Loring Parks Greenway Plaza gets an upgrade. But the walkway needs more love.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey will inaugurate a $30 million upgrade to Loring Park’s Greenway Plaza on June 26. The funding, primarily sourced from local homeowners in the Loring East and Loring West condo towers, aims to refurbish the plaza and surrounding structures. Project coordinator John Zesbaugh states that the improvements create a parklike atmosphere with flowering plants and shrubs, celebrating the plaza's significance. However, the Greenway, completed in 1980, exhibits signs of aging, particularly with dry fountains and design elements that feel outdated. Zesbaugh highlights the need for renovations to the fountains, which have become bare and uninviting.

Despite its shortcomings, the investment reflects a positive trend for Minneapolis, showcasing a commitment to enhancing urban spaces. Loring Park, which opened in 1883, has seen fluctuating fortunes but continues to serve as a vital asset in the city's park system. The upcoming upgrades aim to restore its reputation and attract more visitors.