In Edina, the parks, trails, and community spaces we enjoy are not just city-owned—they reflect our collective choices. Whether you walk the trails at Braemar, watch children play at Fred Richards, or cross Rosland Park’s pedestrian bridge, you’re experiencing the results of civic planning, resident feedback, and thoughtful investment. And there’s more happening now than many realize.
Projects in Motion
The half-cent sales tax voters approved in 2022 launched several ambitious projects. Braemar Park’s natural areas are being restored, invasive species like buckthorn are largely removed, and 11 miles of hiking and biking trails are under construction or nearing completion. Courtney Fields is getting upgraded lights and better safety netting. These are for users who want nature close by, and for neighbors who want safer, well-maintained public spaces. (Note: this funding source is time-limited or considered sunsetting after a certain period.)
Fred Richards Park: More Than Green Space
Built on the former golf course near Parklawn Avenue, Fred Richards Park is now becoming a full-featured community gem. The east side entrance has new walkways, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and drainage improvements. In the next phases, plans include pickleball and basketball courts, trail boardwalks, natural habitat restoration, and a great lawn designed for multiple uses. Full construction is anticipated to begin later this year and will take about 18 months. While certain sections already open, features like parking, lighting, and pavilion spaces are still in development.
How Your Voice Matters
Many of these projects—Strachauer Park’s master plan, playground replacement efforts, pickup/drop-off upgrades, the shelter replacement at Lewis Park—have been shaped by direct resident input: surveys, public meetings, and online feedback through platforms like “Better Together Edina.” If you’ve ever said “They should do X” or wished you could share ideas, now’s the time to get involved.
Ways to Engage & Contribute
- Volunteer with Park Projects: Adopt-a-Park, help with cleanup or trail work, or maintain playgrounds. Edina’s volunteer programs provide ways to make visible, lasting impact.
- Attend Public Meetings & Provide Feedback: Look for notices about master plan phases, shelter replacements, playground designs. Your responses often guide decisions like shelter placement, path layouts, even noise walls along Highway 62.
- Watch the Budget & Referendums: Many improvements rely on funding sources like the local sales tax or bonds. Knowing where the money comes from—and how long it’s available—helps you understand what’s feasible.
- Care for Your Local Park: From picking up litter to ensuring pathways are accessible, small everyday actions add up in maintaining the park experience for everyone.
Looking Ahead
The parks we plan now will be here for generations. As Fred Richards’ phases roll out, Rosland Park’s bridge project proceeds, and playgrounds across town are upgraded, the decisions made—and the voices heard—will shape how Edina lives and breathes tomorrow. Every resident’s contribution matters: through time, ideas, or simply showing up.
As someone who walks these paths and visits these places regularly, I believe Edina’s parks can become even stronger when we embrace our role not just as users, but as contributors—to nature, to community, to shared public life.