Once named Northeast Riverside Park, Marshall Terrace Park has evolved considerably over the years. Today, we explore its story. It sits quietly as a neighborhood park.
Marshall Terrace Park was acquired in 1914. It was then known informally as Northeast Riverside Park. Officially, the park was named in 1915. It was named after Marshall Street, right by the park. That street was named for William Marshall, a former Minnesota governor.
Imagine a different name. One name considered was Folwell Terrace. This would have honored William Folwell. He was the first president of the University of Minnesota. He also presided over the park board from 1895 to 1903.
William Marshall indirectly shaped Minneapolis parks. He hired Horace Cleveland in the early 1870s. Cleveland planned Marshall’s development. This became the St. Anthony Park neighborhood in St. Paul. Cleveland’s work kept him active. He was visible when the Minneapolis park board formed in 1883. The board later hired Cleveland. He developed recommendations for the new park system.
The land purchase for Marshall Terrace Park cost about $15,500. A park was first considered in 1913. The location was Marshall Street between 33rd and 37th Avenue Northeast. However, residents protested. The acquisition was abandoned. The board found it impractical. Instead, they canvassed the First Ward. They included aldermen and citizens. They aimed to select a park location that satisfied the people. The original land became part of St. Anthony Parkway.
In May 1914, the board designated new land. They approved its purchase for the northeast riverside park. The land description changed slightly. This happened in August 1914.
Theodore Wirth presented two development plans in 1915. He envisioned Marshall Terrace Park as a playground. Both plans featured a beach house on the river. But the river’s currents were too dangerous for swimming. These plans were dropped. Wirth suggested grading the upper land. It would become a baseball and football field. Further improvements depended on how much the ball fields were used. Wirth felt detailed plans were too costly for the park’s size. He suggested modest improvements. He believed a larger riverfront tract would be needed later.
The board followed Wirth’s advice. Minor improvements were made. Wirth’s suspicions proved correct. The park wasn’t used much. In 1917, the small shelter was moved to Farview Park. Wirth called Marshall Terrace the only playfield failing to meet expectations. He deemed upkeep unjustified.
Wirth’s view didn’t improve. In 1923, he cited the adjacent power plant. He said it made the park unsuitable. He recommended finding another park site nearby.
The park remained little improved until 1961. A small shelter was built then. In the 1960s, dredging created the Upper Harbor. This provided fill for the area between the park and river. By 1968, the filled area was seeded and planted. Usable park space increased by almost four acres.
A playground for small children arrived in 1973. Marshall Terrace was renovated in 1991. River overlooks and stairs to the shore were added. Athletic fields were renovated in 2004. A volleyball court was built too. A new river-themed playground opened in 2013.
Today, Marshall Terrace Park offers many amenities. There are baseball and softball fields. You can find a basketball court and a drinking fountain. Grills and picnic areas invite gatherings. Playgrounds entertain children. Restrooms provide convenience. A wading pool offers summer relief. Great Blue Herons nest on a nearby island.
Marshall Terrace Park stands as a testament to community adaptation. From its humble beginnings to its current amenities, it continues to serve. This neighborhood park invites all to enjoy its spaces.