Willard Park

The Neighborhood Spot

Located in the Willard-Hay area of Minneapolis, Willard Park is a compact 1.16-acre green space in the neighborhood. Situated along North Queen Avenue and surrounded by homes, this small park sits near a local school, where neighborhood kids and families often gather.

Play & Recreation

Despite its modest size, Willard Park offers several recreational options. The playground is surprisingly extensive, featuring two separate play zones with all the classics: slides for the thrill-seekers, various swings (including those nostalgic tire swings and safer baby options), an old-school teeter totter, a merry-go-round, and even a sandpit stocked with toy trucks for creative play. Basketball enthusiasts can shoot some hoops at the park's basketball court. When summer arrives, the wading pool opens from 10am-7pm - a good spot for cooling off on hot Minnesota summer days.

Green Escape

The park features a large grassy field dotted with shade trees, providing a natural setting within the urban landscape. You'll discover picnic tables conveniently placed near both the playground areas and pool - ideal for impromptu lunches or planned family gatherings. Bike trails weave through the grounds, connecting to the wider neighborhood. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board maintains the space, including annual pool maintenance that typically happens in late June to early July.

The Essentials

Willard Park includes several basic amenities. Clean restrooms are available in an on-site bathroom building, and a drinking fountain means you can stay hydrated without lugging water bottles from home. These amenities allow for longer visits to the park.

Getting There

The park welcomes visitors from 6am until midnight daily. Its central position in the neighborhood makes it an easy walk for many locals, creating a convenient space where the community can play, exercise, and connect with neighbors in the fresh air.