About This Playground
🌳 North Loop Playground is a modern urban park located in the trendy North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It features contemporary play equipment designed to blend with the area's industrial-chic aesthetic while providing recreational opportunities for local families and visitors.
Visitor Experience: The playground receives generally positive reviews from local families who appreciate having a dedicated play space in this rapidly developing urban neighborhood. Visitors particularly praise the playground's clean design, modern equipment, and convenient location.>
More about this playground
Playground Type
Address
402 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55415, USA
Phone
(612) 230-6400
+1 612-230-6400
Coordinates
44.98893, -93.26862
Hours of Operation
Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead for confirmation.
Playground Features
Age Suitability
Best suited for children ages 2-12, with separate areas for toddlers (2-5) and older children (5-12).
Equipment Available
Modern climbing structures, slides, swings (including bucket swings for toddlers), spinners, balance features, and interactive panels.
Shaded Areas
Limited natural shade from newly planted trees. Some play equipment has built-in shade elements, but the majority of the playground receives full sun during peak hours.
Seating For Parents
Several benches positioned around the playground perimeter, plus additional seating walls that double as landscape features.
Restroom Availability
Public restrooms available during park hours, typically maintained by Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.
Drinking Fountains
Two water fountains on site, including one with a bottle-filling station and a lower spout for children.
Safety Accessibility
Fencing
Partial fencing along street-facing sides of the playground, with landscaping elements creating natural boundaries in other areas.
Surface Material
Pour-in-place rubber surfacing throughout most play areas, providing good impact absorption and wheelchair accessibility.
Ada Accessibility
Designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps to major play structures, transfer platforms, and ground-level play elements for children with mobility challenges.
Cleanliness Maintenance
Well-maintained by Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board with regular cleaning and prompt repairs. The playground's newer status means equipment is generally in excellent condition.
Additional Amenities
Nearby Parking
Limited street parking available on surrounding roads. Some metered spots and pay lots within walking distance.
Pet Policy
Dogs allowed in park areas on leash but not on playground equipment. Pet waste stations provided nearby.
Bike Racks
Multiple bike racks installed at park entrances, encouraging alternative transportation.
Nearby Food Options
Located in the North Loop neighborhood with numerous restaurants, cafes, and food options within walking distance.
Sports Areas
Small open lawn space for informal play, but no dedicated sports courts or fields within the immediate playground area.
Walking / Biking Trails Nearby
Connected to the Cedar Lake Trail and Mississippi River trails system, making it accessible by bike or on foot from downtown Minneapolis and surrounding neighborhoods.
Community Reviews
User Submitted Photos
Active social media presence with many families sharing photos of their children enjoying the playground, particularly during community events.
Recent Reviews
Recent visitors note the playground's clean condition and appreciate the thoughtful design that complements the neighborhood's character.
Crowd Levels
Most crowded on weekends and after school hours. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter and less busy.
Special Events
Hosts occasional community gatherings and seasonal events organized by the North Loop Neighborhood Association, including summer movie nights and fall festivals.
User Experience
Entrance Fee
Free public access, no entrance fees required.
Space For Groups
Suitable for small to medium groups, though limited seating may present challenges for very large gatherings.
Nature Connection
Incorporates some green space and plantings, though the overall feel is more urban than nature-oriented.
Noise Level
Moderate noise levels from playground activities, somewhat buffered from street noise by landscape design.
Aesthetic Design
Contemporary design that complements the neighborhood's industrial heritage, using materials like metal, concrete, and wood in earth tones with occasional bright accents.
Safety Regulations
Security Presence
Regular patrols by Minneapolis Park Police, but no permanent security presence.
Rules Restrictions
Standard Minneapolis parks rules apply: no smoking, alcohol, or glass containers. Playground designed for children under 12, with adult supervision required.
First Aid Availability
No dedicated first aid station, though park staff may provide basic assistance during staffed hours. Emergency services accessible via 911.
Community Interaction
Community Activities
Serves as a gathering spot for neighborhood families, with informal playgroups and occasional organized activities through the neighborhood association.
Social Interaction
Design encourages social play with multiple children able to use structures simultaneously. Layout allows parents to easily supervise while socializing with other adults.
Sustainability Environment
Eco Friendly Practices
Incorporates sustainable landscaping with native plantings that require minimal irrigation and maintenance.
Renewable Energy
Some solar-powered lighting elements, though not extensively implemented throughout the park.
Walkability Bike Access
Excellent walkability score with pedestrian-friendly approaches from all directions. Well-connected to city bike lanes and trail systems, making it easily accessible without a car.
Reviews
Katrina DeWit
2 years ago
This is one of our favorite parks as it has a variety of equipment for both little tots and older kids. It’s also connected to walking/biking trails along the river. I appreciate that it’s always fairly busy so my toddler has other kids to play with on Mondays, when I take the day off as a Real Estate Advisor.
View on GoogleQuinn Kelley
2 years ago
Cool playground and picnic area right on the river. Also right near the Mississippi Walking Trail, which is beautiful. The playground also has its own pay lot.
View on GoogleMatt
a year ago
Great views of the water and beautiful walking trails
View on GoogleSherry N (Sweet-WarDarling)
9 months ago
Great place for a bike ride on trail
View on GoogleBradley van Middelkoop
6 months ago
Good for kids of different ages, good for me sitting on a bench. Nice river views. $1 per hour parking on Saturday.
View on Google