Plymouth Square Park
Overview
| Address | 4801 Main Street NE |
|---|---|
| Start Date | Fall 2024 |
| End Date | TBD |
| Current Status | Implementation Planning |
| Park Type | Neighborhood Park |
| Size | 1.1 acres |
| Special Use | None |
Current Status
This small neighborhood park services neighborhood #40 in the southernmost portion of Fridley with a playground and full basketball court. There is a large open lawn that once had a ballfield and only the players benches remain with a chain link fence around the majority of the park. The park feels very old and outdated.
A community meeting was held on July 27 to evaluate playground options for the park. An online survey was also available to receive resident feedback. These responses will be taken into consideration when selecting the specific playground design.
Improvements
General recommendations includes full redevelopment with a new layout to make the most of the park land available with a broader range of amenities for an improved recreational experience.
Recommendations include:
- Landscape enhancements
- New playground equipment meeting a broader range of ages in a new location
- ADA compliant playground surfacing (engineered wood fiber)
- Concrete playground border
- Basketball half court (confirm option of full or half court with neighborhood)
- Single tennis court (if only a half basketball court is installed)
- Picnic shelter with 2 tables and outlet on a central plaza
- Open lawn
- Trail connections
- Site furnishings with common characteristic (benches, tables, receptacles, bike racks, drinking fountain, etc.)
- New ornamental or black vinyl clad chain link fencing where necessary
- Wayfinding signs
- Security light
Resources
A total of $50 million in possible park system improvements were identified in the Park Plan. Based on resident input, Fridley City Council directed staff to work with a Park Plan Refinement Task Force advisory group to recommend $30 million in park projects that would be most impactful to the community.
Further, a resident Finance Task Force recommended funding the park system improvement plan by issuing General Obligation (GO) Tax Abatement Bonds for $20 million in bond proceeds, being repaid over no more than 15 years, with an additional $10 million to come from other City of Fridley funds.
Tax abatement is a tool that can be used by cities to abate all or a portion of property taxes levied by the City for a given purpose, such as public infrastructure improvements. All taxpayers, whether identified as an abated parcel or not, will continue to pay property taxes as they normally would. Minnesota Statute 469.1813 gives cities authority for tax abatement, and this has become an increasingly common means of funding park improvements, as they provide benefit to all residents. A requirement is holding a public hearing for the consideration of tax abatement, and that was held on May 23, 2022.The bonds will be repaid over 15 years with annual debt service payments being levied for and it is likely there will be an increase in property taxes beginning in 2023.
This plan will provide many opportunities for expanded recreation programming, enjoyment of nature and social gatherings. Enhancing and modernizing the city park system will position Fridley as a great place to live, work and play now and for many years to come.
