The Minneapolis Parks Foundation together our partner in the RiverFirst Initiative, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), are hard at work on moving forward this sweeping vision.
In this post, MPF gets you up-to-date on a few projects we’re currently working on. In the next couple of weeks, we’ll outline the significant progress MPRB is making on projects like Hall’s Island/Scherer and the East Bank Trail, among others.
Water Works
On December 2, the MPRB Board of Commissioners authorized its staff to proceed with several Water Works and 26th Ave N Trail Link & Pier activities. Dubbed “level 2 project activities,” the work includes underground testing, survey, schematic design, and design development at the two specified locations. The resolution stems from private sector support generated by MPF.
Meanwhile, MPF’s Research Assistants in Practice are focusing on an innovative aspect of the Water Works concept – rainwater reuse. The RAs – Han, Jonathan, and Chris – are teaming on researching how filtered and treated stormwater could be treated and repurposed in water features on the site. One of the team’s key deliverables – a working scale model of the proposed system. Splash!
26th Ave N Trail Link & Pier
In addition to starting schematic design for the 26th Ave N project, MPF is initiating an exciting partnership to inform the process.
Juxtaposition Arts (JXTA) is a design-based nonprofit that engages and employs young urban artists in hands-on education initiatives. MPF has had the pleasure of intersecting with JXTA’s students in the Environmental Design Studio before, through prior Research Assistant in Practice tenures and for the RiverFirst Vision Video. We’ll be retaining JXTA’s high school designers to conduct design and engagement around the future 26th Ave N Trail Link & Pier and how North Minneapolis neighborhoods connect to the river. Stay tuned!