Phase III of the park’s revitalization will focus on the Wirth Lake beach and picnic area located in the center of the 760-acre park. To assist the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) plan the improvements, a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) is being established to seek public input and ideas. Interested community members may apply to be appointed by the CAC by March 15.

Phase III planning will update the 1980 Wirth Park Master Plan, envisioning facilities that will encourage family and group use, support youth programming, and invite park users to connect with the natural resources of the greater park. A revitalized picnic area with state-of-the-art facilities, innovative play features, water-based recreational activities, and trail connections are some of the components that will be included in the plan.

Plans will encompass the areas surrounding Wirth Lake and bounded by Theodore Wirth Parkway on the west, Highway 55 on the north, the railroad tracks on the east, and the picnic pavilion area on the south. (The picnic pavilion will not be included in the scope of this planning effort.)

Completed and underway

Phase I Wirth improvements were completed in 2005 and included a beach house and utility replacement. Phase II, currently underway, includes a new playground, four-court sand volleyball, a half basketball court, new trails, sidewalks, site furniture, shade shelters, plantings and themed play areas.

Funding

In its commitment to the 2007 Comprehensive Plan goal to focus on northside parks, the MPRB has continued to seek funding for Theodore Wirth Park improvements. In 2009, funding in the amount of $2.19 million was awarded for the continued development of Theodore Wirth Park. This funding was made possible through Metropolitan Council bond funding, as well as through the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment passed by Minnesota voters in 2008. The amendment increased the general sales and use tax rate by three-eighths percent, and 14.25 % of the revenue generated by this increased sales tax is dedicated to the Parks and Trails Fund to support parks and trails of regional significance. The MPRB will continue to seek additional funding for Wirth beach improvements from the Parks and Trails Fund, as well as bond funding from the Metropolitan Council this year and in 2012.

CAC membership

CAC members will be appointed by Park Board commissioners, other government agencies, and community groups. Members will represent the gamut of park user groups and will include three appointments by the Youth Coordinating Board. Interested community members may apply to be appointed by the CAC by March 15. (See related file below.)

Appointments to the CAC are expected to be made by March 19, with meetings beginning March 25. Upon completion of its study, the CAC’s recommendations will be presented to the Board.

The largest park in the Minneapolis Park System, Wirth Park is well-known for its year round recreational activities and natural resource treasures. Amenities include the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, 18- hole and 9-hole golf courses, a winter recreation area and an off-road cycling trail. In 2009, Wirth Park was named “Best Park” in City Pages’ Best of the Twin Cities edition.