New signage, enhanced Woodland Garden, Trail lighting, and improved Gathering Space are all in the plans for this beautiful park.
Last month 29 residents gathered for their first glimpse of the new cultural and historical interpretive signs that are in design for Swede Hollow Park. The conversation was lively and wonderful stories of both the park’s development and the human history of its immigrant communities were shared during our first in-person community engagement event since the pandemic.
Descendants of the immigrants who lived in “the Hollow” recommended sign placement that corresponded with the approximate site of the homes once located in the park. Brett Hussong of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Design and Construction is the lead Landscape Architect/Designer working on the signs. Lower Phalen Creek and Studio 104 have designed three of the new signs and were also on hand to answer questions and engage with residents.
Other projects in the park master plan now in the design or planning stage include: amber lighting along the trail, an enhanced Woodland Garden at the site of the former Hamm Mansion, and an enhanced Gathering Space for art and community events.