Armatage Park

History and Establishment

Armatage Park is a 17.21-acre public park located in the Armatage neighborhood of southwest Minneapolis, Minnesota. The park is situated at 2500 W 57th Street and is managed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

Established in 1948 when the land was purchased for $7,500, the park was developed as part of a joint project between the park board and school board. This collaboration aimed to create a park that could double as a playground for the adjacent Armatage Elementary School, while also allowing the park board to use the school gym during non-school hours.

Features and Facilities

Armatage Park features a mix of recreational facilities and natural spaces. The park includes regional athletic fields, which were part of the original improvements completed in 1954.

These fields have undergone several renovations over the years, including rebuilding in 1979 and the addition of an irrigation system in 2010-2011.

Art and Culture

In 2000, the park received an 18-foot bronze sculpture called "Garden Party" by artist Scott Wallace, which serves as the Armatage Neighborhood Gateway. This artistic addition was funded through the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP).

The sculpture features various elements including a seahorse, birds, and what the artist describes as "a great big lollipop."

Park Development

The park has continuously evolved to meet community needs. In 1977, a new recreation center replaced the original shelter.

Further expansions occurred in 1997 with the addition of a new parking lot and a gym attached to the school and recreation center. In 2004, the park saw improvements to its playing fields and tennis courts, as well as the addition of a skate park.

Most recently, in 2021, Armatage Park unveiled a new playground featuring universally accessible elevated play components and an accessible seesaw, enhancing the park's inclusivity for all visitors.