Nature Theme Planned for Splash Pad, Madison’s Place Playground in Woodbury

With sports everywhere else at the Bielenberg Sports Center, Mayor Mary Giuliani Stephens said she liked the nature theme for two other additions at the site.

The Woodbury City Council on Wednesday examined plans for a splash pad and Madison’s Place, which will be the largest playground in the state for children of all abilities once the $1 million project is complete.

Both will be installed adjacent to the Bielenberg Sports Center, which is undergoing a $21.8 million expansion and will partner with the Minnesota United FC for a training facility at the site.

John Slack, Stantec landscape architect, outlined the latest plans for the splash pad and playground, which have been updated with a nature theme throughout.

“I think it’s a great design,” Councilman Paul Rebholz said.

The playground will be ringed with trees, giving it “canopy” effect, Slack said, and flowers, plants and insects will be part of the design motif.

The splash pad will incorporate many of those same elements, along with falling and spraying water that will be activated by those enjoying the feature.

The plans call for two separate splash pads—the larger of the two will be for older children and the smaller for younger kids.

A restroom and arbor area is also planned at the splash pad, at a cost of about $100,000.

A butterfly garden is also planned at the entrance to the playground, though Slack said some care will have to be taken so it doesn't attract bees.

Madison’s Place

The Madison Claire Foundation is raising funds for the construction of the playground and is seeking sponsors whose name will adorn a sign at the site.

Madison’s Place is the brainchild of Woodbury resident Dana Millington, whose daughter Madison suffered from spinal muscular atrophy and died in 2004 at age 2.

Dave Millington spoke briefly at the meeting, noting successes from a recent golf tournament and fundraiser from Punch Pizza.

He said he’s excited about the new plans.

“I think it’s fantastic,” Millington said.

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