Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvement Project Progress

By Doug Verdier

The current project to renovate and improve Father Hennepin Bluff Park is moving along nicely, as construction of a new performance stage and attached seasonal restroom facility currently is underway and on schedule. The photos below show some of the recent progress.

Supports are in place to install a roof above what will be the new outdoor concert stage area. New restrooms are built into the back side of this structure.

Shown above is the entrance to the restroom area beneath the cantilevered roof being placed at the rear of the new structure behind the stage shown in the previous photo.

The existing bandshell seen above will remain. Original plans were to refurbish it and remove the roof, but budgetary considerations resulted in a change. According to park officials, plans now call for dressing up the front of it, removing much of the concrete that was there, and simplifying the approach to it. Since the new building will now be where performances are held, the existing bandshell area can take on a simple look and feel.

Extensive landscaping and stormwater management throughout the park has been happening since the project began in April 2022. Work is expected to be complete in Fall 2022.