Cleveland Park

A Little Glimpse of North Minneapolis History

Once upon a time, this little 1.4-acre green space was simply known as "2nd Ward Park" before it got its current name - Cleveland Park, most likely tipping its hat to President Grover Cleveland. Nestled right next to Lucy Laney Community School, there's a nice symbiotic relationship here - school kids get to enjoy the park facilities during school hours.

Cleveland Park sits comfortably in the North Service Area of Minneapolis, Minnesota, as a neighborhood hangout for the Cleveland, Jordan, and Folwell communities in the city's Ward 4.

What You'll Find Here

This compact park offers a variety of activities. The playground area has all the classics - slides for the thrill-seekers, monkey bars for the climbers, and a variety of swings including regular ones, a baby swing for the tiniest visitors, and even a parent-child swing for shared moments.

For sports enthusiasts, there are two basketball courts and a baseball diamond. During summer, the wading pool provides relief from the heat, with a building housing seasonal bathrooms nearby.

Places to Chill

The picnic area includes tables and benches for outdoor meals or socializing with neighbors. Planning a proper cookout? There are two grills available for anyone to use.

Comfort is key here - you'll come across benches scattered across the park for when you need to rest your feet, and during warmer months, there's a drinking fountain to keep you hydrated. For those who appreciate old-school yard games, there's even a horseshoe pit waiting for your best toss.

Looking Forward

Cleveland Park isn't stuck in the past. In 2019, parts of the playground got a nice refresh - relocated and reconstructed as part of the first phase outlined in the North Service Area Master Plan.

More changes are on the horizon too. There are plans to reorganize and possibly expand the park's boundaries to boost safety and make it more visible from the surrounding streets.

Heart of the Community

More than just a patch of green, Cleveland Park represents an important gathering spot that gives locals a place to play actively or simply enjoy some peaceful time outdoors.

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board continues working alongside community members to figure out what improvements should come next, making sure the park evolves with the neighborhood's needs.

The Practical Stuff

While there's no dedicated lot, you can find street parking on two sides of the park. Like most city parks, it keeps regular hours - open from 6AM to 10PM every day of the week.