THE NEW LILAC PARK
From the Re-Echo, June 2009

Some explanation: Several roadside picnic areas were built along Highway 100 in 1939 when the highway was built. The park at Minnetonka Blvd. was originally called Lilac Park. Last fall the beehive fireplace at that location was moved to St. Louis Park Roadside Park, at Highway 7 by the Nordic Ware tower. Now that the original Lilac Park is no more, St. Louis Park Roadside Park has become the new Lilac Park.
 

The Grand Opening of the newly-restored Lilac Park will take place on July 13 at 6:00 pm. The City has done a fantastic job of restoring the beehive and all of the stone structures, including picnic tables, fire pit and council ring. There are also matching areas for a bike rack, trash receptacle, and bathroom facilities. This beautiful restored park is accessed by a service road in front of Nordic Ware, at Beltline Blvd. and Highway 7.
 

The project resulted from a collaboration by the City, Mn/DOT, the Three Rivers Park District, and the St. Louis Park Historical Society, which donated $10,000 for renovation of the Beehive. The project would not have been possible without the leadership of Park Superintendent Rick Birno, who wrote the proposal, got funding from the City, worked closely with Mn/DOT, hired the contractors, and planned the Grand Opening. Thanks, Rick for working to preserve this precious bit of St. Louis Park history.

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This information comes from a variety of sources: newspapers, books, yearbooks, phone directories, interviews, etc. Given the varied sources, we cannot guarantee that all of this information is correct, and welcome any additions and corrections. Please contact us with your contributions and comments.