Park News - June 2025

LYNNHURST PLAYGROUND
MPRB has developed a concept plan for the improvements project at Lynnhurst Park playground that will replace equipment and surfacing that is worn. New play elements include a climbing boulder, imaginative play structure geared to younger (2-5-year-old) children, and an accessible swing. Features based on popular elements from existing equipment include slider/zipline, multiple slides, monkey bars, sand play, small area for sand play in the 2-5-year-old play area. Existing swings (two sling-types and a tire swing) are in good condition and will be refurbished. New surfacing will combine engineered wood fiber (playground mulch) and poured-in place rubber. Improvements are planned for fall 2025.

WHITTIER AND CLINTIN FIELD PARKS
Construction at Whittier Park began the week of June 16 and will follow at Clinton Field Park at the end of June or in early July. Barring delays due to construction or weather, work at both parks is expected to be complete in the fall.
Improvements coming to Whittier Park include: a plaza with benches under existing large shade trees; new play area for 2-5-year-olds with expanded area for swings; new and additional play equipment for the 5-12-year-old play area; multiuse fenced court for futsal, basketball, and other hard-surface activities; third hoop for additional basketball play; and upgraded park amenities: pedestrian lights, picnic tables, benches, bike racks, stormwater management and walking paths.
At Clinton Field Park, a new futsal court will be constructed on the east side of the park off Fourth Avenue South.

TURTLES ON THE MOVE
The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is piloting ways to alert drivers and cyclists to areas where turtles cross parkways and bike paths including the following spots:
• Cedar Lake Parkway between the lake and Cedar Meadows Wetland
• East Lake of the Isles Parkway between James Ave. S. and Euclid Pl.
• West Lake Nokomis Parkway along Amelia Pond, southeast of Lake Nokomis
Keep an eye out on parkways and paths near lakes and ponds. If you move a turtle across a road, put it down facing same direction and minimize handling to prevent damage, especially to hatchlings. Report sightings of Minneapolis turtles at bit.ly/ReportATurtle.

THEODORE WIRTH TRAIL WORK
MPRB will improve trails throughout the southern half of Theodore Wirth Regional Park. Upcoming trail improvements are focused in the area of the park between Highway 55 and I-394. A new trail called “The Learning Corridor” will connect the Quaking Bog, Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, and Wirth Beach with a unified trail. The Quaking Bog boardwalk is also being replaced this year in a separate, but related project.