility be eliminating the The primary benefit in terms of equity for the multiple on-street segments, street crossings, new Luce Line routing is an easier connection to and curb ramps. A more streamlined route that recreational amenities at Wirth Park. Today, it is retains neighborhood connections will be a very hard for Harrison neighborhood residents to vast improvement in accessibility over existing access Wirth Park, despite its proximity. Highway conditions. 55 (Olson Highway) and Glenwood Avenues can be difficult to cross. An improved Luce Line route will allow easy access by foot or bicycle into the heart of Wirth and to trails west. Because of the racial and economic make-up of the Harrison neighborhood (and the low car ownership), this connection has direct equity benefits.

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 247 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN COSTLUCE ESTIMATE LINE REGIONAL TRAIL PROPOSED ASSETS

2019 ESTIMATED Park Name Project COST/PROJECT NOTES

Acquisition cost not provided at this time, due to Luce Line Acquire Rail Corridor pending negotiation Creek Corridor Enhancement: eastern segment Luce Line between Cedar Lake Road and Van White $ 94,919 Luce Line Paved Multi-use Trail (approx. 2.3 miles) $ 2,232,415 Paved Pedestrian Trail: eastern segment between Luce Line Cedar Lake Road and Van White $ 151,870 Luce Line Bridges: renovate 4 existing railroad bridges $ 911,220 Luce Line Bridges: 2 new bridges on Bryn Mawr spur $ 455,610 Luce Line Signalized trail crossing of BNSF corridor $ 227,805

Luce Line Miscl. signs, trees, furniture $ 81,477

Luce Line TOTAL $ 4,155,315

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 248 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION In 1930 the park board received a petition from residents of the area for plans and estimates SHINGLE CREEK Shingle Creek Regional Trail runs approximatley for the acquisition and development of Shingle 2.52 miles through the very northernmost Creek from Webber Park to the city limits. The neighborhoods of the city. It connects to the park board extended the concept, asking park REGIONAL TRAIL Three Rivers Park District portion of the Shingle superintendent Theodore Wirth to prepare plans Creek Regional Trail at the northern city limit for Shingle Creek from Webber Park to its source. and travels southeasterly along Shingle Creek LOCATION In 1931 Wirth presented the requested plans and to North Mississippi Regional Park and Victory estimates—and that was the last heard of Shingle Memorial Parkway at Webber Park. It includes Creek for another fifteen years. In a discussion lands on either side of Shingle Creek, which cuts of a proposed Hennepin County park authority, at an angle across the city grid, and a paved however, Wirth did produce a map in the 1930 multi-use trail that crosses and recrosses the annual report that showed the possible park creek, using either roadway bridges or dedicated developments in northwest Minneapolis and the ped/bike bridges. Two major use areas feature northwest suburbs. He marked Shingle Creek on more neighborhood-oriented facilities, but even that map as a proposed acquisition within the these are within the regional trail boundary city of Minneapolis and recommended a parkway are so are covered in this master plan. Shingle along the entire length of the stream to Eagle Creek Regional Trail does not have an adopted Lake. regional trail master plan. For the purposes of this plan, Shingle Creek should be considered The impetus to acquire Shingle Creek as a park a “destination regional trail,” as it includes eventually came not from the park board or numerous facilities that draw people to it, and residents of the neighborhood, but from the city features land area beyond simply the trail corridor sewer department and city council. Following itself. World War II Minneapolis experienced a severe shortage of housing and one area of the city that PARK HISTORY had yet to be developed for housing was the area of northwest Minneapolis surrounding Shingle The first petition from citizens for a park along Creek. The area hadn’t been developed because Shingle Creek came to the park board in 1905, it was low, swampy land. The solution, in the eyes but that petition was targeted at land that of city officials, was to lower the bed of Shingle later became Camden (Webber) Park. With the Creek to drain the entire region and make it dry acquisition and development of Camden Park enough for housing construction. The city agency on the creek in 1908, there was little demand for that could do it was the park board. more parks in the neighborhood for many years.

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 249 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN Legend Shingle Creek Park Boundary City of Minneapolis Boundary Brooklyn Center Other Park Boundaries

Minneapolis Land Cover (MLCCS dataset) PENN

KNOX Artificial Surfaces (<96% vegetation) JAMES

IRVING

LOGAN

OLIVER

NEWTON MORGAN UPTON Planted or Cultivated Vegetation Woodland 52ND Herbaceous Open Water

Regional Trail 6TH

GIRARD COLFAX

CAMDEN DUPONT

FREMONT Canopy Enhancement Zone 51ST 51ST SHINGLE CREEK HUMBOLDT PARK GREENWAY

50TH

BRYANT ALDRICH Shingle Creek

BOHANON

PENN

KNOX

QUEEN

UPTON

OLIVER LOGAN

RUSSELL

THOMAS

VINCENT NEWTON

MORGAN SHERIDAN WASHBURN PARK NORTH MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRAIL 49TH 49TH 49TH AVENUE CORRIDOR

48TH

47TH EMERSON 47TH 47TH 47TH

Shingle Creek

PENN

QUEEN

OLIVER

RUSSELL SHERIDAN 46TH 46TH

OSSEO

COLFAX

UPTON

VINCENT THOMAS WASHBURN SHINGLE CREEK LYNDALE

VICTORY MEMORIAL

KNOX

JAMES LOGAN IRVING NEWTON MORGAN VICTORY MEMORIAL PARKWAY VICTORY MEMORIAL PARKWAY MEMORIAL VICTORY MEMORIAL PARKWAY 45TH 45TH

VICTORY

VICTORY

HUMBOLDT PENN

PARK OLIVER UPTON MORGAN WEBBER 44TH PARK 44TH

WEBBER

VINCENT

PENN

KNOX

JAMES

QUEEN LOGAN UPTON IRVING

OLIVER

GIRARD

THOMAS

MORGAN NEWTON RUSSELL

SHERIDAN

FREMONT

HUMBOLDT WASHBURN

DUPONT

EMERSON LAND COVER: SHINGLE CREEK REGIONAL

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 250 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN Although the acquisition and development 1940s and early 1950s at Waite Park, Armatage side of creek. In 1998 an arson fire damaged of Shingle Creek was not on the park board’s Park, and Kenny Park and the two boards the Creekview Recreation Center, but it was extensive “Postwar Progress” agenda, the park pursued a similar strategy at Shingle Creek. reopened in 1999. board went along with the city’s request to The creek bed was relocated, lowered, and Extensive improvements were made to the acquire the land for storm-water drainage widened, and ball fields, a wading pool and playground at Creekview from 2005 to 2007. purposes. The city issued bonds to fund the tennis courts were built at what was later named A skate park was built, a baseball field was project (in an amount greater than would be Creekview Park along the creek. Construction upgraded with a grant from the Minnesota Twins, approved for all but a few park projects over of a recreation shelter was begun in 1958 and new playground equipment was installed, and the next fifteen years). The park board first completed in 1959 near the site where the school a computer lab was created in the recreation designated for acquisition about seventy acres of board built Floyd B. Olson Junior High School a center. land in a 300-foot-wide strip along two miles of couple of years later. The initial work at the creek the creek in 1946. The park board’s annual report lowered the creek bed by five feet. The lowering of 1947 announced that the acquisition of the EXISTING CONDITIONS of the creek bed also required the relocation of land had been started but not completed. Finally Shingle Creek Regional Trail today does provide a the creek through Webber Park, which required in 1948 the park board concluded transactions to connected creekside experience, on which users moving some playground equipment, filling the acquire slightly more than 55 acres for the park can continue seamlessly northward through old channel and slightly enlarging the lagoon. with a few more acres added the following year. suburban Hennepin County. The creek itself is a Work on the creek did not resume in earnest lovely feature, and it does create the same green The park board’s reticence to acquire the park until 1962. In the annual report of that year the corridor break in the city grid that Minnehaha in view of more urgent needs may have been park board expressed its goal over the next five Creek does. The park has three main use areas, responsible for the slow development of the years: to produce an area along Shingle Creek which are described separately below and in the creek as a park. Tentative plans for the park “similar to Minnehaha Creek.” development concept later in this section: the were not introduced until 1951 at which time In 1977, during a construction boom in creek corridor, the Creekview park area on the park superintendent Charles Doell noted again Minneapolis parks, the park board completed east side of the creek between 49th and 50th that the principal objective of the project was a new recreation center at Creekview Park Avenues, and the Shingle Creek park area on the drainage and that provisions for a park were attached to Olson Junior High (now a middle west side of the creek between 49th and 52nd incidental. It took another seven years before school) which allowed both park and school Avenues. work on the creek began. With more bonds, use of facilities in both buildings. In 1979 a augmented by an assessment on property in pedestrian and bike pathway along the creek Creek Corridor the area, the park board initiated the process of was financed by a state grant and city bonds, and Shingle Creek and its associated trails enter the lowering the creek and grading the land around that winter the park board developed a cross- city of Minneapolis at its northern boundary at it. The board focused on the area between 50th country ski trail along the creek. A renovation of 53rd Avenue. The trail entry from Three Rivers’s and 52nd avenues north where it had developed the playground at Creekview was funded in 1980. trail of the same name is a tricky one, because plans for a playground in a joint project with Further improvements were made to the trails it ducks behind a series of garages and then the school board. Joint school and park along the creek in 1993 and in 1996 a “Children’s makes a hard 90-degree turn to follow the creek. developments had proven successful in the late Forest” of 150 trees was planted on the south Once past this pinch point, the trail follows the

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 251 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN Legend Shingle Creek Park Boundary North Service Area Boundary

City of Minneapolis Boundary Parcel Boundaries

PENN

KNOX JAMES

IRVING

LOGAN

OLIVER

NEWTON

MORGAN UPTON

52ND 6TH

GIRARD COLFAX

CAMDEN DUPONT

FREMONT

51ST 51ST

SHINGLE CREEK PARK

50TH BRYANT

Shingle Creek ALDRICH

PENN

QUEEN

UPTON

OLIVER LOGAN

RUSSELL

THOMAS

VINCENT NEWTON

MORGAN

SHERIDAN

WASHBURN KNOX

49TH 49TH

48TH EMERSON 47TH 47TH 47TH

47TH

PENN

QUEEN

OLIVER

RUSSELL SHERIDAN 46TH 46TH

OSSEO

COLFAX

UPTON

VINCENT THOMAS WASHBURN

LYNDALE SHINGLE CREEK

VICTORY MEMORIAL

KNOX

JAMES LOGAN IRVING

NEWTON MORGAN MEMORIAL 45TH 45TH

VICTORY

HUMBOLDT

PENN

OLIVER

UPTON MORGAN 44TH 44TH

WEBBER

VINCENT

PENN

KNOX

JAMES

QUEEN LOGAN UPTON IRVING

OLIVER

GIRARD

THOMAS

MORGAN NEWTON RUSSELL

SHERIDAN

FREMONT

HUMBOLDT WASHBURN

DUPONT

EMERSON PROPERTY OWNER MAP: SHINGLE CREEK REGIONAL

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 252 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN northern bank of the trail smoothly. Just west around a neighborhood recreation center, diamonds. A large hill in the eastern portion of of this portion of the creek is a large complex of which, though not a contributing nor allowable the park is used regularly in winter for sledding. wetlands operated by the City of Minneapolis feature in the regional park, is located within A pedestrian trail along the creek in this area for stormwater purposes. Trails around these the regional park boundary. The center is connects the Creekview bridge to another bridge wetlands connect to the Shingle Creek trails, surrounded by play areas (one with a unique at 51st Avenue, but trails do not extend further giving the impression this is part of the park. multi-level slide—whee!), a multiuse ball diamond on this side of the creek. (without enough space for a true outfield), and The creek flows southeasterly and the trail follows Overall, the Shingle Creek corridor provides a skate park. The skate park was one of the early it all the way to Creekview Recreation Center important regional connections and local implementations of this type of facility by MPRB and 49th Avenue. Here it connects with the amenities. It has the bones—as in: property and is not considered a high quality amenity. 49th Avenue corridor, part of North Mississippi ownership—to become a truly marvelous corridor, Adjacent to the recreation center is Olson Middle Regional Park, which extends eastward to the but its not quite there yet. It lacks a few key School, which has open green space land (not river. The trail then turns nearly due south and connections and has several pinch points within the park boundary) between its building follows Humboldt Avenue to 47th Avenue, then which make trail use less than comfortable. and the creek. At the south end of this area is cuts back southeasterly and follows the creek The creek itself is in need of continued water an open water storm pond operated by the City very closely to 45th Avenue. Here, the trail again quality improvement, something that might of Minneapolis. An important pedestrian bridge experiences a pinch point, as it follows 45th be accomplished in part by alterations to the connects this area to the Shingle Creek park area Avenue on-street across the creek and over an at- creek itself, such as with riffles and pools. on the other side. grade crossing of a railroad into Webber Park. Modification of the creek must be coordinated with the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Along the route of the creek, several pedestrian Shingle Creek Park Area Commission. bridges span the creek and provide connections The area known as Shingle Creek Park is to neighborhoods on the south side of the located on the west side of the creek, opposite Furthermore, improved interaction with the watercourse. A pedestrian underpass exists at Creekview, and stretches from 49th Avenue creek itself is worthwhile. By creating areas 49th Avenue, though most crossings are at-grade. northwards to the intersection of Penn Avenue where people can get down and touch the creek, the park can better fulfill its regional natural Throughout the creek corridor the landscape and 52nd. It consists generally of three triangle resource-based recreation goals. That in turn will features woodland along the creek, with heavy shaped areas created from the angles of the instill a desire to further improve and protect the vegetation (some invasive) that prevents visibility creek and street grid. The southernmost, just creek and its natural and recreational assets. of the creek itself. Few opportunities exist to north of 49th Avenue, is home to a single multi- interact with the creek, save for views from the use diamond. The northernmost, between 51st pedestrian bridges. and Penn, just north of Kipp Minnesota School, is BOUNDARY AND ACQUISITION home to a premier baseball diamond, complete No additional land acquisition is proposed in this with dugouts, scoreboard, and outfield fence. Creekview Park Area regional trail master plan. The middle triangle, adjacent to 50th Avenue, The area known as Creekview Park is located features the most amenities. It includes to a between 49th Avenue and 51st Avenue on the play area, wading pool, restroom building, full- east side of the creek. The park is centered court basketball court, and two multi-use ball

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 253 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN NATURAL AREA IMPROVEMENTS

IMPROVED “ART” BRIDGE

NEW SEPAK TAWKRA COURTS

MULTI-USE FIELD Canopy Enhancement NEW TRAIL CONNECTION Zone: reestablish low growing native understory for increased visibility/ PREMIER BASEBALL FIELD safety

SKATE PARK NEW NATURE PLAY

IMPROVED PLAY AND NEW SIGNAGE POOL FACILITIES KIOSK/TRAILHEAD

NEW PLAY AREA WINTER SLEDDING HILL BOHANNON PICKLEBALL COURT PARK

IMPROVED “ART” BRIDGE

MULTI-USE DIAMOND IMPROVED “ART” BRIDGE ADULT FITNESS PLAY

NATURAL AREA IMPROVEMENTS

PROPOSED PLAN: SHINGLE CREEK REGIONAL

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 254 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT (AND COSTS) 1. Trails: overlooks to the creek, places to stop and linger, and landmarks in the landscape. The overall concept for Shingle Creek Regional a. A new continuous pedestrian trail along Trail makes some targeted changes in the the western side of the creek, from the b. A new creek crossing at the northern end three previously described use areas, without city storm ponds to 49th Avenue of Penn Avenue fundamentally changing the character of the b. A new continuous pedestrian trail along park itself. In the description of the concept the western side of the creek from 46th 3. Creek and Vegetation: that follows, note that MPRB understands that Avenue to 45th Avenue and Webber Park some proposed elements may not be typical a. Continued collaboration on water quality c. Improvement of bicycle trail pinch points within regional facilities. However, Shingle Creek improvements throughout the watershed at the northern city limits, 51st Avenue is a bit of a hybrid between a regional and a and 52nd Avenue b. Addition of in-creek water quality and neighborhood facility (something also recognized aesthetic improvements, such as riffles d. Improvement of trail crossings at 52nd by MPRB’s capital equity metrics, which evaluate and pools, especially in the vicinity of Avenue near the northern city limit, 49th the regional park as a whole and also the Shingle Creekview and Shingle Creek Creek and Creekview park areas as separate Avenue, and 45th Avenue near Webber c. A canopy enhancement zone stretching neighborhood parks). These descriptions include Park from 52nd Avenue to 49th Avenue, where all development proposed by MPRB, whether e. Improved wayfinding signage throughout more aggressive pruning and removal of or not certain items would be allowable under the trail corridor, especially at trail opportunistic and invasive species would regional or state funding. The vast majority of intersection nodes at the northern city take place. This zone would be planted these items, of course, are regionally appropriate, limit, at Creekview Park/49th, and at with low growing native understory in and it is there that future regional and state Webber Park order to increase visibility to and across funding will be focused. The development f. Addition of trail mileage markers along the creek for both aesthetic and safety concepts for the park’s three main use areas are the bicycle trail reasons. described separately below. g. Addition of a fitness circuit on the trails d. New touch-the-creek moments near Creekview and Shingle Creek Creek Corridor throughout the corridor, which may The design for the creek corridor itself retains and consist of stepping stones to the water’s edge, accessible ramps to water’s improves the basic geography of the creekway 2. Bridges: and its adjacent trails. The development concept edge plaza spaces, or other simple a. Reconstruction of existing bridges, is described below, by categories of amenities: interventions to allow more direct access especially those near the Creekview and to the water. Shingle Creek Park areas, as artistically inspired and designed bridges, which would serve not just as passages but as

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 255 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN NORTH MISSISSIPPI RIVER REGIONAL PARK

NEW SIGNAGE KIOSK/TRAILHEAD

NATURAL AREA IMPROVEMENTS

NEW PICNIC + URBAN AGRICULTURE AREA

VICTORY MEMORIAL PARKWAY NATURAL AREA IMPROVEMENTS

WEBBER PARK

NORTH MISSISSIPPI RIVER REGIONAL PARK

NEW SIGNAGE KIOSK/TRAILHEAD

PROPOSED PLAN: SHINGLE CREEK REGIONAL

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 256 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN Creekview Park Area courts, and the neighborhood in which this park wholeheartedly supported by the community, The Creekview area of Shingle Creek Regional sits has a high desire to have them. As with the just that MPRB must rely in part on community Trail will remain organized mainly as it is today, pickleball courts above, the location of these efforts to make it a reality with the addition of a few specialized facilities courts along a regional trail will invite players to meant to draw new users of underserved bike down from Brooklyn Park and elsewhere Shingle Creek Park Area demographics to the park. The play area remains to play. A small open air picnic shelter provides The Shingle Creek area will see minimal change in its existing location. The skate park is relocated shady relaxation space nearby. under the proposed design. Both the northern and southern ball diamonds remain, and the and expanded and improved to a location One key aspect of the Creekview plan is the wading pool, play area, and restroom building behind the recreation center and middle school. possible expansion of the recreation center. are refurbished in their current locations. The This facility would exist partly on park and partly The community’s goal with this expansion is basketball court, being very popular, is expanded on school property, but would undoubtedly to create more community space and to also to include a half-court facility to allow multiple serve the population attending the school. In a create space for a café or coffee shop. These food games and use by varying ages. A nature play similar vein of coordination, the large multiuse ventures could be successful due to the absence area is added near the creek north of the field behind the school could be programmed of any commercial uses in the entire northern basketball court. The winter sledding hill is collaboratively with MPRB and improved for that tier of the city, and the fact that Creekview sits unchanged. The two multi-use diamonds near use. at a hub of trails on which bicyclists can make the play areas are decommissioned in favor of The multi-use diamond is removed in favor of a large interconnected loops in several directions, simple open multi-use field space. The design bank of four pickle-ball specific courts. This sport including up into adjacent cities. One interim for this part of the park invests in the existing is growing significantly in popularity among option would be to create a food truck / coffee facilities to ensure they provide a high quality seniors, and this would be the first dedicated truck courtyard north of the recreation center to park experience. pickleball courts on the Minneapolis system. test the viability of a commercial venture. Their location at a regional trail hub will also This possible expansion is one of the four “big encourage use from outside the city by people moves” in the NSAMP plan—visions that reach visiting by bicycle. A small open air shelter somewhat beyond the scope of the plan and provides relaxation space for those using or potentially beyond the funding ability of MPRB. watching both the play area and the courts. A commercial partnership would have to be Near 51st Avenue, within the park boundary, carefully vetted by MPRB, and expansion of a four new speak tawrka courts will invite a new recreation center does require additional analysis user group into the regional park. This game is through the RecQuest project, and possible primarily played by Asian community members, assistance with funding from community and is essentially a type of volleyball played with and/or private sources. That’s not to say this the feet and body. Minneapolis has no such isn’t a viable and important vision that is

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 257 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN HUMBOLDT GREENWAY PROPERTY

HUMBOLDT AVE N

51ST AVE N CREEKVIEW PARK AREA

MULTI-USE DIAMOND

CREEKVIEW PLAYGROUND RECREATION CENTER

OLSON MIDDLE SCHOOL SKATE PARK

MULTI-USE DIAMOND

SHINGLE CREEK PARK AREA N KNOX AVE

SHINGLE CREEK REGIONAL TRAIL N 49TH AVE

EXISTINGExisting Conditions: CONDITIONS: Willard CREEKVIEW PARK AREA

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 258 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN HUMBOLDT GREENWAY PROPERTY

NEW SIGNAGE KIOSK / TRAILHEAD

HUMBOLDT AVE N

OPEN LAWN

PICKLE BALL

SHELTER POSSIBLE BUILDING EXPANSION EXISTING PLAY AREA

NEW PLAY AREA OLSON MIDDLE SCHOOL OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

EXISTING PLAY AREA

SKATE PARK

IMPROVED “ART” BRIDGE 49TH AVE N 49TH AVE

MULTI-USE FIELD EX. DIAMOND 51ST AVE N

NEW SEPAK TAWKRA COURTS N KNOX AVE NEW SHELTER

PROPOSEDProposed Plan: Willard PLAN: CREEKVIEW PARK AREA

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 259 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN SHINGLE CREEK REGIONAL TRAIL JAMES AVE N JAMES AVE MORGAN AVE N MORGAN AVE PENN AVE N PENN AVE

BRIDGE

51ST AVE N

PREMIER DIAMOND

KIPP MINNESOTA SHINGLE CREEK SCHOOL MULTI-USE FIELD BASKETBALL + DIAMONDS

This full-court basketball court is in very poor condition and is in need of repair. SLEDDING HILL

PLAYGROUND

WADING POOL CREEKVIEW PARK PROPERTY

SHINGLE CREEK PARK AREA 50TH AVE N

PLAYGROUND PARK BUILDING

EXISTING CONDITIONS: SHINGLE CREEK PARK AREA

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 260 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN RIFFLE/ POOL CROSS VANES Improve water quality and heighten creek prescience

“ART” BRIDGE + ORNAMENTAL TREES Create neighborhood identity

ADULT FITNESS STATION

NEW TRAIL SEGMENT Develop loops between bridges (.5 mi.) JAMES AVE N JAMES AVE MORGAN AVE N MORGAN AVE EXISTING PREMIER MULTI-USE FIELD PENN AVE N PENN AVE DIAMOND + BATTING + DIAMONDS CAGES RIFFLE/ POOL CROSS VANES

IMPROVED “ART” BRIDGE

ADULT FITNESS STATIONS

51ST AVE N NEW NATURE PLAY

KIPP MINNESOTA SHINGLE CREEK SCHOOL

Canopy Enhancement Zone: EXPANDED BASKETBALL reestablish low growing native understory for increased visibility/ safety MULTI-USE FIELD

IMPROVED PLAY AND POOL FACILITIES

PICNIC AREA

50TH AVE N WINTER SLEDDING HILL

“ART” BRIDGE + ORNAMENTAL TREES

PROPOSED PLAN: SHINGLE CREEK PARK AREA

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 261 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN DEMAND FORECAST PUBLIC SERVICES PARTNER AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Shingle Creek Regional Trail sees 146,000 Shingle Creek is located in a developed Extensive community and partner engagement visits per year, according to the 2017 Regional urban area with extensive public services. No took place as part of the North Service Area Parks System Use Estimate. This places Shingle additional public services are necessary for the Master Plan, the MPRB planning effort of which Creek at the lower end of the spectrum among implementation of the development concept. Shingle Creek was a part. The engagement Minneapolis regional trails, and the lowest use process unfolded over more than 18 months and among destination trails. Shingle Creek was OPERATIONS involved a wide variety of initiatives, more than originally envisioned as a northern version of 100 direct engagement events, and personal As an existing part of the well-established Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail (1,386,200 contacts with thousands of park users and area Minneapolis park system, Shingle Creek is visits), but it currently lacks some of the same residents. The development plan was finally already being maintained as part of MPRB’s natural resource amenities and interconnections. vetted in a series of public Community Advisory overall budget. This will continue under the If these were improved according to the Committee (CAC) meetings in June and July of new development concept. Due to some development concept in this master plan, MPRB 2018, which resulted in a recommendation by changes in the mix of amenities in the regional expects use will increase, potentially three- or the CAC to support the development concept. trail area (most notably the reduction of four-fold. One of the main reasons Minnehaha The summary of the engagement process multi-use diamonds), it is expected that the Parkway sees almost ten times the visits as is included on pages X to X in the project overall maintenance cost will decline as the Shingle Creek is the former’s connectivity to the introduction section. development concept is implemented (see rest of the Grand Rounds. Shingle Creek has this “Operations Estimate”). However, the community Within that overall process Shingle Creek potential, too as it connects directly to Victory has expressed significant desire for enhanced constituted one of the targeted work groups. The (Wirth) Memorial Parkway and North Mississippi general and natural resource maintenance along Shingle Creek Work Group convened multiple Regional Park. As MPRB’s trail and park network the corridor, which is supported by the natural times to help envision and design the entire park is extended southward through the gradual resource elements of the development concept. area. The community had direct involvement implementation of Above the Falls Regional Should that enhanced maintenance occur, it will with the project throughout the design process. Park, Shingle Creek will also achieve greater be funded through MPRB’s annual budgeting connectivity and therefore benefit. Furthermore, Partner agencies were also consulted throughout process and departmental budgets (with planned natural resource enhancements will the planning process and comments were appropriate reimbursement through MPRB’s draw additional interest and visits. incorporated into the development concept as share of state O&M funding). All of MPRB’s it evolved over 18 months. Specifically, MPRB ordinances will apply within the regional trail, as consulted with the City of Minneapolis (multiple CONFLICTS they do today. departments including transportation, planning, No known conflicts exist with other projects in and economic development), Shingle Creek the Shingle Creek Regional Trail area. Watershed Management Commission, and Three Rivers Park District.

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 262 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN EQUITY ANALYSIS particularly Hmong and Lao people. No such the Minneapolis section can benefit underserved courts exist in Minneapolis, and the location groups in multiple cities, making this a truly The North Service Area Master Plan as a whole, and design of these proposed courts arose from regional corridor. it must be noted, has equity—specifically racial direct consultation with sepak players. equity—at its core. The overall plan includes guiding principles meant to ensure disparities are Another overarching equity consideration is to PUBLIC AWARENESS eliminated rather than reinforced, and extensive provide like facilities in different parts of the MPRB will make the public aware of efforts were made to include under-represented MPRB system, regardless of income levels near improvements to Shingle Creek over time communities in the planning process (see these parks. Parallels are easily made between through e-notifications, press releases, direct “Partner and Public Engagement” above, as well Minnehaha and Shingle Creeks. However, communication with community engagement as the introductory process section of this plan). the connectivity of trails, number of bridges, partners, and on-site signage. MPRB has a robust quality of natural environment, and other park Shingle Creek Regional Trail is the primary standard notification process and will apply amenities are not as pronounced at Shingle park amenity in the northernmost section of this notification infrastructure to Shingle Creek. as they are at Minnehaha. Though incomes in Minneapolis. This area is unique in skewing Furthermore, MPRB is initiating a project (funded the neighborhoods around Shingle Creek tend demographically older than other north side by Parks and Trails Legacy dollars) to better to be higher than the north side as a whole, neighborhoods, and also in having a higher connect transit riders to the regional parks. they are still significantly lower than in those than average population of people of Asian This project may include on-transit advertising neighborhoods around Minnehaha Creek. By descent. The specific equity considerations and mapping, at-station information, and/or augmenting amenities at Shingle Creek, as in the development concept address these ambassadors. It is expected to roll out in 2019 called for in the development concept, MPRB two underserved groups, mainly through and 2020. can ensure equitable levels of service across its the introduction of new court facilities. Four system, when considering roughly equivalent pickleball-specific courts and four courts for ACCESSIBILITY park types. Improving Shingle as called for in sepak tawkra are proposed in the Creekview All new amenities in Shingle Creek will be this master plan signals a commitment to quality area of the park. Pickleball is rising significantly constructed to meet or exceed ADA guidelines, parks regardless of relative income across the in popularity among active older adults—a and older facilities will be gradually upgraded. city. demographic group that continues to grow in MPRB has an ADA Transition Plan that identifies Minneapolis and the state. Minneapolis currently Furthermore, Shingle Creek Regional trail all existing shortcomings, and has dedicated has no pickleball-specific courts, and these were continues northward through Brooklyn Center annual funding to improve accessibility a highly desired amenity among participants in and Brooklyn Park—cities with significant racial throughout the system. Shingle Creek would the planning process for Shingle Creek. Sepak diversity and areas of low income and wealth. be eligible for this funding, which is directed tawkra is a game like volleyball that is played The trail in these cities runs in a fairly narrow to projects year-by-year based on need and in with the feet and body. It is popular among corridor with limited amenities. Because of the coordination with other capital projects. Asian-Americans and recent Asian immigrants, good overall trail connection, improvements in

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 263 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN STEWARDSHIP PLAN understory. The exact management of this Shingle Creek is also impaired for biotic integrity area will be determined by MPRB forestry and and dissolved oxygen. From the SCWMC website: The natural resources within the boundary of environmental management staff under the Shingle Creek Regional Trail are and will continue Water quality standards also include standards guidance of this master plan. to be managed by MPRB’s environmental for aquatic life. The fish and macroinvertebrate management, asset management, and forestry communities in Shingle Creek and its tributary staff. Stewardship may occur in collaboration NATURAL RESOURCES Bass Creek have been found to be impacted by with partners including the City of Minneapolis Vegetation within Shingle Creek will be several stressors, resulting in a lack of species and the Shingle Creek Watershed Management managed as described in the “stewardship diversity. One significant stressor is low dissolved Commission and may also utilize MPRB’s youth plan” section. Water resources are a joint effort oxygen, which aquatic organisms need to survive. programs, like the Green Team. between MPRB, Shingle Creek Watershed Both streams have been straightened and widened to better carry flood flows. However, Two efforts currently near completion will Management Commission (SCWMC), and the this reduces habitat like rocky riffles and deeper provide additional guidance for stewarding City of Minneapolis. Because Shingle Creek is pools that aerate the water. natural resources at Shingle Creek and a relatively un-natural drainageway designed originally to dry out development areas in throughout the system. The Ecological System The development concept for Shingle the vicinity, all three of these agencies have a Plan will provide system-wide guidance on Creek Regional Trail calls specifically for the hand in water health. Shingle Creek itself is improving environmental performance. It will implementation of riffles and pools in the currently impaired for chloride—the primary identify management techniques, priorities Minneapolis portion of the creek, to help source being road salt. The greater Shingle for restoration and enhancement, and accomplish the TMDL plan for this factor. recommendations for habitat connectivity Creek watershed includes an extensive roadway Several stormwater management ponds flank and other environmental factors. This plan network that extends far beyond the boundaries the creek and are operated by the City of is expected to be adopted by MPRB is the on Minneapolis and MPRB jurisdiction. SCWMC’s Minneapolis. One of these (near Creekview first half of 2019. A natural areas inventory website describes the impairment as follows: Recreation Center) exists on MPRB lands within and management plan, also with expected Shingle Creek was the first stream in the state the regional park boundary. These wetlands help completion in 2019, will identify all natural to be designated an Impaired Water for excess improve water quality in the creek. Other than landscapes by type and provide specific guidance chloride, found at the USGS monitoring station these features, no other wetlands exist within for different maintenance regimes. This effort in 1996. Before that time, streams in Minnesota the regional park boundary. The development will evolve over time and can add or modify were rarely monitored for chloride, which is now concept is therefore expected to have no wetland natural areas as restoration and enhancement found at high levels in numerous streams in the impacts. takes place. Metro area. The 2007 TMDL (total maximum No part of the Shingle Creek regional Trail The Shingle Creek development concept daily load) required a 71% reduction in chloride, boundary lies within the Mississippi River specifically calls for a “canopy enhancement mostly from road salt. A 5 Year Review was Corridor Critical Area. zone,” which is both a restoration and safety completed in 2014, which found that while road effort. This area would see an opening of salt use has been reduced, there has been no the creekside forest for visibility and the re- improvement in stream water quality. establishment of a lower-growing native

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 264 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN PROCESSES SHINGLE CREEK REGIONAL TRAIL 1: General Input 2: Initial Concepts 3: The Preferred Concept Spring-Fall 2017 Winter 2018 Now Input themes prior to initial concepts Input themes on initial concepts Key elements of the concept

No aquatic facilities planned for this park outside Shingle no comments no comments Creek active area aquatics

no comments no comments No play facilities planned for this park outside of active areas play

No athletic facilities planned for this park outside of active no comments no comments areas athletics

no comments no comments No courts planned for this park outside of active areas courts

No winter activities planned for this park outside of active no comments no comments

winter areas

New vegetation management plan to retain naturalized, wilder, more wooded character in portions of corridor, with Desire for preservation of natural more forested, campus-like area near the heavy use areas at space near creek

landscape Shingle Creek Neighborhood Area and Creekview Recreation Center

no comments Enhance the character and ecological Work to improve ecological function of creek through quality of the creek itself; creek has improved stormwater management and better maintenance been treated like a sewer

Desire for community garden

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 265 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN SHINGLE CREEK REGIONAL TRAIL 1: General Input 2: Initial Concepts 3: The Preferred Concept Spring-Fall 2017 Winter 2018 Now Input themes prior to initial concepts Input themes on initial concepts Key elements of the concept

Concern about safety and security Strong support for expanded walking along creek, especially away from trails along both sides of creek active use areas Expand trail network to span both sides of creek, to create Connect to Northside Greenway walking loops "around" the creek Suggestion for mileage markers along trail

other Add more lighting on trails Support for art bridges New art-focused bridges at key trail crossings Improve connection to Three Rivers trail at northern end, and to Webber Park/North Mississippi at southern end Additional trail-hub kiosks and rest areas, especially at Creekview Recreation Center

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 266 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN PROCESSES SHINGLE CREEK REGIONAL: CREEKVIEW AREA and HUMBOLDT GREENWAY 1: General Input 2: Initial Concepts 3: The Preferred Concept Spring-Fall 2017 Winter 2018 Now Input themes prior to initial concepts Input themes on initial concepts Key elements of the concept

no comments Work on access to Olson pool No aquatic facilities planned for this park aquatics

Playground well liked no comments Traditional playground retained in same location play

Baseball diamonds not used Remove diamond in favor of courts and open lawn space no comments

athletics Need soccer/football field; area west Work with school to program multi-use field west of school of school is underused

Significant desire for pickleball Support for pickleball Four new pickleball-only courts

Neighborhood organization letter in Support for sepak takraw Four new sepak takraw courts

courts support of sepak takraw Basketball provided in Shingle Creek active use area (across Desire for basketball courts Support for basketball court creek)

no comments no comments No winter activities planned for this park winter

no comments no comments Enhance creekway and retention pond natural environment landscape

Desire for recreation center expansion, Possible recreation center expansion with café, or food truck with café/coffee shop plaza as interim solution Concern about relocation of skate park Skate park enhanced in same general location behind

other Skate park considered a positive away from Creekview recreation Creekview Recreation Center center

Desire for gathering/picnic shelters Two new gathering shelters, near court areas

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 267 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN PROCESSES

SHINGLE CREEK REGIONAL: SHINGLE CREEK PARK AREA 1: General Input 2: Initial Concepts 3: The Preferred Concept Spring-Fall 2017 Winter 2018 Now Input themes prior to initial concepts Input themes on initial concepts Key elements of the concept

Desire for upgrades to the wading Improve wading pool, rather than Improved wading pool in same location pool include splash pad aquatics

no comments no comments Improved traditional play areas in same location play

Remove two multi-use diamonds in favor of multi-use open field space Ball diamonds are not accessible Preserve baseball fields

athletics Retain two baseball diamonds north and south of main active area

Need more basketball courts no comments Improve full-court basketball and add half-court courts

Hill is great for sledding Sledding hill is important Impromptu sledding hill area retained free of obstructions

winter Concern that former ice rink is no Ice rink not included, but improved connections between longer there Shingle Creek area and Bohannon

no comments no comments Enhance creekway natural environment landscape

Great place to go for a walk, but need New trails along southern side of creek, to allow for walking more walking paths loops "around" the creek Strong support for trail along creek Lack of connection between parts of

other New art-focused pedestrian bridges at key creek crossings the park Support for skate park, some concern Bathroom building is in disrepair Skate park located near Creekview Recreation Center about secluded location

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 268 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN COST ESTIMATE

2019 ESTIMATED Park Name Asset Type Project COST/PROJECT NOTES

Shingle Creek Aquatics Wading Pool $ 854,268 Creekview Area: traditional play area in existing Shingle Creek Play container $ 806,809 Shingle Creek Area: traditional play area in existing Shingle Creek Play container $ 806,809 Shingle Creek Play Creek Corridor: nature play area $ 403,404 Shingle Creek Athletics Creekview Area: multi-use field $ 360,691

Shingle Creek Area: 2 premier diamonds, multi-use Shingle Creek Athletics field area (2 decommissioned diamonds) $ 2,695,691 Shingle Creek Courts Pickleball Court (4) $ 493,577 Shingle Creek Courts Basketball Court (1 full court, 1 half court) $ 199,329 Shingle Creek Courts Sepak Tawkra Court (4) $ 493,577 Shingle Creek Landscape Naturalized areas $ 1,471,240 Enhancement of creek course, with riffles, pools, Shingle Creek Landscape and access points $ 1,139,024 Shingle Creek Other Adult Fitness stations along creek $ 47,459 Final building scope not determined under NSAMP; will Shingle Creek Other Creekview Area: Building expansion $ - be considered by RecQuest. Shingle Creek Other Shingle Creek Area: renovate restroom building $ 569,512 Group picnic shelters: new shelter near courts Shingle Creek Other areas $ 208,821 Shingle Creek Other Skate Park $ 474,594 Renovate and add new walking paths and bicycle Shingle Creek Other trails $ 6,563,059 Shingle Creek Other Renovation of bridges as art-inspired overlooks $ 1,518,699 Reorganization of 45th Avenue intersection near Shingle Creek Other Webber Park $ 474,594 Shingle Creek Other Miscl. signs, trees, furniture $ 382,131

Shingle Creek TOTAL $ 19,963,290

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 269 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN 2019 ESTIMATED Park Name Asset Type Project COST/PROJECT NOTES

Shingle Creek Aquatics Wading Pool $ 854,268 Creekview Area: traditional play area in existing Shingle Creek Play container $ 806,809 Shingle Creek Area: traditional play area in existing Shingle Creek Play container $ 806,809 Shingle Creek Play Creek Corridor: nature play area $ 403,404

Shingle Creek Athletics Creekview Area: multi-use field $ 360,691

Shingle Creek Area: 2 premier diamonds, multi-use Shingle Creek Athletics field area (2 decommissioned diamonds) $ 2,695,691 Shingle Creek Courts Pickleball Court (4) $ 493,577 Shingle Creek Courts Basketball Court (1 full court, 1 half court) $ 199,329 Shingle Creek Courts Sepak Tawkra Court (4) $ 493,577

Shingle Creek Landscape Naturalized areas $ 1,471,240 Enhancement of creek course, with riffles, pools, Shingle Creek Landscape and access points $ 1,139,024

Shingle Creek Other Adult Fitness stations along creek $ 47,459 Final building scope not determined under NSAMP; will COSTShingle CreekESTIMATEOther (CONTINUED) Creekview Area: Building expansion $ - be considered by RecQuest. Shingle Creek Other Shingle Creek Area: renovate restroom building $ 569,512 Group picnic shelters: new shelter near courts Shingle Creek Other areas $ 208,821 Renovate and add new walking paths and bicycle Shingle Creek Other trails $ 6,563,059 Shingle Creek Other Renovation of bridges as art-inspired overlooks $ 1,518,699 Reorganization of 45th Avenue intersection near Shingle Creek Other Webber Park $ 474,594

Shingle Creek Other Miscl. signs, trees, furniture $ 372,639

Shingle Creek TOTAL $ 19,479,205

OPERATIONS ESTIMATE

SHINGLE CREEK (Includes Creekview) Total Per Unit   FACILITIES Operations Cost Qty Cost Nature Play $ 7,500 1$ 7,500 Outdoor Fitness $ 2,500 1$ 2,500 Multi‐use Diamond $ 20,000 ‐3$ (60,000) Half Court Basketball $ 1,000 1$ 1,000 Pickleball $ 1,000 4$ 4,000 Sepak Tawkra $ 1,500 4$ 6,000 Group Shelter $ 4,000 2$ 8,000 Trail Additions $ 5,000 1$ 5,000 Urban Agriculture $ 15,000 1$ 5,000 Difference $ (21,000)

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 270 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN LOCATION, HISTORY, AND EXISTING style here and in the park that now bears his THEODORE WIRTH CONDITIONS name. Theodore Wirth Parkway is part of the historic The corridor features mostly separated bicycle PARKWAY Minneapolis Grand Rounds. It begins a curving, and pedestrian pathways, though these two do wooded journey at the northern end of Theodore merge into combined corridors occasionally. Few Wirth Regional Park (at Golden Valley Road) roadways enter the park and connect with the and travels northward to Lowry Avenue, where parkway. McNair Avenue crosses the corridor the corridor straightens into the formal allees of just north of Golden Valley Road, providing an Victory Memorial Parkway. Officially, within the important potential connection from the near Twin Cities metropolitan regional park system, north side. North 26th Avenue intersects the this segment is a portion of the Victory (Wirth) parkway at a famous spot known as “sunset hill.” Memorial Parkway Regional Trail. The Victory Sledding is a favorite activity here in winter, and portion, which stretches north from Lowry and this intersection features a small parking lot, park then east across the city to Webber Park, has kiosk, and public art. North 29th Avenue also an adopted master plan, but the Wirth portion crosses the parkway, though there are no services does not—hence its inclusion in the NSAMP here. The most complicated and problematic process. This guidance for Wirth Parkway will be intersection is the interchange at Lowry Avenue considered, for Metropolitan Council purposes, and Broadway Avenue/Bottineau Boulevard. The to be an amendment to the Victory (Wirth) parkway intersects the former at grade, under the Broadway overpass. Exit ramps connect to LOCATION Memorial Parkway Regional Trail Master Plan. the parkway just south of the overpass. The tight Theodore Wirth parkway exists partly in the City space here and multiple crossings create conflict of Golden Valley and partly within Minneapolis. points for pedestrians and bicyclists, and the exit It consists of a typical Minneapolis parkway road ramps interrupt the flowing parkway experience (limited access, pink surface, wide curb tops) and for motorists. pedestrian and bicycle trails passing through a wide park corridor. The parkland here has fairly BOUNDARY AND ACQUISITION significant topographical change, especially at and north of 26th Avenue, where the land drops No additional land acquisition is proposed by this away steeply to the west. The landscape consists master plan amendment. of intermixed areas of open lawns and wooded enclaves, with many of the conifer groupings that were a signature of Theodore Wirth’s planting

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 271 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN 26TH AVE N 26TH AVE

VINCENT AVE N

W BROADWAY AVE

XERXES AVE N

YORK AVE N

ZENITH AVE N

LEGEND THEODORE WIRTH REGIONAL TRAIL BOUNDARY

LAND COVER (MLCCS DATASET)

PLANTED OR CULTIVATED VEGETATION WOODLAND HERBACEOUS ARTIFICIAL SURFACES (<96% VEGETATION) REGIONAL TRAIL

EXISTING CONDITIONS: THEODORE WIRTH PARKWAY

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 272 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT (AND COSTS) parkway area. These would connect to 3. Landscape and Natural Environment: the paved trail and provide direct access The concept for Wirth Parkway recognizes a. Existing tree canopy should be preserved from other mountain bike trails within and affirms the deep history of this segment in practically all cases, and should be Wirth Park. The exact design of these of the Grand Rounds, while enhancing natural augmented through regular successional trail loops is better determined in the resources, improving circulation, and adding a plantings as trees age. Increased species field, but they will be constructed under few amenities designed to increase use of the diversity is also important. Ongoing the best practices already employed parkway. The development concept is described dedication to the Wirthian copses of throughout the Minneapolis system for below (and shown in the accompanying graphic), conifers is also an important feature of trail construction. organized by type of element. the park that should be preserved and enhanced over time.

2. Intersections: b. The master plan proposes the addition 1. Trails and Roadways: of areas with naturalized groundcover, a. The Golden Valley Road intersection with a. The parkway remains in its current whether that be woodland floor, prairie, the parkway is planned to be improved location and configuration, with or savanna-type landscapes. The concept along with the Blue Line Extension emphasis on the historic character of drawing shows the general areas where light rail project. The free-right turns the roadway, including pavement color, this should take place, though the exact will be eliminated in favor of a four- special curbs, and limited access. extents and landscape types are better way stoplight-controlled intersection determined in the field at the time of b. The primary (bicycle) trail remains in its with high pedestrian and bicycle restoration. current location. accommodation. MPRB has collaborated c. The secondary (pedestrian) pathway that with Metro Transit on the design of runs the length of the corridor remains in this intersection. The proximity of this 4. Other Amenities: intersection to the proposed Golden its current location a. The parking lot at 26th Avenue North Valley Road station and the proposed d. Additional pedestrian linkages is retained as is, without expansion. No Bassett’s Creek Regional Trail (by Three are proposed to provide improved other parking lots are planned in the Rivers Park District) makes it likely to see connections to the surrounding park. high use. Intersection improvements neighborhood. These are proposed at here are warranted and necessary. b. A new open air shelter is located at the McNair, 23rd, 24th, 27th, and 29th. foot of the sunset hill, to provide shelter b. The Parkway/Lowry/Broadway e. The intersection between the new cross- for those watching sledders or picnickers interchange must be rethought for town 26th Avenue Bikeway is enhanced in summer. The shelter could be more improved pedestrian, bicycle, and with new bicycle routes traveling north substantial than a typical picnic pavilion, parkway motorist experience. The final and south along the parkway to connect perhaps with an area to prepare food or design will require collaboration with the to the primary bicycle trail. a fireplace for warmth. Cities of Minneapolis and Robbinsdale f. Mountain bike and cross-country ski trail and Hennepin County. Removal of loops are proposed in the core of the the entrance/exit ramps should be considered.

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 273 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN NEW SHELTER EX. SLEDDING HILL

NEW MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS NEW MOUNTAIN BIKE AND 26TH AVE N 26TH AVE CROSS_COUNTRY SKI TRAILS

VINCENT AVE N NEW NATURAL AREAS NEW PUBLIC ART W BROADWAY AVE

XERXES AVE N VALLEY VIEW PROPERTY

YORK AVE N

GOLDEN VALLEY RD ZENITH AVE N RECONFIGURED INTERSECTIONS LEGEND THEODORE WIRTH REGIONAL TRAIL FUTURE TRAIL HEAD BOUNDARY

FUTURE LRT TRANSIT NODE NATURAL AREAS PRIMARY PAVED PATH SECONDARY PAVED PATH UNPAVED PATH/TRAIL

PUBLIC ART

PROPOSED PLAN: THEODORE WIRTH PARKWAY

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 274 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN DEMAND FORECAST overall budget. This will continue under the new EQUITY ANALYSIS development concept. Because the amenities The overall Victory (Wirth) Memorial Parkway The North Service Area Master Plan as a whole, envisioned in the development concept are Regional Trail sees 524,200 visits per year, it must be noted, has equity—specifically racial generally the same as exist today, MPRB expects according to the 2017 Regional Parks System equity—at its core. The overall plan includes a generally similar maintenance need and cost. Use Estimate. This places Victory/Wirth around guiding principles meant to ensure disparities are However, some minor changes will lead to a the middle of the spectrum among Minneapolis eliminated rather than reinforced, and extensive slight increase in operations cost at build-out (see regional trails. The estimate does not separately efforts were made to include under-represented “Operations Estimate”). Of these additions, the count the Wirth and Victory segments. Because communities in the planning process (see mountain bike trails is likely to be maintained in the Wirth Parkway portion of the regional trail “Partner and Public Engagement” above, as well collaboration with MPRB’s existing trail partners, is already built and fully connected into the as the introductory process section of this plan). and may not result in an actual increase. All of Minneapolis Grand Rounds, and because this MPRB’s ordinances will apply within the regional The Theodore Wirth Parkway section of Victory amendment’s development concept does not trail boundary, as they do today. (Wirth) Memorial Parkway Regional Trail has envision a significant modification of existing limited equity impact beyond its inherent amenities, MPRB expects a fairly stable visitorship connectivity with the overall Grand Rounds in the future. PARTNER AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT system. Its existence allows for an easy ride or Extensive community and partner engagement walk between northside neighborhoods—which CONFLICTS took place as part of the North Service Area tend to have higher racial diversity and lower Master Plan, the MPRB planning effort of No known conflicts exist with other projects wealth than the city and region as a whole— which Theodore Wirth Parkway was a part. in the Victory (Wirth) Parkway area, though and Wirth Park and other parks to the south, The engagement process unfolded over more coordination with the City of Minneapolis including the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. than 18 months and involved a wide variety of and Hennepin County will be necessary if the The development plan proposes additional initiatives, more than 100 direct engagement Broadway/Lowry intersection/overpass is ever neighborhood connections to the park, but these events, and personal contacts with thousands of reconsidered or redesigned. adjacent neighborhoods tend to be average in park users and area residents. The development terms of wealth, age, and racial diversity. The PUBLIC SERVICES plan was finally vetted in a series of public proposed addition of a group picnic and winter Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings use shelter could encourage more families of Victory (Wirth) Parkway is located in a developed in June and July of 2018, which resulted in a color to use the park for large gatherings (as urban area with extensive public services. No recommendation by the CAC to support the noted in the Metropolitan Council’s 2014 study of additional public services are necessary for the development concept. The summary of the park use among people of color), but without an implementation of the trail. engagement process is included in chapter 2. explicit synergy of multiple uses, MPRB expects Partner agencies were also consulted throughout only minimal possible attraction of additional OPERATIONS the planning process and comments were users of color. As an existing part of the well-established incorporated into the development concept as The sledding hill is the largest draw to this park Minneapolis park system, Victory (Wirth) Parkway it evolved over 18 months. Specifically, MPRB area, and is used by residents from across the is already being maintained as part of MPRB’s consulted with the City of Golden Valley and north side. It may become even more popular MetroTransit.

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 275 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN due to the recently completed 26th Avenue ACCESSIBILITY landscapes by type and provide specific guidance bikeway, which links eastward into many for different maintenance regimes. This effort All new amenities Victory (Wirth) Parkway will be neighborhoods that do have lower economic will evolve over time and can add or modify constructed to meet or exceed ADA guidelines, indicators and higher percentages of people of natural areas as restoration and enhancement and older facilities will be gradually upgraded. color, but drawing these residents to the park takes place. MPRB has an ADA Transition Plan that identifies will require additional communication and all existing shortcomings, and has dedicated promotion. annual funding to improve accessibility NATURAL RESOURCES In essence, Wirth Parkway’s connectivity is throughout the system. Victory (Wirth) would Vegetation within the Theodore Wirth Parkway key for the system as a whole. It provides the be eligible for this funding, which is directed portion of Victory (Wirth) will be managed as north side of Minneapolis—which is home to to projects year-by-year based on need and in described in the “stewardship plan” section. The multiple underserved population groups—with coordination with other capital projects. landscape of this park is comprised of rolling a continuous recreational amenity. However, hills with forested areas and groves of specimen specific improvements that address equity will STEWARDSHIP PLAN trees. Some small areas of grassland vegetation rely more on promotion of the park than on the have been restored in the park over the years. The natural resources within the boundary of amenities themselves. The development concept envisions additional the Theodore Wirth Parkway portion of Victory grassland/prairie/savanna restoration. There (Wirth) Memorial Parkway Regional Trail are are, however, no water resources in this park, PUBLIC AWARENESS and will continue to be managed by MPRB’s and therefore no wetland impacts. No part of MPRB will make the public aware of environmental management, asset management, the Victory (Wirth) Memorial Parkway Regional improvements to Victory (Wirth) Parkway over and forestry staff. Stewardship may utilize Trail boundary lies within the Mississippi River time through e-notifications, press releases, direct MPRB’s youth programs, like the Green Team. Corridor Critical Area. communication with community engagement Two efforts currently near completion will partners, and on-site signage. MPRB has a robust provide additional guidance for stewarding standard notification process and will apply natural resources in Theodore Wirth Parkway this notification infrastructure to Victory (Wirth). and throughout the system. The Ecological Furthermore, MPRB is initiating a project (funded System Plan will provide system-wide guidance by Parks and Trails Legacy dollars) to better on improving environmental performance. connect transit riders to the regional parks. It will identify management techniques, This project may include on-transit advertising priorities for restoration and enhancement, and mapping, at-station information, and/or and recommendations for habitat connectivity ambassadors. It is expected to roll out in 2019 and other environmental factors. This plan and 2020. is expected to be adopted by MPRB is the first half of 2019. A natural areas inventory and management plan, also with expected completion in 2019, will identify all natural

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 276 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN PROCESSESTHEODORE WIRTH PARKWAY 1: General Input 2: Initial Concepts 3: The Preferred Concept Spring-Fall 2017 Winter 2018 Now Input themes prior to initial concepts Input themes on initial concepts Key elements of the concept

no comments no comments No aquatic facilities planned for this park aquatics

Suggestion for play area neat 26th No play facilities planned for this park; lack of play in Ave, as a way to serve neighborhoods Possible playground near 26th neighborhoods to southeast is solved by Russell Triangle play to the south east Extension

no comments no comments No athletic facilities planned for this park athletics

no comments no comments No court facilities planned for this park courts

Sunset Hill sledding very well loved Sunset Hill sledding area remains obstacle free Improve base of sledding hill with

winter Add more lights to users can enjoy benches, fire ring, or shelter New group gathering/picnic shelter at base of Sunset Hill park after work, especially in winter

Natural areas included throughout park, with a variety of no comments no comments possible landscape types, ranging from forest to prairie landscape

Add an amphitheater or large picnic New group gathering/picnic shelter at base of Sunset Hill pavilion here Significant support for additional trail Improved trail connections to LRT station lighting Revised trail connections and intersections at northern end other Suggest a variety of trail types at Lowry Overpass New mountain bike trail loops that connect with paved trails to Wirth Park Consider an off-leash dog area No off-leash dog areas planned for this park

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 277 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN COST ESTIMATE

2019 ESTIMATED Park Name Asset Type Project COST/PROJECT NOTES

Wirth Parkway Landscape Naturalized areas $ 702,398 Wirth Parkway Landscape Existing parking lot renovation $ 142,136 Wirth Parkway Landscape Revise intersection: Golden Valley Road $ - included as part of Bottineau LRT project Wirth Parkway Landscape Revise intersection: Lowry/Broadway $ 722,784

Wirth Parkway Other Group picnic shelters: new shelter near sports fields $ 104,411 Wirth Parkway Other Renovate walking paths, incl. additional paths $ 2,733,659 Wirth Parkway Other Mountain bike trails $ 23,730

Wirth Parkway Other Miscl. signs, trees, furniture $ 88,582

Wirth Parkway TOTAL $ 4,517,699

OPERATIONS ESTIMATE

THEODORE WIRTH PARKWAY Total Per Unit   FACILITIES Operations Cost Qty Cost Bicylcle Facility/Training Track $ 5,000 1$ 5,000 Group Shelter $ 4,000 1$ 4,000 Trail Additions $ 5,000 1$ 5,000 Difference $ 14,000

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD 278 NORTH SERVICE AREA MASTER PLAN