Soldiers Field Memorial Park Improvements Receive Statewide Award of Excellence

The City of Rochester Parks and Recreation Department has received an Award of Excellence in the Park & Facility category from the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) for the Soldiers Field Memorial Park Improvements. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in parks and recreation across Minnesota.  

The $23.5 million project represents a major reinvestment in one of Rochester’s most historic and heavily used parks. Guided by the Soldiers Field Memorial Park 2022 Master Plan Update and informed by extensive community engagement, the improvements modernized aging infrastructure, expanded recreational opportunities, strengthened trail and multimodal connections, and created a more inclusive and accessible park experience.  

Improvements completed between 2023 and 2025 included a major aquatics expansion featuring a lazy river, three waterslides, a 50-meter lap pool, renovated bathhouse facilities and inclusive zero-depth entry features. Additional park improvements included new and improved playgrounds, enhanced shelters, basketball courts, trail connections, stormwater improvements, public art and environmental enhancements, such as native plantings and pollinator meadows. 

“The Soldiers Field Memorial Park Improvements project reflects years of planning, strong community input and collaboration across departments and partners,” said Paul Widman, City of Rochester Parks and Recreation Director. “We are honored to receive this recognition from MRPA and proud to provide a park space that serves residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.” 

The project was shaped by nearly 3,000 public comments and stakeholder engagement efforts, including community meetings, surveys and co-design opportunities for aquatics and playground features.  

The MRPA Awards Committee reviewed 45 award applications before selecting Rochester Parks and Recreation as an Award of Excellence recipient for the Soldiers Field Memorial Park Improvements project. An MRPA Awards Committee member will present the award to the City of Rochester at the Park Board meeting on Tuesday, June 2.