Imagine Canal Park

The City of Duluth's Planning Commission has been hard at work updating the City of Duluth's Comprehensive Plan, better known as Imagine Duluth 2035. This plan works to envision how our city can grow and best serve our community in the future. As part of this process, Imagine Canal Park became another area of focus. Canal Park is a vibrant and integral part of the community and this plan seeks to improve the following:
  • Increase use of Canal Park year-round
  • Determine the best activities and programming that help to connect citizens of different backgrounds
  • Create common pedestrian oriented gathering spaces that build social capital and connections between people
A series of six Pilot Projects will be put in place in the next year or two to better inform the improvement and development of Canal Park. Some projects will include physical changes, while others will be more focused on events and use of space.
Pilot Idea #1: Connect Canal Park Project  Develop a comprehensive pedestrian wayfinding system throughout downtown and Canal Park. | Enhance safety and comfort of the I-35 overpass on S. Lake Avenue. | Enhance connection between Lake Place Park and Canal Park. Pilot Idea #2: Pedestrian Paradise Project Transform a parking lot into an outdoor living room. | Create an outdoor network of rest zones. Pilot Idea #3: Buchanan Plaza Project Temporarily pedestrianize Buchanan Street. | Beautify the alley between Little Angie’s and The DeWitt Seitz Marketplace. Pilot Idea #4: Lake Access Project Temporarily activate Harbor Road and Baywalk with activities, market vendors, landscaping, public spaces, and other amenities to create a fully connected and active waterfront. | Create opportunities for play along the Lakewalk. Pilot Idea #5: Canal Park Winter Village Project Transform Canal Park into a cozy winter village. Pilot Idea #6: Canal Park on the Move Project Enhance visibility and comfort of trolley stops. | Temporarily eliminate parking in the interior of Canal Park and promote shuttle service/trolleys/walking from downtown lots. | Re-route vehicular traffic.

Leading up to the implementation of these Pilot Projects, Imagine Canal Park will continue to hold meetings with community members and review the results of the Interim Report. Understanding how Duluthians want to be involved in the future of Canal Park is key.

Starting this September 4th - 17th, a pop-up community park space will be implemented in the Lighthouse Parking Lot in Canal Park, along with the pedestrian plaza on Buchanan Street. A more detailed Press Release can be found here: Duluth to Implement Pilot Project to Make Canal Park Pop! Attached are the findings gathered through community engagement and the strategies that will be put in place to ensure the continued growth and success of Canal Park: Imagine Canal Park Interim Report