The updated and improved Central Park in Woodbury will have a phased reopening throughout October as construction continues beyond the initial estimated launch date of Oct. 1.
After more than a year of planning and construction, Central Park is close to being completed and ready for the public to enjoy once again.
“The whole intention was to get the space open in some capacity as quickly as possible,” said Woodbury Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Okada.
The project’s budget of $42.3 million was funded through grants, partner contributions, city funding and state bonds.
Lookout Ridge Indoor Playground, located on the lower level, opened to the public on Wednesday. Visitors can access it through both the East and West entrances, according to the city’s Facebook post. The indoor park will feature sustainable architecture, improved accessibility, an indoor playground, green space, comfortable seating and larger capacity event spaces.
“It’s a renovation of old spaces and addition of new spaces,” Okada said.
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Central Park, which first opened in 2002, required multiple updates after 23 years, Okada said. The indoor park, which connects the R.H. Stafford Library, YMCA and Stonecrest Senior Living, has become a staple in the city for people of all ages, she said. The improvements are meant to highlight features people previously loved about the facility, like the indoor green space, amphitheater and Lookout Ridge playground, while providing more points of accessibility and comfort.
One aspect of the update Okada and project partners expressed excitement over is increased seating. Because the space has access points to other organizations and resources, and stays open during the fall and winter months, people often enjoy sitting in the park, Okada said, but before the renovation, options were limited. As construction continues through October, the park will soon have multiple cushy seating options in the west and east entrances, as well as along the path of the indoor green space, she said.
“We really wanted the space to feel welcoming and inclusive,” Okada said. “Soft seating helps to create a welcoming environment.”
Some of the sustainable improvements include a solar rooftop, energy-efficient lighting and wood and metal structures. Visual updates will include a geometric light wall that guides visitors to the elevator, a public art display wall, nature-inspired mosaic murals, a painted mural at Lookout Ridge, a new water feature and more.
While portions of the park will continue to open in phases throughout October, the public is invited to celebrate the official grand reopening from noon to 4 p.m. on Nov. 2. Look for updates at woodburymn.gov.
Woodbury Central Park reopening
Location: 8595 Central Park Pl, Woodbury.
Lookout Ridge indoor playground: Opens Wednesday, Oct. 6. Hours: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $8 per child. No cost for supervising adults.
More information: Visit woodburymn.gov/centralpark.
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