Turning new ground at North Commons Park
State and local leaders happily turned a shovel full of dirt on July 29 to mark the beginning of construction to remodel North Commons Park. Photo by David Pierini
By Chris Hoglund, North News Intern
North Commons Park held its groundbreaking event earlier this summer for the $45 million remodeling of one of the oldest and largest parks in Minneapolis. It’s also the largest investment ever made in the history of the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board.
The goal of the project is to rebuild the park to serve better the Northside and the residents who live near it.
“In addition to being a natural gathering place for families, nearly 10,000 youth live within a one-mile radius,” state Sen. President Bobby Joe Champion said during the July 29 ceremony..
But for some residents and politicians, it felt like a major dig at inequality and unfair treatment that the Northside has experienced in developing the community.
“For far too long, North Minneapolis has been forgotten by the state of Minnesota,” State Rep. Fue Lee said.
The water park and swimming pool will be rebuilt, with work already started. North Commons Community Center construction will begin in 2026. The center will be remodeled, with a new field house that has four times the floor space for indoor activities. Construction for the entire park is planned to be complete by 2027.
The park holds many activities and programs that will continue to run until the construction of the community center starts.
“It couldn’t have happened without our community members who helped lobby for the funding and contributed to the planning efforts,” said Al Bangoura, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board superintendent.
Mike Tate was content with applause only. He added his coach’s whistle. Photo by David Pierini
At the groundbreaking, Mike Tate, a beloved coach who has worked at North Commons for 47 years, was named as one of the people who would constantly march into Lee’s office to make sure the project came to fruition.
Tate recalled seeing a sign on a fence for construction that read, “A vision driven by us.”
“It's how it happened,” Tate said. “It brings joy to my heart to know that we accomplished this. North Commons is a refuge for intentional love and good community values. We have to continue to love that land. We do this for the kids and their kids after their kids.”