“Unquestionably the Mississippi River should be preserved for the use and enjoyment of all our people and for those of the coming generations.”
Theodore Wirth
It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to contribute to a legacy on par with the world-class Minneapolis park system. But that’s exactly what we’re inviting you to do this summer with the public launch of the RiverFirst Capital Campaign. Already, dozens of contributors have helped us reach $16.7 million towards our ultimate $17.9 million goal. Now you have a chance to help bring Water Works and the Great Northern Greenway Overlook to life beginning in 2020.
This appeal comes as we’re on the brink of groundbreaking at Water Works and the Overlook in 2019. Both of these projects are the culmination of years of planning in and with community, with a goal of creating a more connected, creative, and inclusive park system.
Refined over several design phases and with extensive community input into a concept that embraces the site’s milling history and celebrates its significance to indigenous communities, Water Works will establish the Central Riverfront’s first (and much-needed) public pavilion, serving the area’s 2.5 million visitors, and providing the home for The Sioux Chef’s first restaurant. Water Works will also feature several places to gather and truly enjoy proximity to St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge.
Upstream, the new Overlook (phase 1 of the larger River Link project) will reclaim access to the Mississippi River for North Minneapolis, as the first new riverfront park in this community for nearly a generation. Conceived in part with leadership in visioning and engagement from youth designers from Juxtaposition Arts, the Overlook’s oval loop trail will perch on the riverbank and reward visitors with picturesque views in every season.
Become a Part of Something Transformational and Enduring
Our goal is to raise $250,000 for RiverFirst from the broader community during this phase of the campaign. Many donors just like you have helped us raise $89,000 toward our $250,000 public phase goal. Your gift of any amount is welcome and appreciated and will contribute to the collective legacy we leave through these new transformative parks. Thank you!
Supporting RiverFirst now will also double your impact, thanks to a challenge grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation which will match your contribution dollar-for-dollar. Here’s how:
- Donate online now
- Download and mail in a pledge form
- Call Jennifer Downham at 612.822.3401 to learn about other ways to give
For the first time in generations, Minneapolis has the opportunity to fulfill the founding vision of our parks system, by connecting every corner of the city to continuous riverfront parks and trails on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River.
If you are considering making a capital gift and would like a tour of the places your gift will help transform, please reach out to me (612.822.3403) or Jennifer Downham (612.822.3401) to schedule a visit.
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Image credit: TEN x TEN Landscape Architecture