The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) published a single preferred site concept to replace the Bde Maka Ska pavilion that burned down in 2019. Visit link to view the concept: Bde Maka Ska Pavilion Site Concept
The preferred concept published represents many design features from previously published concept options and is responsive to significant public feedback received over the last several months. Read the “Background” header below for more details on the design process.
Public Hearing
A public hearing on the concept is scheduled Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 6:30 pm. To minimize the risk of exposure to or potential spread of COVID-19, the MPRB added options to submit comments for its virtual public meetings and hearings, authorized under Minn. Stat. Section 13D.02.
Most Commissioners call in to Board meetings, which are broadcast live via webcast and TV and also posted on YouTube.
There are two options to submit Public Hearing comments:
Phone (recommended)
- To sign up, complete the Virtual Speaker Sign Up Form by 12 pm on May 5.
- Speakers will receive a conference call-in number and ID one hour before the meeting
- Use the number and ID to call into the meeting at its the scheduled time
- After you enter the meeting, the committee chair will provide guidance for commenting
- Speakers can watch the live meeting broadcast
- Be aware there is a 20- to 30-second lag between the call and the broadcast
- When you are called on to speak, please remember turn off the sound from the broadcast
Send your comment to OpenTime@minneapolisparks.org by 12 pm on May 5.
Background
The former Bde Maka Ska concessions pavilion, also called a “refectory,” was built in 1930. It was engulfed in flames on May 16, 2019 and torn down 12 days later. The MPRB paved over the site to provide a temporary gathering space at the popular northeastern corner of the lake and installed electrical hookups for pavilion vendor Lola’s to operate food trucks.
The Bde Maka Ska-Harriet Master Plan, approved in 2017, provided guidance for the pavilion site improvements. The concepts were designed by a team led by Cuningham after working with MPRB staff and numerous stakeholders over the past several months.
Two concepts were published for public comment on March 11, 2021. Public feedback was taken via online survey, email and social media through April 1, 2021. In addition, MPRB staff held three public online Open House events in March. Follow the link below to read questions and answers from the Open Houses:
Timeline and Funding
MPRB Commissioners on the Planning Committee will consider the concept after the public hearing on May 5. If the concept is approved by the Planning Committee, it will be up for consideration by the full Board of Commissioners at a future meeting, likely at the next scheduled Board meeting May 19. Construction is expected in 2022 with concessions resuming for the 2023 season.
The cost estimate and proposed funding sources for the concept published today will be presented to the Planning Committee on May 5. Potential funding sources include insurance compensation, regional park improvement funding and additional options being explored by MPRB staff. Please visit the Bde Maka Ska Refectory Rebuild project page and enter you email address into the box under “Subscribe to Email Updates” to stay informed and up-to-date on this project. Also, share the project page with anyone who may be interested using the link minneapolisparks.org/bmsrebuild.
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