Thanks to the involvement of some incredible leaders in the Chelsea Heights Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), neighbors and volunteers built a new playground on May 1 & 2, 2013. The PTO put hundreds of hours into fundraising for the past four years and have secured approximately $115,000 in cash for the project, to date -- including $55,000 in donations from individuals, businesses and community organizations, and a $60,000 award from Rebuilding Together Twin Cities, Carter's Kids Foundation, and Lowes. Rebuilding Together also helped secure over 200 volunteers to assist in the installation of the project in.   

Additionally, some pedestrian safety improvements will be made this year at the intersection of Hamline and Nebraska Avenues in order to shorten the crossing distance for pedestrians and increase their visibility to oncoming motorists. 

I have been pleased to work with PTO members Sue Gunderson, and Ann & Tim Smith, along with Saint Paul Schools, and Saint Paul Parks and Rec & Public Works staff in order to make this happen.  An added benefit of this project is that it getting done this year will mean that's one less thing for the City to fund a few years down the road when prices are higher. Additionally, Saint Paul Schools will be taking over maintenance of the playground and reducing demands on our Parks staff in the process. 

Back in 2008 the City Council adopted the Central Corridor Development Strategy, a document designed to serve as a blueprint for development along University Avenue.  The following year, more detailed Station Area Plans were adopted as part of the City's Comprehensive Plan.  While various efforts of this important planning work have started to become reality (such as plans for affordable housing and improved bicycle and pedestrian access), less progress has been made toward realizing new parks and open spaces along the line.  

Central Village Park south of University near Western Avenue.

Earlier this year, working with the Mayor's office and other partners, I helped create a new Green Line Parks and Commons Initiative.  This effort, which is being led by Ward 4's own Trust for Public Land, includes representatives from the local business community, district councils, foundations, developers, parks and open space advocates, and others.  The goal is to create a plan of action for adding to and improving parks and open space along the corridor as a tool for economic development.
Development plans and private investment along the corridor are already picking up quickly.  But I believe strongly that with higher density developments, including more new residents, businesses, and employees, it is critical that we find ways to build parks and open spaces to ensure a high quality of life for area residents and to draw in new businesses and more investment.   

Anyone who doubts that parks and open spaces add value to the properties around them need only look to downtown St. Paul for a great example.  In the past fifteen years, new investment in downtown St. Paul has been centered on our downtown's two beautiful parks, Mears Park and Rice Park.  
The Central Corridor Development Strategy calls for 19 new parks and open spaces along the Avenue and the City does not have the resources to construct and maintain all of these parks.  As such, part of the Task Force's work will be to identify emerging new strategies for public/private partnerships to construct and maintain parks and open spaces.  

Iris Park.

At our first Green Line Parks & Commons Initiative meeting, one of the first questions asked by our facilitator was what are your favorite places along University Avenue today?  Tellingly, everyone could name businesses that they enjoy or frequent on the Avenue, but almost no one could think of an outdoor or public space along the Avenue that they enjoyed.  Some were not even aware of the two existing parks along University Ave, Iris Park on the south side of University between Prior and Fairview Avenues and Dickerman Park (which has never really looked like a park), on the north side of University just east of Fairview Ave. 

I encourage you to take a look at the Parks and Open Space section of the Central Corridor Development Strategy, and to begin thinking about where you think these spaces are most needed along the Avenue and why.