Cavell Park

A Bit of History

Found in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis, Cavell Park is a 3.63-acre community space in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis. You'll find this cozy spot in the Waite Park neighborhood, part of Northeast Service Area and Commissioner District 1.

The park bears the name of Edith Cavell, quite the heroic figure - an English nurse who worked in Belgium during World War I. She helped Allied soldiers escape to the Netherlands while Belgium was under German occupation. Sadly, she was executed in 1915 for her bravery, becoming a powerful symbol in Allied countries during the war.

How the Park Came to Be

Before becoming the green space we know today, this spot was home to the Edith Cavell School. In 1968, the Minneapolis Park Board acquired the land from the school board, giving it new purpose.

The transformation into a proper park happened in 1977, when they added ball fields, playground equipment, and a recreation shelter. The park got another facelift in 1999 with new courts, paths, and some lovely landscaping touches that enhance the space today.

What You Can Do Here

If you're a sports enthusiast or just looking for a place to unwind, Cavell Park has something for everyone. Sports options include a baseball field, tennis courts (complete with a backboard for solo practice), a half basketball court, and a soccer field.

The park features two playgrounds catering to different age groups. When winter rolls around, the park's natural slope creates a sledding hill popular with locals.

For more relaxed outings, check out the picnic area - ideal for casual get-togethers or just enjoying lunch outdoors. And don't worry about the basics - drinking water and restrooms are available on-site.

Looking to the Future

Cavell Park is part of the 20-Year Neighborhood Park Plan (NPP20), a thoughtful initiative that's bringing increased maintenance and funding to parks like this one. The plan focuses on rehabilitation and improvement projects while addressing racial and economic equity throughout Minneapolis' park system.

Over the years, this little park has woven itself into the fabric of the neighborhood. It's green space that's also where communities come together, kids make memories, and neighbors become friends through shared experiences.