On Tuesday, April 21, the Northfield City Council heard an update from Public Works Director and City Engineer David Bennett, Tyler Westman of Northside Boards, and Mark Leski of Wizard Skateparks on the second phase of the Northfield Skate Park construction.
Phase I was constructed in 2015 at Memorial Park after years of discussion and advocacy by the Northfield Skateboard Commission. At the meeting, Bennett said, “There always was a plan, all the way back in 2015, for a future phase.”
In order to pursue Phase II, the city utilized a funding opportunity through the Minnesota City of Skate Grant, and the city was awarded $500,000 to expand the park. The current size is about 4,500 square feet, and the goal is to double it in Phase II, with a final product being about 9,000 square feet.
Leski, the designer for Phase II, is a native Minnesotan and experienced skater. Leski is referred to as “The Wizard” and is recognized nationwide for building great skateparks. During the meeting, Westman shared his excitement to work with Leski and stressed the importance that the designer “understands Northfield and understands the history of the park that we have there. If there is anybody that can take the park that is currently there and mold it into something beautiful, [it’s] Mark.”
Bennett explained that one of their goals is to make the park work for all skill levels. “We are thinking about broadening the age, skills, and type of features, so that it can be accessible for more users.”
The plan is to go out for bid in August, start construction early this fall, and come back to the Council later in May 2027 with a final concept. The final design plans are to be brought to the Council in July 2027.
The process of the skate park has been community oriented, with those involved in the plans seeking feedback from residents. “Last Tuesday, we had an open door community meeting at our store, Northside Boards. We are spreading the word and getting people involved. There were about 26 people there — the youngest like 10 and the oldest maybe 55,” Westman said. “It was a really good meeting, a lot of people had really great feedback and discussion.”
The plans are continuing to be refined as user feedback comes in and Leski implements the suggestions into his designs for the park.
