SRF and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board received a 2015 ASLA-MN Honor Award in the Analysis and Planning category for the Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan. SRF led the project team, which included LHB, Inc., Bob Close Studio, and Hess Roise Historical Consultants.
The Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park is unlike any park in Minnesota. Located in the heart of Minneapolis, the park spans 350 acres of Mississippi riverfront and lies within the historic Mill District and the core of Downtown Minneapolis. The park plays a key role in showcasing the City of Minneapolis’ past, present, and future as a healthy, vibrant river city. Its urban riverfront location and richly-layered history draw more than 2 million visitors per year, making it the fourth most visited regional park in the state.
The ASLA-MN honor award was given in recognition of SRF’s comprehensive and influential master planning process. A defining element of the plan was its inclusive public engagement process, which resonated with a diverse group of more than 50 stakeholders. Through this collaborative process the following vision was formed: “The Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park will connect people to the nature, culture, and spirit of the dynamic river landscape at the birthplace of Minneapolis.”
The overall vision established a framework for development recommendations, potential property acquisitions, and implementation strategies. The master plan connects people to the Mississippi River and provides flexible and dynamic spaces to meet the diverse needs of a rapidly changing community, while enhancing natural resources and maintaining consistency with the riverfront’s history.
Public participants in the master planning process are committed to its success and have become advocates for its implementation, a remarkable outcome given the complexity of the project. A 140-page master plan document and supporting appendix is currently in the MPRB approval process and is expected to be approved by Metropolitan Council later this spring.