Lorraine B. Smaller Park is a small neighborhood park in the Homewood neighborhood of North Minneapolis. The park underwent renovations during the summer of 2023 and was renamed Lorraine B. Smaller Park in April of 2024. Family-friendly amenities include a large playground with fun play equipment, space for picnics with charcoal grills and plenty of green space for open-ended play. A paved path runs through the park, circling the play area and leading out on the east side of the park on Farwell Avenue. Except in the area of the playground and the open green space, the park is canopied with mature trees. The park does not have restrooms or off-street parking. The park is often the location of events featuring local music, art, and spoken word planned and hosted by the neighborhood organization. In 2024, MPRB changed Farwell Park’s name to “Lorraine B. Smaller Park” in honor of longtime North Minneapolis resident, educator and activist, Lorraine Smaller. After a vote, the decision was made official on on April 3, 2024. The playground equipment was updated in the fall of 2023. The playground is located off Thomas Avenue on the west side of this single-block park. The tot lot, which now has a construction theme, is located close enough to the main playground that a parent can keep an eye on the bigger kids while supervising the younger kids. The main playground features tall hurricane slides as well as climbing, spinning, balancing, swinging and musical aspects. Besides the playground updates, 2023 improvements included a picnic area with drinking fountain, updated paths, new benches, bike racks and bike fix-it station. MPRB also added plantings and restored turf areas that are pollinator-friendly. A splash pad proposal is on hold, but will possibly be implemented at a later phase. For now there will be a seating area in that space with picnic tables from which parents will have a view of both playgrounds. Earlier proposals that appear to be on hold or abandoned had included:
Related Articles:
The Name Change
Smaller Playground
Updates to Smaller Park
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