The Near North community is home to numerous parks spread throughout its six unique neighborhoods. Ranging in size and amenities, each park contributes to the lifestyle found within each of the respective neighborhoods. The parks in the Near North community include the following:
The Harrison neighborhood is home to two parks. They include:
Bassett Creek Park: Bassett Creek Park is a 70-acre park that offers visitors lots of open space in addition to several amenities. They include a biking/walking path, playground, soccer and softball fields, sports facility, and tennis and volleyball courts. With so many active amenities, Bassett Creek Park is ideal for residents who are seeking a destination to play a sport or compete in a league. Additionally, the park’s trails connect to larger, regional trails such as the Cedar Lake Regional Trail and the Luce Line Regional Trail. These trails extend for miles in all different directions and connect visitors to other parks and cities within the metro area. Bassett Creek Park services the Harrison and Bryn Mawr neighborhoods.
Harrison Park: Harrison Park is a close to 7-acre park located in the northeast corner of the neighborhood. Adjacent to the Harrison Education Center and the Harrison Neighborhood Association, this park is an important location for the neighborhood. In addition to being the site of many neighborhood events, the park offers visitors a multitude of amenities. Amenities include a baseball/softball fields, a basketball court, biking/walking paths, a football/soccer field, picnic area, playground, restrooms, and a wading pool.
The Hawthorne neighborhood houses two parks. They include:
Farview Park: Farview Park is the larger of the two parks in the Hawthorne neighborhood. At 21 acres, the park boasts impressive amenities in addition to offering incredible views of the Minneapolis skyline. On one of the park’s hilltops, visitors have a panoramic view of the skyline that is both picturesque and exciting. Amenities at Farview Park include a baseball/softball field, basketball court, biking/walking paths, a football field, picnic areas, an outdoor grill, restrooms and a wading pool. Additionally, the park is home to the Farview Recreation Center. The Farview Recreation Center plays an active role in the neighborhood by providing community events and open space. Visitors can utilize the community kitchen, computer lab, craft room, gymnasium, meeting rooms, and multipurpose room.
Orvin “Ole” Olson Park: Orvin “Ole” Olson Park is a small, 3.5-acre park located along the Mississippi River. Named after a park commissioner, the park features impressive views of the river and the Minneapolis skyline. Visitors will be sure to enjoy the park’s open green space while admiring the impressive skyline and coursing river. Additionally, the park offers biking/walking trails that follow the riverbank and connect with the larger James I. Rice and West River parkways.
The Jordan neighborhood is home to three parks. They are:
Jordan Park: Jordan park is the largest park within the neighborhood. Attached to the local school, this nearly 4-acre park offers several convenient amenities. Included within the park are baseball and softball fields, a playground, picnic areas with an outdoor grill, and a wading pool. A great park for young families, children especially enjoy the newly renovated playgrounds, and there are plenty of shady areas to take a break from the sun or to share a family picnic.
Glen Gale Park: Glen Gale Park is a small, 1.42-acre park offering a play area for young families. With a playground, horseshoe pits, and drinking fountains, Glen Gale Park makes a great location to spend a couple of hours on a sunny day. The park has numerous picnic tables and benches throughout which offer a break from all of the action. Additionally, the park’s open play field is perfect for throwing a frisbee or exercising the dog.
Cottage Park: Cottage Park is a very small, neighborhood park with a rich history. As one of the oldest parks in the city of Minneapolis, Cottage Park was established in 1883 and holds a special place in the neighborhood’s heart. Despite its small size at only half an acre, Cottage Park enchants visitors with its beautiful landscaping, colorful gardens, and interactive playground. Additionally, the park provides numerous seating options for those seeking peace in the outdoors.
The Near North neighborhood houses three unique parks. They include:
Hall Park: Hall park is a large park located in the Near North neighborhood. At nearly 6 acres, the park offers two distinct sections located on either side of Lyndale Ave. A pedestrian foot bridge connects the two sides. For those desiring more passive recreation, the east side offers walking paths, picnic tables, and a small playground. On the other hand, the west side of the park offers several active recreational options including a basketball court, picnic tables and grills, a playground, and a wading pool. The good mix of amenities and distinct sectors of Hall Park make it a popular destination within the Near North neighborhood.
Bethune Park: Bethune Park is the largest park in the Near North neighborhood. It features a basketball court, picnic area with grill, playground, restroom facility, and wading pool. What makes Bethune Park so unique is the large, open spaces that it offers. Visitors have plenty of room to exercise and explore. Additionally, Bethune park provides one of the most beautiful views of the Minneapolis skyline.
Lovell Square: Lovell Square is only 1.29 acres in size, and offers visitors a quiet, peaceful location in the midst of a bustling city. While there are very few amenities, the park offers a small playground and picnic area, making it a quieter destination within the city.
The Sumner-Glenwood neighborhood is home to one park as well as lots of open space. These areas include:
Sumner Field Park: Sumner Field Park is the only park located within the Sumner-Glenwood neighborhood. A nearly 5-acre park, Sumner Field Park offers visitors passive outdoor recreation. With trails along the adjacent Bassett’s Creek and all throughout the neighborhood, Sumner Field Park is a central location within the Sumner-Glenwood community. The park features tree-lined walkways, large open fields, drinking fountains and a restroom facility.
In addition to the park, the Sumner-Glenwood neighborhood has pathways that wind around the entire neighborhood. Adjacent to these pathways are numerous open areas where visitors can enjoy green grass and recreation space. Towards the southern end of the neighborhood, the pathways wrap around two small ponds.
Within the Willard Hay neighborhood there are four unique parks for residents and visitors to enjoy. They include:
Willard Park: Willard Park is a smaller park located in the center of the Willard Hay neighborhood. Despite its size of 1.16 acres, Willard Park offers several engaging amenities. These include a baseball field, basketball court, playground, picnic area, restroom facility, and splash pad. Ideal for all ages, Willard Park is a conveniently located neighborhood park.
Farwell Park: Farwell Park is another small, neighborhood park. At 1.15 acres, it offers visitors a playground, picnic area, open field, and drinking fountains. While not as immersive as some of the neighborhood’s larger parks, Farwell Park is popular among kids and is a center for active recreation within the neighborhood.
North Commons Park: North Commons Park is the premier park destination in the Willard Hay area. At 25.48 acres, the park is full of great amenities for all ages and interests. Amenities include baseball and softball fields, a basketball court, biking/walking paths, a decorative fountain, football field, hockey and ice skating rinks, a picnic area, playground, restrooms, a soccer field, and tennis courts. Additionally, North Commons Park is home to the North Commons Water Park. With water slides, swimming pools, and play structures, the water park is a huge hit among young families. While not free, it is offered at a very affordable price for residents.
Theodore Wirth Regional Park: Theodore Wirth Regional Park is the largest park in the Minneapolis park system. The home of a multitude of activities and numerous events, Theodore Wirth Regional Park is a central location within the city of Minneapolis. Amenities include archery, biking/walking paths, a decorative fountain, disc golf, a fishing pier, multiple gardens, a golf course, picnic facilities, restrooms, soccer fields, tennis courts, and more. Additionally, the park features a chalet ideal for weddings or parties, pavilion, and a beach area for visitors to enjoy special events or time out in the sun. In the winter time, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland, and it is a popular location for cross-country skiing on the trails, sledding/snow tubing on the park’s sledding hill, or snowboarding at the Wirth Winter Recreation Area. At over 720 acres, this park connects to the Harrison, Willard Hay, and Bryn Mawr neighborhoods. A great destination for all ages and interests, Theodore Wirth Regional Park is one park that you do not want to miss.
If you have any questions regarding the city of Minneapolis, the Near North Community, or if you would like to sell or buy a house in the area, please feel free to visit Twin Cities Property Finder or call 1-800-909-1953
