JLG Architects will be in Apple Valley, Minnesota, to celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated outdoor pavilion and playground at Kelley Park at 6855 Fortino St.
Kelley Park’s renovation was led by Confluence landscape architects, in collaboration with JLG Architects. The park project, supported by the 2023 Apple Valley Parks Referendum, introduces a new Purple Bear Playground and a new amphitheater, along with an interactive splash pad, a shelter, a large mobile LED screen, and a three-restroom, ADA-accessible building connected to a looped trail system. The renovation also expanded on-site parking, with designated space for food trucks.
To create the new amphitheater, the performance stage was relocated to the southwest side of the park. The amphitheater was positioned within a gently sloped natural bowl lawn to optimize concert and movie sightlines.
The Purple Bear Playground is the project’s centerpiece, featuring slides and climbing elements by Earthscape Play and Midwest Playscapes. The Big Purple Bear character gives the destination playground a playful identity while a mix of climbing structures, slides, and nature-inspired elements invites children of all ages and abilities to explore and play.
Confluence and JLG Architects integrated sustainable features and natural wood elements throughout Kelley Park’s redesign, including exposed cross-laminated timber decking on the restroom building, with a thermally modified wood canopy and polished black concrete in an ashlar pattern on the bandshell. Each building is solar-ready, allowing for future photovoltaic panel installation that supports the City’s long-term sustainability goals. In collaboration with Reengineered, the splash pad water was also regeneratively designed with drains that collect and recycle water for the Park’s irrigation needs.
Kelley Park + Redwood Park
Informed by community charrettes and public forums, the redesign of Kelley Park is one of two Apple Valley parks and recreation projects that Confluence and JLG Architects are leading simultaneously. Nearby, the 12-acre Redwood Park renovation includes a fully inclusive playground; new courts for tennis, pickleball, basketball, and Ecuavolley; expanded parking; a new pool; a sustainably designed park building; accessible restrooms; pool mechanical equipment; and a natural stormwater area.
The new Redwood Community Pool was the first major completion of the redesigned Redwood Park project, which opened to the public on June 5th. The new all-inclusive destination playground is anticipating a fall 2026 completion. The looped trail system connects the new park amenities, with a future pedestrian tunnel linking both Kelley and Redwood Parks.
