LAKE MINNETONKA
LAKE MINNETONKA
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2025
So-Hi’ s mission for playground equity
Excelsior families on the south side of Highway 7 are now able to enjoy their own playground, thanks to the hard work of the people behind So-Hi Community Park initiative.
Since the park opened June 2024, it has become a hot spot for youth and families. Located in the parking lot of Excelsior United Methodist Church, the playground serves as both a community gathering and play space. The playground is also designed to be accessible to children of all abilities.
The idea behind the creation of a playground was two-fold: not only did children who live south of Highway 7 live in a portion of Excelsior that required a long, arduous walk to the nearest playground in the Commons Park, but Excelsior United Methodist Church members also noticed their parking lot was frequently used as a community gathering and play space.
Coming together, Excelsior United Methodist Church and Excelsior community members like Sarah Nelson and Bill Lester formed a plan to make an accessible playground a reality in this part of Excelsior, with the church dedicating a portion of its land for a public playground.
It was when the Excelsior Morning Rotary first received a grant application from the So-Hi initiative that its eyes were opened to the need for a playground in this part of Excelsior. Following the initial grant, the Rotary joined the initiative as a founding sponsor.
Later on, So-Hi was able to secure a $ 50,000 grant from the Hennepin County Youth Sports program as well with help from Hennepin County.
Even still, the fundraising game to make the community park even better is not over. The initiative continues to raise funds for add additional ADA-specific equipment, such as a sunshade structure, picnic tables and extra seating.
The next phase is set to begin this year, which will add more recreational space for older children and young adults, including a sports court for basketball, pickleball and playground games.
Project partners include So-Hi Community Park, Excelsior Morning Rotary Club, Excelsior United Methodist Church, Hennepin County Youth Sports, Excelsior Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, the City of Excelsior, Excelsior Noon Rotary and local businesses like Minnetonka Marina and the Youngstedts Companies.
For more information about the So-Hi Community Park project or to donate to the initiative, visit sohicommunitypark. org.
LAKE MINNETONKA | COMMUNITY GUIDE | 2025 | 49