Parks & Recreation

Project Status: Planning

Project Overview:

The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MNDOT) Twin Ports Interchange (TPI) project, which will reconstruct I-35/I-535/Hwy 53 to improve safety, is actively underway. Originally anticipated to take place in 2026, this phase of the project was expedited due the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Prior to TPI construction, Midtown Park was located entirely under the highway overpass at 20th Avenue West and 2nd Street and included a basketball court and a skatepark. The skatepark equipment has been moved to a resurfaced space at Keene Creek Park and will remain there for the duration of the TPI project. As part of the TPI reconstruction, Midtown Park will be rebuilt and relocated at 22nd Avenue W and W 1st Street.

Project Update:

The City and SEH Inc. have prepared construction documents for the relocated Midtown Park, and these plans will be incorporated into the TPI project plan set. The updated plans include a flattened, rather than sloped, surface under the bridge that is suitable for a future skatepark and will, at minimum, accommodate the existing skatepark features that were temporarily moved to Keene Creek Park. The updated plans will also include the resurfacing and regrading of an open green space area adjacent to the bridge, which will provide an appropriate surface for additional park amenities in the future. While public engagement efforts regarding the new park location and potential park elements were led by MNDOT back in 2018 and 2019, the City anticipates additional public engagement efforts in the future to determine the best use of the green space adjacent to the bridge.

Funding Source:

Funding packages for these future park elements has yet to be determined.

Important Documents:

MnDOT Twin Ports Interchange Highway 53 Under Bridge Report

Project Partners:

Minnesota Department of Transportation