On July 29, 2025, community members, civic leaders, and philanthropic partners gathered to celebrate the start of construction at North Commons Park, marking the largest-ever investment in a Minneapolis neighborhood park. This momentous event represents years of community visioning and partnership, and the beginning of a new chapter for a park that has served generations of Northside residents.

“This is more than a park project. It’s an investment in equity, community, and the future of North Minneapolis,” said Jocelyn Hale, Interim Executive Director of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of so many donors, we’re proud to help bring a bold community vision to life with our $20 million campaign to transform North Commons Park into a place of opportunity, connection, and joy for generations to come.”

Images from the July 29 groundbreaking celebration can be seen below. All images are courtesy of Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

What’s Coming to North Commons

The 25.7-acre park is being reimagined to better serve today’s needs while honoring its deep legacy. Improvements include:

• New 22,000 square-foot fieldhouse quintuples indoor space for athletics and events and includes ramp, stair and elevator access to three full-size gyms and main-level walking track
• New entry lobby/lounge, concessions, fitness space and water park facilities on the west side of the fieldhouse
• Renovated and reconfigured community center with an enlarged teen room, kitchen, maker spaces for crafting, wellness, and activities for older adults, and an open lounge area
• New 40,000 square-foot water park accommodates 600+ people with a six-lane lap/open swim pool, separate areas for wading and deeper-water activities, two slides and a plunge area
• Enhanced south-side plaza and paths to North High School

Green space and mature tree stands at the south end of the park will be preserved, ensuring that natural beauty remains part of the North Commons Park identity.

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The Minneapolis Parks Foundation launched the Transforming North Commons Park campaign in early 2024, with a goal of raising $20 million in support of the project. So far, the campaign has received extraordinary support, including a $10 million lead gift, the largest in the Minneapolis Parks Foundation’s history. With $3.8 million to go, the campaign continues to welcome contributions of all sizes.

This public-private effort also includes critical support from all levels of government. To date, more than $22 million in funding has come from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the State of Minnesota, the City of Minneapolis, and federal sources.

Construction & Community Access

Construction will happen in phases through 2027. While the northeast corner of the park is currently fenced off, the community center and most of the park remain open, and summer programs are continuing. Northside families also have access to discounted swimming trips to nearby water parks while North Commons’ pool is closed.

Regular construction updates will be published by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and will be made available at NorthCommons.org