The MWMO and its partners are moving forward with field work to aid in the design and decision-making process at the Columbia Golf Course and Columbia Park. Last week, an engineering team dug test pits (pictured) to collect soil samples at the golf course and the adjacent rugby field. The samples will be analyzed to learn about the characteristics of the soil and other material present on the site. Earlier this summer, surveyors collected elevation data to help inform the next phase of planning and design for stormwater improvements at the course.

These environmental and geotechnical investigations will help the project partners finalize the design and location of stormwater best management practices (BMPs) on the northern half of the golf course. These stormwater BMPs will improve drainage at the course and help reduce the flow of polluted runoff to the Mississippi River. Project partners are coordinating with golf course staff to minimize impacts to the golf course’s operations as well as physical impacts to the course itself.

In June, MWMO Board Chair and Minneapolis City Council Member Kevin Reich held a community forum on the Northeast Stormwater Management Initiative. Reich invited attendees to learn and ask questions about planned stormwater improvements in and around the Columbia Golf Course in Northeast Minneapolis. Staff from the MWMO, City of Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board discussed design concepts and anticipated benefits. Slides and graphics from the meeting are available on the MWMO website.