New Bde Maka Ska Pavilion Opens October 20
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 6:36AM
Rebuilt pavilion area features Pimento on the Lake restaurant and Pimento Market space for local entrepreneurs, outdoor gathering spaces, public art, and improved trails, landscaping and restrooms
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will open the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion area on Friday, October 20. This high-profile lakeside attraction at 3000 E Bde Maka Ska Parkway has been completely rebuilt and expanded over the last 15 months.
The $6.5 million project features two new buildings totaling 4,400 square feet that will host a restaurant and market from the team behind Pimento Jamaican Kitchen, Indigenous art, and the return of naval artifacts that were previously displayed at the lake. The project also includes improved outdoor seating with 3,000 square feet of open covered space, a small performance stage, upgraded landscaping and trail safety, and a six-stall, year-round restroom area that opened today.
“We could not be more excited to open the new Bde Maka Ska Pavilion and provide another welcoming, open space in our park system,” said Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Superintendent Al Bangoura. “As beloved as the original pavilion was, I believe this new building will quickly become a favorite gathering space and a Minneapolis icon.”
The former Bde Maka Ska concessions pavilion, also called a “refectory,” was built in 1930 and was operated seasonally until it burned down in 2019.
“We’d like to thank the partners who contributed to make this project possible, including Louis King, Tomme Beevas and the Pimento Jamaican Kitchen team, Cunningham, Concrete Pig with Juxtaposition Arts, Hennepin Theater Trust, Native American Community Development Institute and the upcoming muralists, artist Adrienne Zimiga-January, who created the ‘We are on Dakota / Native Land’ decals, Morcon Construction, and, of course, the dedicated MPRB staff members who spent countless hours making this a reality,” said MPRB President Meg Forney. “It was truly a team effort.”
“I am thrilled the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion and restaurant are back!” added MPRB District 4 Commissioner Elizabeth Shaffer. “It’s an important site for the local community and a major regional attraction for our city as the Chain of Lakes is the second-most visited destination in Minnesota.”
Pimento on the Lake and Pimento Market
Pimento on the Lake team
Two new buildings will each host distinct experiences from Pimento Jamaican Kitchen.
Pimento on the Lake is a new lakeside restaurant offering beach-inspired twists on Pimento Jamaican Kitchen’s authentic, award-winning Jamaican cuisine and libations. It will be open seasonally out of the north building at the pavilion site.
“We’re bringing the magic of Jamaica to the shores of Bde Maka Ska! This is an amazing opportunity to showcase our authentic, award-winning cuisine and host lively lakeside events at one of the most iconic and picturesque places in Minneapolis,” said Tomme Beevas, Chief Strategic Officer of Pimento Jamaican Kitchen.
Pimento joined forces with the team behind Lola on the Lake, which operated the Bde Maka Ska concessions building before it burned down, to create Pimento on the Lake.
“I’m really excited about being a part this next chapter of concessions at Bde Maka Ska,” said Louis King with Lola’s on the Lake. “The Park Board and Pimento have partnered with Lola’s to bring a world-class concept to the lake and region. I applaud the efforts.”
Pimento Market will offer a curated selection of goods, gifts and treats from local BIPOC businesses and entrepreneurs. It will be open year-round in the south building at the pavilion site.
“We’re proud to support BIPOC entrepreneurs, celebrate their talents, and offer a platform for their products to shine,” said Beevas. “Our market will be more than just a place to shop; it's a cultural experience to foster unity and showcase the rich tapestry of talent in Minnesota.”
Follow Pimento on the Lake (Facebook/Instagram) and Pimento Market (Facebook/Instagram) for updates and more information, and visit pimento.com to sign up for email updates and offers!
Pavilion Area Highlights
The entire pavilion area was renovated in addition to the construction of the two new buildings. Highlights:
- Ample outdoor seating areas, including a new community table designed by a Youth Apprentice with Juxtaposition Arts
- Small performance stage
- Improved trail safety and 51 bike parking stalls
- All-gender indoor restroom area with six stalls, including one fully accessible stall with an adult changing table
- Redesigned landscaping with native plants, trees and flowers
- Rebuilt boat launch
Public Art and Memorials
A new mural is planned on the pavilion thanks to a partnership with the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI), and Hennepin Theatre Trust (HTT).
NACDI and HTT have an ongoing collaborative program called We Are Still Here, a multiyear partnership creating large-scale, high-profile public artworks in the Twin Cities. The mural on the Bde Maka Ska Refectory building will serve as the capstone project for the emerging and mentor artists in the current round of the We Are Still Here program, which is funded in partnership with the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Arts Board – Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment.
In addition, Dakota language signs are found on steel columns throughout the buildings, including decals designed by artist Adrienne Zimiga-January.
Two naval artifacts – the Wheel from USS Minneapolis and Bell from USS Minnesota – have returned to the shores of Bde Maka Ska. The American Legion gifted the Bell of the USS Minneapolis to the MPRB in 1928 and the Wheel from the USS Minnesota in 1932. The Navy Memorial at the northeast corner of Bde Maka Ska displayed these naval artifacts for decades, where annual Memorial Day services were also held.
