By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
On Tuesday, the Northfield City Council signaled its support for designating Central Park as a historic place, unanimously adopting the first reading of the resolution. Central Park was the original city block used to measure the plot of the rest of the city from. The features of sidewalks, a gathering area in the middle of the park, and a border of trees have all been part of the park for much of its existence, contributing to its historic significance. Associate City Planner Mathias Hughley stated that the city follows six criteria to determine whether a place is historic and not just old. Meeting even just 1 of the 6 criteria would be grounds for historic designation. From the review by city staff and the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), Central Park met 4 out of the 6 criteria.
“So these criteria typically has to be associated with significant people, events, artistic and architectural styles and things of that nature. That kind of elevates a place above just being old.” – Mathias Hughey, Associate City Planner, at the 4/1/2025 Northfield City Council Meeting
Two of the noted historic features of Central Park. From the 4/3/2025 Northfield City Council Packet.
Hughley noted that the difference between a local and national historic designation is about the level of protection for the site. A national historic site honors the historic resources and qualifies the site for future grants and money. While a local designation actually protects the site from any future changes or developments.
Central Park was also designated as Northfield’s public square by the town’s founder, John North. Hughley noted that this designation gives Central Park a special status as a park that must be available to all.
The historic designation for Central Park had been recommended by the HPC, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, City Staff, and the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which described Central Park as “an ideal candidate for the historic designation.” The Planning Commission is the only group not to recommend the park for historic designation.
Several residents showed up to the meeting on a snowy and cold night to show their support for the park, speaking during the public comments section of the meeting. Here’s Barbara Wornson, who worked to help restore the park during the 1990s after many years of disrepair:
“Hopefully in 2065, because of the actions we’ve taken today, there will be memory of what has happened [at Central Park].” – Barb Wornson, a Northfield resident speaking at the 4/1/2025 Northfield City Council
Alice Thomas spoke during the comment section to reassure people that the historic preservation does not mean the park will not be able to change or undergo maintenance in the future:
“The key to successful park updates is to maintain its character. The same feeling new playground equipment is unlikely to change the feeling. City staff previously cited Minnesota communities who’ve maintained their designated parks successfully. I was able to contact one of them, who reported that regarding updates and repairs quote, this has not been a problem.” – Alice Thomas, a Northfield resident speaking at the 4/1/2025 Northfield City Council
The designation will preserve the historic items of Central Park and provides an opportunity for the HPC to review changes to the park in the future
The first reading was adopted unanimously by the City Council and will be taken up for its final vote at the council’s regular meeting later on April 15th.
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