Webber Park

Webber Park, located in North Minneapolis, spans 22 acres along Shingle Creek and is a vibrant community space offering a wide range of recreational activities. One of its most notable features is the Webber Natural Swimming Pool, the first public natural swimming pool in the United States. Opened in 2015, the pool uses a biological filtration system employing plants and microbes, making it an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to traditional chlorinated pools. The swimming facility includes a wading area, lap pool, and a regeneration basin for water purification, surrounded by sandy beaches and grassy lounging areas. In winter, the pool area repurposes into warming house spaces for ice skating and hockey activities.

The park is also home to a recreation center equipped with air conditioning, a kitchen, a computer lab, a craft room, and multipurpose spaces for events and gatherings. Walking and biking trails meander through gardens and public art installations, providing visitors with opportunities for leisure or exercise. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy tennis and basketball courts, as well as fields for other activities. Families are drawn to the playgrounds, which cater to both toddlers and older children, while the picnic areas, complete with a grill and nearby restroom facilities, make it an ideal spot for outdoor dining.

The park has undergone significant updates over the years, including a master plan initiated in 2011, which brought extensive renovations such as new pathways and the natural pool. The park fosters a sense of community through its innovative features and serves as a model for sustainable urban recreation spaces.