Reimagining what’s possible through our parks is part of our mission at the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. That’s why we we’re thrilled to partner with the community of North Minneapolis to launch a transformational renovation of North Commons Park. One of the oldest and largest neighborhood parks in our system, with one of the highest concentrations of young people anywhere in the state, North Commons Park is getting ready to welcome a whole new generation with community-driven youth development programs, new spaces for creativity and culture, and an updated campus of indoor courts and outdoor pools and gathering spaces designed to make the whole region stand up and cheer.

Ways You Can Get Involved:

1. Make a contribution to the campaign:

At $49 million, the North Commons renovation represents the largest investment ever made in a neighborhood park in the 140-year history of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board. North Commons will become an asset and a source of pride for the surrounding neighborhoods and the whole city. The Minneapolis Parks Foundation is committed to raising $23.5 million of philanthropic support to help transform North Commons Park. Join us today, thank you!

Click Here to Support North Commons Park!

All gifts made today will be generously matched 2:1 by The Wilson Foundation, up to $2 million.

See how the North Commons campaign is moving forward in our 2026 Campaign Update.
For additional information, contact:
Jennifer Downham, Chief Development Officer, at jdownham@mplsparksfoundation.org

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2. Stay up to date:

North Commons Park Breaks Ground! 

Construction is officially underway at North Commons Park. On Tuesday, July 29, community members, civic leaders, and supporters gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the largest-ever investment in a Minneapolis neighborhood park. This milestone marks the beginning of a multi-year transformation shaped by community vision and powered by public and private support.

Images courtesy of Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

Keep up to date with monthly project updates here:

2026

January Updates
February Updates
March Updates
April Updates
May Updates
June Updates
July Updates
August Updates
September Updates
October Updates

For additional project information, visit the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s North Commons Park project page.

Follow along as the work unfolds! Video courtesy of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

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3. Share the news:

Word of mouth is the most effective way to elevate the project. Please share the following North Commons Park news stories with your networks:

Minneapolis breaks ground on $45 million North Commons Park overhaul, by Sofia Barnett, The Minnesota Star Tribune.
Minneapolis’ North Commons Park to Undergo Historic Multimillion-Dollar Renovation, by Jordan De La Cruz, Hoodline.
Leaders gather to mark $45M revamp in Minneapolis park, by Samantha Fischer, Kare 11.
Largest-ever Minneapolis neighborhood park investment underway at North Commons Park, Insight News.
Turning new ground at North Commons Park, By Chris Hoglund, North News.

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4. Contact your elected representative and thank them for their continued support of North Commons Park through state bonding. Write a letter, send an email, make a phone call:

A special thank you to Senator Champion, Representative Agbaje, and Representative Lee, who represent the Northside and have been champions for North Commons Park!

Sample Thank You Email

Dear [Senator/Representative] [Last Name],

I’m writing to express my sincere thanks for your continued leadership and support of the transformative renovations happening at North Commons Park.

Your work to secure previous state funding for North Commons Park has been instrumental in moving this project forward. Because of that support, we’ve been able to reach important milestones and continue building momentum toward a park that will better serve families and residents in North Minneapolis and the entire region.

I’m also deeply grateful for your ongoing efforts to secure additional state dollars this session. Completing the North Commons Park transformation will create new opportunities for recreation, health, and community connection for generations to come.

Thank you again for your partnership and for your commitment to investing in parks and the communities they serve.

With appreciation,[Name]
[Title / Organization]

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Costs and Funding Sources

North Commons Park will be funded by a combination of sources; approximately 30% federal, state and city dollars; 30% from Park Board allocations; and 40% from philanthropic dollars raised by the Minneapolis Parks Foundation.

The Minneapolis Parks Foundation is committed to raising $23.5 million of this $49 million. Of which, it has secured more than $20 million in gifts and commitments for this project. We look forward to continuing our work with the community to raise additional funds to support the critical role North Commons plays in transforming lives and addressing equity in our communities.

Contact Us:

We look forward to continuing work with community members, donors, parks staff, partners and stakeholders to bring these exciting, once-in-a-generation renovation plans to life! For questions or feedback, please reach out to:

Jennifer Downham, Chief Development Officer, at jdownham@mplsparksfoundation.org
Shawn Lewis, Community Relations Manager, at slewis@mplsparksfoundation.org

Community Vision for the Future of North Commons Park:

North Commons Park renderings are courtesy of Locus Architecture.