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Duluth Parks Commission Approves Mini-Master Plan for 11 Neighborhood Parks,

Plan to be Presented to City Council for Approval

Duluth, MN] – The Duluth Parks and Recreation Commission approved a final Mini-master plan for 11 Neighborhood Parks within the St. Louis River Corridor (SLRC) project area at their June 15 meeting paving the way for significant improvements and enhancements to recreational spaces and amenities.   

In a recent progress report to the Duluth City Council, the SLRC vision and funding was adjusted since its first introduction in 2015 so as to be mindful of fairness, transparency and feasibility. Mayor Emily Larson’s goal is to ensure that the River Corridor plan benefits extend to all and that improvements in public participation are sustained.  This meant for example, that the Mini-master Plan for the 11 neighborhood parks would receive double the funding from the Half-and-Half tax; raising it from $500,000 to $1,200,000.

The City is also increasing funding from a maximum of $50,000 per park to a fixed total of $90,000 for 13 of the SLRC parks.  Now, instead of a 1:1 match requirement, the City will offer 9:1 matching grants of up to $90,000. The proposed projects from community partners must align with City plans and the match may be cash or in-kind goods and services. Some identified needs in the 11 parks are new seating, new sport courts, removing outdated amenities, installing and/or renovating kiosks, score boards or ice rinks.  

The Mini-master Plan was presented to the Duluth Parks and Recreation Commission and passed with full support. The Mini-master plan will now go forth to the City Council for final approval on June 27.

The Mini-master Plan is available for review at,  http://www.duluthmn.gov/st-louis-river-corridor/neighborhood-parks/

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