SE Minnesota News

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) will meet on May 23, 2023 to review the recommendation to modify the local historic inventory and no longer consider Soldiers Field Memorial Park (SFMP) for possible local landmark designation.  This recommendation comes as the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), National Park Service, as well as several Tribal Historic Preservation Offices completed their review and SHPO determined that the property is not eligible for National Register designation. The investment planned for SFMP will continue, including the expansion of the West playground, aquatics facility, and west side trail connection.

Irene Woodward, Community Development Director highlights, “Rochester is fortunate to have important and noteworthy landmarks.  While SHPO determined that the property is not eligible for the National Register designation, the City of Rochester continues to see the significance of Soldiers Field Memorial Field Park and is committed to continuing to make investments into the park.  Much of the original symmetrical design remain and is not intended to change with these park improvements.” 

In 2022, the City was awarded a Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant for the redevelopment of the recreation facilities at Soldiers Field Memorial Park. With any use of federal funds, a determination must be made if the project will affect historic resources.  Properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places). Often referred to as a "Section 106 Review", this process includes site surveying, research, and evaluation utilizing National Register criteria to determine possible historic significance and historic integrity of the property.

The full study, including all required National Register forms, is over 100 pages in length. It was completed in February 2023 and provided SHPO as well as several Tribal Historic Preservation Offices for their review. The SHPO determined that the property is not eligible for National Register designation. In a letter dated May 9, 2023, the National Parks Service determined that no historic properties would be affected.

“Soldiers Field Memorial Park is an important part of Rochester and the parks system. We continue to see and advocate for ongoing investments and enhancements of the space.  This includes working to make decisions that do honor and nod to the history of the space,” shares Parks & Recreation Director Paul Widman.

Soldiers Memorial Field Park was placed on the historic inventory (previously called the Potential Landmark List) by the City Council on February 22, 2017.

Original source can be found here.