Trust for Public Land, City of St. Paul, and Community Block Club Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Central Village Park

Today, Trust for Public Land, the City of St Paul, and the Central Village Park neighborhood proudly celebrate 50 years of Central Village Park, a cornerstone of St Paul's historic Rondo neighborhood, the heart of the city's African American community.

For nearly five decades, the park has provided space for Black resiliency, community activism, and strong neighborhood ties. Despite this rich history, it has a linkage to displacement and underinvestment. After a first round of displacement when constructing Interstate 94, the community was then displaced again to develop the Central Village Park Neighborhood. Now, community members have come together to reclaim their neighborhood park space.

"Over 10,000 Individuals including generational families of seniors, adults and children were forced to move. For some families this was doubly punitive because they were displaced from Rondo Avenue and for a second time were being displaced again. Today, now see where we've come," said Sharon Garth, Community Block Club Leader.

Central Village Park is a story of organizations. Organizations that advocated for the neighborhood's best interests, provided places to gather and recreate, and remained as legacy neighborhood institutions despite upheaval and change. TPL and the Central Village Park Neighborhood Block Club partnered with St. Paul Parks and Recreation, Springboard for the Arts, Summit-University Planning Council, and community members to develop a long-range plan for Central Village Park. The new plan will serve as a guide for future improvements in and around the park. Through the City's new Common Cent 1% sales tax, the City recently committed $500,000 in funding for a site survey, further design development, and construction documents.

"Central Village Park stands not only as a testament to the resilience of our Rondo neighborhood but also as a beacon of hope and unity for generations of Saint Paul residents," said Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Director Andy Rodriguez. "Together with the Trust for Public Land and community partners, we are committed to honoring its legacy by investing in its future to ensure it remains a cherished space where all can gather, play, and thrive for years to come."

Through this cooperative, community-based planning process, the 7-acre park and trail system will enhance community health, offer recreational opportunities, and create a vibrant gathering space for neighbors - ensuring residents have a place outdoors to connect and call their own.

"This effort would not be possible without the tireless advocacy and commitment of the neighbors of Central Village Park. TPL is proud to support community leaders and the City of St. Paul to reimagine the space to write the next chapter in the park's story," said Sophie Vorhoff, Minnesota State Director for TPL.

Community members have participated in design concept surveys and provided input on improvements for recreating the space including safety features, programming, maintenance, and the general design of the park. The park's new design and amenities, including new playgrounds, volleyball court, soccer pitch, and wayfinding signage for its trail network, will match the needs of the neighborhood.

The City of Saint Paul, TPL, and other project partners are currently seeking funding for park improvements and continued park activation.

About Trust for Public Land

Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,420 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $94 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 9.7 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.

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