Direct Design Assistance: Veterans Memorial Park Options, Sheridan Neighborhood, Minneapolis, MN, 2005

Sheridan Park, located in northeast Minneapolis, is owned by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board but is currently underused. The neighborhood would like this park to become an amenity for the entire community to enjoy. The park is also the potential site for a Veterans Memorial. Housing development is occurring around the park. Given the location along the Mississippi River, the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) approached the Design Center seeking help with creating design options for the park that would serve both the needs of the neighborhood and the veterans, while also incorporating water quality goals.

A group that represented the many stakeholders in this area was formed to guide the design and to provide feedback to the design team. Members of this group included representatives from the following groups: war veterans, Above the Falls Citizen Advisory Committee (AFCAC), Mississippi River Watershed Organization, Sheridan neighborhood, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and the developer for the property adjacent to the park. The Design Center created three design options for the park. The designs explored various types of memorials, including a memorial grove, a sculptural memorial, and a linear path as the memorial. Each design highlighted options for water quality improvements as well as provided space for recreation and community gatherings. A final design concept combined ideas from each of the preliminary designs and will serve as a basis for further discussion between the various stakeholders and will aid in securing funding for the site.

Download Final Concept Plan:

Download Initial Concept Plans:

Outcome: The final design is being used as a basis for further discussion between the various stakeholders and is aiding in securing funding for the site.

Credits: The project team included Ann Forsyth, Katie Thering, Frank Fitzgerald, and Chelsa Johnson.

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