City Subscriptions

Imagine Canal Park Pop-Ups Complete; Survey Report to Community Expected in November

[Duluth, MN] – The temporary pop-up project Buchanan Plaza constructed as part of Imagine Canal Park was deconstructed on Friday, September 28, as city employees removed tables, chairs, yard games, and traffic safety cones to resume normal vehicle use of Buchanan Street. This marks the end of the month long pilot aimed at measuring and monitoring transit, pedestrian mobility and public interaction and responses to creative community spaces.

During the month-long trial of temporary changes to Lake Avenue South, Buchanan Plaza, and Lighthouse Park, feedback was provided to the City by pop-up participants and an online survey. Over 600 individuals responded, and many more sent direct emails to the City that will also be incorporated into the results. Feedback was also provided by participants in the initial pop-up kick-off event using “Idea Boards,” where 368 people provided ideas about what they liked about the pop-ups and what might be changed to make the area work better. The City plans to share the results in November once all input has been analyzed by the 8 80 consultants.

Keith Hamre, Director of Planning and Construction Services and Acting Chief Administrative Officer with the City, said “We appreciate the patience of the community during this temporary pilot project in Canal Park. This was a learning opportunity and the results will allow the community to better understand how this important area can best grow and change in the future. We thank our partners at Knight Cities Challenge, 8 80 Cities, the Duluth Superior Community Foundation, the Canal Park Business Association, Duluth Transit Authority and many others who came together to develop this temporary project.”

Removal of the three-lane configuration on Lake Avenue South will begin today, October 1^st to eliminate the left turn lane as vehicles approach the lift bridge. Weather permitting, restoration of the original street configuration will occur today. This will restore the on-street parking that was temporarily unavailable during the trial. Parking was cited as a dominant concern by residents during the temporary pop-up events. With the removal of the three-lane configuration, all on-street and other surface parking will be fully restored for use by motorists visiting Canal Park.

Questions about the Imagine Canal Park project can be directed to the Adam Fulton in the Community Planning Division at 730-5580 or compplan@duluthmn.gov

# # #