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Athletic Field Improvements
The MPRB owns, operates, and maintains approximately 400 outdoor athletic fields in various park locations throughout the city of Minneapolis. Athletic fields are enjoyed by multiple leagues and individuals, including MPRB sponsored adult and youth leagues, adaptive recreation leagues, the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), and numerous private organizations. Community demand for use of athletic fields outweighs current supply within the Minneapolis park system.
Regular maintenance and programming of the athletic fields is the responsibility of MPRB Operations and Recreation division staff. Based on specific program or sport requirements, outdoor athletic fields are actively used and maintained from April through November, or as weather dictates for a playable season. See our Grounds & Facilities Maintenance section for more details.
Several athletic fields in the Minneapolis park system are improved or renovated each year dependent on availability of funds. Funding is acquired from a variety of sources, including grants, donations, or the MPRB Capital Improvement Program. Site selection and specific improvements are determined by examining a combination of factors, including statistics on field use and sports participation, demographics and trends, community engagement, and guidance from strategic planning documents, including the visions and values of the MPRB Comprehensive Plan.
Field renovations and surrounding site improvements allow for increased patron use and an extended playing season. Athletic field improvements may include lighting, synthetic turf, safety fencing, irrigation, soil and grade correction, or the addition of dug out areas.
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Updates
Athletic Field Improvements Scheduled for 2012
Elliot Park - Synthetic Soccer Field: Elliot Park will be fitted with a new synthetic turf soccer field without fencing or fee requirements, similar to synthetic fields at Currie and Stewart Parks. Project construction is expected to begin in August and be completed byspring 2013. Sign up for email updates to be informed of the grand opening celebration.
East Phillips Park - Synthetic Soccer Field: With the new East Phillips Park Cultural and Community Center open, plans to renovate the athletic fields are underway. The athletic fields will be fitted with a new synthetic turf soccer field to accommodate the many adult and youth players in the area. Project construction is expected to begin in mid-summer and be completed by spring 2013. The East Phillips Improvement Coalition (EPIC) has provided financial support in the amount of $25,000 for this project. Sign up for email updates to be informed of the grand opening celebration.
Hennepin County Youth Sports Grant Award Program
The Hennepin Youth Sports Program awards capital grants to build, repair, renovate or expand youth sports facilities in Hennepin County.
A number of athletic field renovations are funded through this program, as the MPRB has been successful in receiving grant funding during recent years. The grant program was established by State legislation that authorized Twins Stadium funding and provides upwards of $2 million during each grant cycle. The Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission administers the programand the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approves funding decisions. The MPRB provides a 25 percent match to these funds for each project that is selected to receive grant funding.
A list of Hennepin County program grants received for capital field improvements are shown in the table below.
Grant
Award Year |
Athletic Field Improvement Project |
Grant Award |
25% Match |
Total Funding |
2009 |
East Phillips Park: Soccer, Baseball |
$150,000 |
$50,000 |
$200,000 |
2009 |
Stewart Park: Synthetic Soccer Field |
$225,000 |
$75,000 |
$300,000 |
2009 |
Van Cleve Park: Baseball Field |
$75,000 |
$25,000 |
$100,000 |
2009 |
Bottineau Park: Soccer, Baseball Field |
$130,000 |
$45,000 |
$175,000 |
2009 |
Armatage Park: Irrigation |
$40,000 |
$15,000 |
$55,000 |
2010 |
Currie Park: Synthetic Soccer Field |
$295,000 |
$20,000 |
$315,000 |
2010 |
Pershing Park: Soccer, Softball |
$80,500 |
$25,500 |
$106,000 |
2011 |
Currie Park: Soccer Field Lighting |
$75,000 |
$25,000 |
$100,000 |
2011 |
Northeast Park: Baseball Field |
$300,000 |
$100,000 |
$400,000 |
2011 |
Pearl Park: Baseball Field |
$225,000 |
$75,000 |
$300,000 |
2012 |
Elliot Park: Synthetic Soccer Field |
$175,000 |
$75,000 |
$250,000 |
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TOTAL: |
$1,770,500 |
$530,500 |
$2,301,000 |
The MPRB has also received funding from Hennepin County for the purchase of new equipment for the following Minneapolis neighborhoods and parks:
- Armatage Park: $1,146 for Southwest Area Football Association equipment
- Minneapolis, citywide program: $7,900 for pitching machines
- Pearl Park: $1,400 for one pitching machine
- Farview Jordan Youth Athletic Council: $6,400 for football practice equipment
These Hennepin grants make it possible to meet the growing and changing needs of the many Minneapolis youth and families who use the park system’s athletic facilities and participate in athletic leagues. For more information on the program, click here.
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