PARK WATCH COMMENT ON “RYAN COMPANIES MAKING $200,000 DONATION FOR DOWNTOWN EAST PARK” AND ON “CITY LOOKING FOR DESIGN TEAM FOR DOWNTOWN EAST PARK”

Park Watch Comment:  The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board refused to accept this land for a park because it is land controlled by the Vikings and the MFSA; therefore, it can not be a public park.  Now the city, which does not have the authority to own and operate parks, is allowing an unauthorized park to be developed on city property.

The primary beneficiaries of this so called park will be the Vikings, the MFSA and maybe a soccer team owned by the Wilfs.  After all, the Vikings and MFSA are entitled to all the profits generated by the concessions on days the Vikings and the MFSA use the land, which can be as often as they want and whenever they want.  The benefit for taxpayers would be minimal.  For the City to maintain this property as a public park in direct violation of the City Charter is outrageous and an embarrassment to the citizens of Minneapolis.