A major improvement project to LaFave Park, which sits just south of downtown East Grand Forks on the Red River, is nearing completion. LaFave Park was expanded after a devastating flood in 1997 wiped out what was once a residential area along the river. The Park is an important amenity for the Greater Grand Forks community and has been used by anglers, youth sports teams, and the neighboring Sacred Heart School for more than 20 years. However, the park’s infrastructure was in dire need of repair. The streets hadn’t been maintained since the ’97 flood and were deteriorating, river access was limited, the single-use boat ramp was crumbling, and there wasn’t a dedicated parking area.
Widseth’s civil engineers and land surveyors worked with the City of East Grand Forks to design multiple improvements to the LaFave Park area. One of the most notable upgrades will be a wider boat ramp to replace the single-use ramp that was built in the 1980s. Additional improvements will include an ADA-compliant kayak launch, new sidewalks from the parking lot to the water, a seating area, and a floating dock for easier boat launching and loading. Parking for 28 vehicles with trailers and 16 single-vehicle spots will be included, as well as overflow parking to accommodate busy times during fishing leagues and tournaments.
Improvements to River Street and First Street NW are also part of the project. First Street provides access to a football practice field and two softball fields. A new picnic shelter in between the football field and softball fields was added as well as new sidewalks, additional ADA seating areas, dedicated parking stalls, and ADA curb ramps.
The LaFave Park improvement project is nearly complete and will benefit the city as a prominent community asset well into the future.
LaFave Park prior to improvements.
LaFave Park improvements nearly complete.
