Water Works Park Concept

The Minneapolis central riverfront as it is now is juxtaposed with the Water Works park concept. The south end of the riverfront is Mill Ruins Park, so called for the remnants of the old West Side Milling District that had its heyday in the 19th century. Further excavations are proposed here. The center zone, which links to Stone Arch Bridge, may be a plaza/water activities area. The north sector, where volunteers have planted trees, is on a slope that overlooks the central riverfront, an ideal spot perhaps for a cultural center and restaurant.

Water Works is a proposed park on the Minneapolis central riverfront, home to the original municipal Water Works and several historic mills. The project involves the Minneapolis Parks Foundation, Minneapolis Park and Rec and the design team of Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle and HR&A Advisors.

The Water Works area is just three blocks long and one block wide, but is within a growing mixed-use neighborhood that intersects with multiple streets, biking and walking paths and overlooks St. Anthony Falls, the lock and dam. It?EUR??,,????'???s permeated with Native American and industrial history and provides access to the Mississippi River.

The proposed themes include:

Engage the Ruins: ''Bring to life'' the mill walls, channels and tunnels for people to experience.

Interact with Water: Create better access to the river, whether just viewing it, or plunging in.

Bring the Kids: Offer lively spaces and activities for families to enjoy.

Come for Winter: Make the park a four-season experience with year round programming.

Three Experience Zones

South ?EUR??,,????'??? Mill Ruins 2.0
The plan calls to further excavate and expose walls in the Mill Ruins section of the waterfront; create gardens, children?EUR??,,????'???s play areas, or other experiential spaces.

Center ?EUR??,,????'??? Convergence Zone
This middle zone is the intersection of streets, riverfront pedestrians, bike paths and the link to Stone Arch Bridge. This hub lends itself to a plaza/entertainment venue and water-based activities.

North ?EUR??,,????'??? Park Pavilions
Wooded by trees planted by volunteers, this slope overlooks the central riverfront, an ideal spot for a year-round restaurant and interpretive or cultural center.

Whether the park is built in its entirety or phased in by zone, construction should result in a diversity of activities and services. The park's location and programming options make it attractive for public-private funding partnerships and revenue generating opportunities.