Groundbreaking for Mill Ruins Park expansion underway

The project has been years in the making. City leaders said the expansion of Mill Ruins Park is much needed for the 3 million visitors that come to the central riverfront every year.

Wednesday morning, the Minneapolis Parks Foundation and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board presented a firsthand look at the project.

Mill Ruins Park is already home to several landmarks, including St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge.

KSTP-TV

There has been discussion of a park pavilion and a year-round restaurant.

The Minneapolis Parks Foundation has raised millions of dollars through private and corporate donors to support the projects.

As of now, the grand opening is expected in the fall of 2020.

Also Wednesday morning, there was an update on the $17.9 million RiverFirst capital campaign.

The projects are part of a broader, 30-year plan to develop the area around Mill Ruins Park.