Folwell Park

History and Location

Folwell Park, located in North Minneapolis, spans 27 acres and offers a wealth of recreational and community-focused amenities. Originally dedicated in 1925, the park was named after William Watts Folwell, an influential figure in Minneapolis history and the first president of the University of Minnesota.

Today, it is a central green space for the community, surrounded by urban landscapes and residential neighborhoods.

Outdoor Amenities

The park features a mix of outdoor amenities designed to cater to a wide range of activities. Visitors can engage in sports at the baseball fields, football field, soccer field, and tennis courts, or enjoy a casual game on the basketball court.

Walking and biking paths wind through the park, inviting exploration and exercise. For families, the park includes a modern playground and tot lot, as well as a wading pool that operates seasonally.

The park's picnic areas, complete with benches and grills, are ideal for gatherings, and a Little Free Library invites visitors to enjoy a book in the serene setting.

Recreation Center

The Folwell Recreation Center, within the park, is a hub for community activities and events. This air-conditioned facility includes a gymnasium, craft room, multipurpose room, and a computer lab, providing spaces for both active and educational pursuits.

Indoor games like ping pong and foosball are also available. In recent years, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has made significant investments in the park, upgrading tennis courts, lighting, and paths, and adding accessibility features to ensure everyone can enjoy the space.

Recent and Upcoming Improvements

Ongoing improvements include the construction of an all-wheel park designed for biking, skateboarding, and other wheeled activities. This innovative addition aims to make Folwell Park a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts while integrating naturalized plantings to manage stormwater and enhance ecological health.

Community Impact

Folwell Park is more than a place for recreation; it is a community space that brings together residents for year-round programming, camps, and events. It also participates in initiatives like the summer meals program, which provides free weekday dinners to children under 18 when school is out, reinforcing its role as a vital neighborhood resource.