Kenny Park

Park Overview

Found in southwest Minneapolis, Kenny Park spans a cozy 9 acres and acts as the neighborhood's go-to gathering spot. This community park shares space and amenities with nearby schools, creating a place where locals of all ages come to play, relax, and connect.

Historical Background

There's a pretty inspiring story behind the name. The park honors Sister Elizabeth Kenny, a pioneering woman who revolutionized polio treatment methods. Established back in the late 1940s, this green space sits snugly between Kenny Elementary School and Anthony Middle School, making it a natural extension of school life for many local kids and their families.

Facilities and Features

Kenny Park has a bit of everything when it comes to recreation. The land has a gentle slope that creates natural viewpoints throughout the space. On one side, you'll find a popular sledding hill that many locals enjoy when snow blankets the city.

The park has seen renovations in recent years to update the playground and resurface the courts. If you're into simple pleasures, the spacious open fields offer perfect spots for kite flying or just sprawling out on a sunny day.

Recreation Focus

Following master planning, Kenny Park now focuses on field sports. It's part of a system where each neighborhood park offers different amenities, with Kenny focusing on field sports.

You'll discover well-kept baseball and soccer fields that regularly host games and practices throughout the seasons. The basketball courts also draw a steady stream of players from around the area looking for a good game.

Playground and Pool

If you're bringing kids along, the large all-ages playground is a definite highlight. It features an eye-catching tower rope structure and plenty of swings to go around. The designers clearly thought about children of different ages and abilities, creating a play space that works for just about everyone.

On hot summer days, the shallow swimming pool becomes the park's main attraction, especially for families with younger children. It's an ideal depth for little ones still getting comfortable with water, making it a safe yet fun cooling option.

Additional Activities

Dog owners have made Kenny Park part of their regular walking routes, taking advantage of the paths and open spaces to give their four-legged friends some exercise. With its mix of active and passive recreation options, the park manages to stay relevant and well-used throughout all four seasons of Minnesota's distinctive climate.