Chaska Builds on its Historic Past
Chaska Firemen’s Park Curling Facility and Schimelpfenig Park Construction and Renovation Blend History With Sports and Recreation
An innovative municipal redevelopment project in downtown Chaska, Minnesota, is bringing new energy to the community while honoring its heritage.
Located on the site of a former brick factory, the Firemen’s Park and Schimelpfenig Park construction and renovation project is highlighted by the new 42,497-square-foot Chaska Curling Center, Welcome Hall and Crooked Pint Ale House restaurant.
The curling center includes six curling lanes, locker rooms and tiered seating, with viewing tables inside the ale house. The facility also includes a 300-seat event center, then nearing completion, along with a patio and two outdoor wedding locations. A new boardwalk encircles Firemen’s Lake.
Work continued that spring on a pedestrian bridge crossing the lake to connect with Schimelpfenig Park, beach improvements, new park shelters, a stage pavilion, an interactive fountain, a memorial walk and an updated playground.
How Does the Project Honor Chaska’s History?
The park experience reflects Chaska’s history. The curling center’s cream-colored brick resembles Chaska brick once produced from clay found near the lake. Reclaimed barn wood was repurposed in the ale house.
Welcome Hall showcases the historic fire department bell, honoring the firefighters who helped develop the park in the 1950s. The memorial walk features a brickyard garden, and rest areas incorporate replica kilns.
“The Chaska park and recreation staff worked very closely with the Chaska Historical Society, Kraus-Anderson, 292 Design Group, LHB and others to capture the essence of the historical significance of the land’s history,” said Tom Redman, director of Chaska Parks and Recreation.
The project’s connection to community history and public gathering spaces reflects broader work in parks and recreation construction and historic project restoration.
What Were the Project’s Primary Goals?
The multifaceted redevelopment project was designed to meet several objectives: drive traffic to downtown Chaska, support the downtown business district, create community gathering spaces and build on the historical aspects of the site.
“The challenges going into the project were timing, budget and public involvement,” Redman said. “The project team depended on Kraus-Anderson to be a willing partner and to understand all facets of the project. This project had many different parts to it, and it required a mentality of staying calm and focused to finish with a quality project, which we did.”
Kraus-Anderson began providing preconstruction services in June 2014, and demolition began in January 2015. Preconstruction planning addressed site drainage challenges.
The project sits on 543 aggregate piers and includes an underground water storage tank that recycles water into the irrigation system. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides resources on water-efficient landscaping and irrigation, which offer broader context for water-conscious site planning.
Multiple bid packages were issued to support the city’s accelerated schedule. The organized, proactive subcontractor team made an important contribution to the project’s success.
How Has the Community Responded to the New Chaska Curling Center?
City officials said the community embraced the new heart of downtown.
“Our expectations were to have 188 curling memberships sold, and we are already at 900 sold!” Redman said. “The 12 leagues were advertised online and all filled within two weeks. The 96-team bonspiel held in mid-January was a resounding success. The event center has already been scheduled for more than 50 weddings and events.”
Watch the local news video about the Chaska Curling Center.
“The reception thus far has been nothing short of amazing. It is doing exactly what we thought it would do in bringing more people into downtown Chaska,” Redman said.
The grand opening was planned for June.
In this article, Kraus-Anderson explored the Chaska Firemen’s Park and Schimelpfenig Park redevelopment, including construction of the Chaska Curling Center, historic site interpretation, downtown revitalization, preconstruction planning, water reuse and new public recreation amenities. Learn more about government construction, the City of New Brighton Sunny Square Park renovation and Chaska projects.
CATEGORY: Construction