By Becka Thompson, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Commissioner, District 2
Earlier this week, I stood with colleagues, community members, elected leaders, and partners to break ground on the largest neighborhood park investment in Minneapolis history: the $45 million transformation of North Commons Park in North Minneapolis.
This is not just a construction project. It is community, collaboration, and long-overdue reinvestment in a beloved public space that serves families across North Minneapolis.
Why this groundbreaking matters
For me, this moment is deeply personal. In 1997, I managed the North Commons Water Park during its last ribbon-cutting. I remember joking with friends that one day we would be the ones running the park after the dignitaries took their photos. In a way, that came true. That seed never left. Decades later, I am part of a team delivering generational change for young people and families here.
What we are building at North Commons Park
- New water park with modern amenities, planned opening 2027
- 22,000-square-foot indoor field house, planned opening 2026
- Modernized community center designed for today’s families and programs
More than new facilities, this is a promise to the youth of North Minneapolis: you deserve the same quality of public space and opportunity as any other neighborhood in the city.
How we closed the gap: shared leadership and equity
This project was not easy to bring to life. We faced financial hurdles and funding gaps. Commissioners Schaefer, Rucker, President Abene, and others made the difficult choice to delay projects in their own districts so North Commons could move forward. That is shared leadership. That is equity in action. The entire Park Board, our superintendent, staff, partners, and neighbors said yes because we believe in what this park represents.
Who does this belong to
This belongs to the kids who will play here, the families who will gather here, and the staff who keep this place going. People like Yvette, a steady, positive presence year after year. And it belongs to everyone who shows up not just for photos, but to activate this park with real programming, love, and life.
Gratitude
I am deeply grateful to U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar for helping secure $2 million in federal funding, to Mayor Jacob Frey and our local and state leaders, to the Minneapolis Parks Foundation for bold fundraising, and above all to the residents of Minneapolis who never stopped believing in our parks.
What comes next
As construction progresses, you will see fences, crews, and visible milestones. The field house is planned for 2026, the water park for 2027, and the community center will be modernized to meet current needs. We will keep sharing updates as key dates approach.
This is what reinvestment looks like.
This is what equity in action looks like.
I am proud to stand with you in this moment of transformation at North Commons Park.
