U+B was hired by the City of Maple Grove to design the architectural components for the City’s new Central Park, enhancing walk-ability while providing a variety of recreational areas and opportunities. Located in the middle of the city and close to other city amenities including the community center, library and Town Green, the park is the first to be considered an “urban park.” The park boasts components ranging from a warming house and fall-winter-spring refrigerated ice rink to an interactive summer fountain and playground.
The central building to the park is Phenow Pavilion, for which former Parks and Recreation Director Terry Just notes, “U+B was able to capture the vision of the Park Board and Park & Recreation staff for an urban design in a wonderful and refreshing Park Pavilion building.”
To enhance walk-ability, U+B created views that visually connect you throughout the park paired with architectural components designed to respond to the park programming. The design creates a community of buildings, each serving a specific functional program and each assuming a separate identity united by a common palette of materials. Yet to be completed, the final phase of the project includes a lake-side garden pavilion, pergola and picnic shelter as well as a remote restroom building by the sports courts. “It’s designed as a destination park and to serve the whole community,” Chuck Stifter, Maple Grove Superintendent of Parks and Planning
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