Council members pitch major upgrades for Minnehaha Park, including a proposed bike lift

Council Member Jonathan Bridal and Council Member Michael Cathcart discussed proposals to upgrade Minnehaha Park, saying the site has potential to become a regional recreational destination if resources are available.

"I think there is so much potential at Minnehaha to really reconstruct that park in a way," Council Member Michael Cathcart said, adding that the parks director had proposed a novel facility idea: "One just crazy, audacious idea that actually our parks director had come up with, that I have tried to champion the best I can, is this idea of a bike lift."

Both council members described existing maintenance needs at Minnehaha: playground equipment in a state of disrepair and tennis courts that have been repeatedly vandalized with graffiti. They said a larger redevelopment could preserve historic features while adding regional attractions for hiking and mountain biking that connect to adjacent wild space.

Cathcart and Bridal said the Beacon Hill housing developer has donated acreage to support beautification and recreational improvements, and that the park complex totals roughly 500 acres when surrounding amenities are included. They urged that future work will depend on available resources and partnerships with developers and donors.

No formal funding or project approval was announced during the update. Council members said park improvements are a priority but require detailed planning and financing before construction could begin.

Residents interested in park planning were invited to reach out to council offices for updates.