“Where did the name Harrison Picnic Grounds come from?” I asked myself. The answer lies in the history of this very place. Harrison Picnic Grounds is a community-focused outdoor space in Minneapolis. It offers a range of recreational activities and amenities for visitors of all ages.
The park’s story began long before it was officially Harrison Picnic Grounds. The park was named for Harrison School. The school was adjacent to the park site. The school itself was named for William Henry Harrison. He was the ninth president of the United States.
The park board’s first involvement here was in 1958. They developed a playground for the school. This happened even before the land for a larger park was acquired. At that time, the property was already called Harrison Park. However, the name was never formally adopted then.
The park board purchased Harrison Picnic Grounds on August 5, 1959. They approved paying the federal government $97,100 for the land. Later park inventories indicated the land came from the Minneapolis Housing Redevelopment Authority. This acquisition was part of the MHRA’s redevelopment of the Glenwood housing area. The park board had been reviewing playground development possibilities here since 1953.
In 1959, plans to develop the park were approved. Funds were obtained through assessments on neighborhood property. The MHRA informed the board that this would cause them to lose $80,000 in federal funds. The board then approved spending city bond funds for the entire cost of the improvements. The cost was $243,000. MHRA paid to have the new park land graded. Then it was turned over to the park board for development.
In 1960, the bond funds were used to construct a shelter with office space. Ball fields and hard surface courts were developed for tennis, basketball, and volleyball. A wading pool and children’s play areas were also installed. The shelter was built similar to those at Franklin Steele Square and Peavey Field. It had removable exterior walls for conversion from winter to summer use.
The park’s tennis courts, walkways, and walking paths were renovated in 1975. Additional improvements were made in 1984. The original shelter was renovated and fully enclosed.
From 1997 to 1999, a new secondary school and neighborhood center were built. This replaced the old school and recreation shelter. The new building housed a gym, a park board neighborhood center, and the offices of the Harrison Neighborhood Association. The playground was updated in 2003-2004. The kitchen in the community center was renovated in 2008.
In 2015, a new wading pool opened. It was shifted closer to the neighborhood center. It contains a number of colorful play features.
Today, Harrison Picnic Grounds offers many amenities. These include a baseball field, basketball court, and biking path. You can also find a drinking fountain, football field, picnic area, playground, restroom facility, soccer field, softball field, wading pool, and walking path.
Harrison Picnic Grounds stands as a testament to community investment. It showcases the dedication to providing recreational spaces for everyone to enjoy. Take a moment to appreciate the history beneath your feet as you explore this park.