MnDOT continues Graeser Park restoration in spring 2023

MnDOT has brought treasured Lilac Way park back to life.

In 2021, Program Manager Andrea Weber at MnDOT’s Historic Roadside Properties Program thoughtfully planned a three-phase project to preserve and restore Lilac Way’s Graeser Park in Robbinsdale, MN.

With a keen attention to detail and adherence to the National Park’s Service’s Historic Preservation Standards and Guidelines, MnDOT has brought this 1940 Lilac Way Park back to life. And we could not be more grateful.

Scroll down to see photos of the restored beehive fireplace. The 11 picnic tables were rebuilt using salvaged stonework from lost Lilac Way parks.

Here is a brief outline of their efforts from their website.

Stone picnic table restoration-Northern Bedrock Historic Conservation Corps. The Corps members worked with a technical expert from Advanced Masonry Restoration to repoint two picnic table pads, clean off another pad, and rebuild one picnic table from salvaged stone in the rock garden. Work was completed in July 2021.

Stone Mason Contract. Environmental Associates, Inc. (EAI) was contracted to rebuild ten picnic tables, re-point nice table pads, and repair and repoint the beehive fireplace. Work took place during the month of October 2021and then from May through June 2022.

In addition, to the planned above, a flagstone base around the beehive was discovered and repointed, the top of the beehive was covered with a metal cap and woven wire covers were added to the firebox openings to protect the beehive from future damage. The overlook wall along the parking area was cleaned, the top was repointed, and end piers were rebuilt.

Fall 2022-spring 2023. One more phase of work is planned focusing on safety and accessibility. Repointing the rock garden pond walls and benches as well as adding accessible walks along Broadway and to a picnic table near the beehive.

Learn more about this program at dot.state.mn.us.