The Plan

Fred Richards Park

Fred Richards Park, 4400 Parklawn Ave., is being created from the former Fred Richards Executive Golf Course, which closed in 2014. It also includes what was formerly known as Lake Edina Park. The 43-acre site, almost double the size of Centennial Lakes Park, will become a multi-use park for a variety of year-round activities.

Fred Richards Park will subtly divide into sections, providing different experiences for people and nature:

Central Green

Cost estimate: $9.9 million

• Pickleball courts
• Basketball courts
• Lawn games area
• Stage/pavilion area
• Clubhouse renovation
• Landscaping, turf and walkways
• Parking and access via West 77th Street
• Lighting, signs and infrastructure

The Nature Bank

Cost estimate: $1.9 million

• Native vegetation restoration and establishment
• Trees and shrubs
• Play nodes
• Wildlife habitat structures
• Boardwalk and trail
• Seating, signs and infrastructure

Great Lawn and Loop

Cost estimate: $5.9 million

• Pedestrian bridge restoration and new trail
• Great lawn area with high-quality drainage
• Picnic pavilion
• Traditional and bike playgrounds
• Lighting, seating, signs and infrastructure

Park Plan Documents

• Fred Richards Park Master Plan Highlights (PDF)
• Fred Richards Park Concept Plan (PDF)
• Fred Richards Vision Plan (PDF)

Braemar Park

At 500 acres, Braemar Park, 6364 John Harris Drive, is the largest recreational space in Edina. It is home to Braemar Golf Course, Braemar Golf Dome, Braemar Arena, Braemar Field, Courtney Fields and the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility.

While most of the land in Braemar Park already is in use, several opportunities for improvements were identified and explored starting in 2017 with the help of resident input at community meetings and through online surveys.

The Braemar Park Master Plan balances the most-sought amenities with the park's environmental and natural resource needs. It includes an estimated $8.1 million in improvements, including:

• Walking trails
• Mountain biking trails
• Cross-country skiing trails
• Pickleball and platform tennis courts
• Baseball complex improvements
• Wayfinding signs and trail connections
• Natural resource restoration
• Improved parking and access to Braemar Golf Course, Braemar Arena and Courtney Fields

Braemar Arena

Braemar Arena is home to Edina High School, the Edina Hockey Association, Breakaway Academy and the Braemar-City of Lakes Figure Skating Club. Braemar Arena is one of the busiest ice arenas in the entire state; approximately 500,000 annual visits are recorded there from residents of 158 Minnesota communities, 12 states and one other country.

Rehabilitation Projects

$13.5 million in capital improvement rehabilitation projects in Braemar Arena’s operating infrastructure is necessary, including:

• Dasherboard and glass safety system replacements
• Flooring replacements
• Ice refrigeration system and delivery replacements
• Heat and boiler replacements for all rinks
• Electrical system replacements for all rinks
• Window and roofing replacements and repairs
• Hot water system replacements
• Domestic water distribution system replacements
• Sanitary system and fixture replacements
• Locker room rehabilitation
• Restroom rehabilitation
• Permafrost removal in East Rink
• Energy efficiency improvements and insulation
• ADA route and walkway improvements
• ADA door and access improvements
• ADA restroom improvements
• ADA viewing and seating improvements
• Waterproofing and moisture control
• Fire protection and security improvement

Expansion

If the 2023 Legislature approves the City’s request, the plan would also include an additional investment of $25.3 million at Braemar Arena to demolish the South Rink and add two new ice rinks, build an improved drop-off/pick-up area, add parking and expand the lobby.

Park Plan Documents

• Braemar Park Master Plan (PDF)