Donations to Viaduct Park honored

It was a great celebration at Viaduct Park as city officials, donors, and community residents saw the results of years of planning come to fruition. Laura Bock, Executive Director of the Faribault Foundation honored the many organizations that have already donated to the park. Stop in to see the signs honoring donors in the building.

Park Donations Confirmed to date:

The State Bank of Faribault Gathering Space

Faribault Rotary  Splash Pad

RJR Insurance  Patio

Jennie-O Turkey Store  Concession Stand and Skate Rental

Reliance Bank Lobby

Skip Schwartz Family & Faribo Plumbing & Heating Warming Room

Faribault Mill     Warming Room

Xcel Energy Foundation Green Space

Crooked Pint Fire Pit and surrounding Benches

Dr. Richard Huston and Nancie Huston Shade Umbrella

Steeves Family    Picnic Table

John A. Hamer Law   Picnic Table

Kangas Family  Picnic Table

Sertoma Club of Faribault  Picnic Table

Faribault Rotary Club   Picnic Table

Lions Club of Faribault  Picnic Table

Tom & Jayne Spooner Picnic Table

Richie Eye Clinic and LASIK Center  Picnic Table and Shade Umbrella

Southern Heights Dental   2 Benches and Shade Umbrella

General Gifts:

• Rice County Sheriff’s Association

• Dr. Robert and Julie Olson

• Ruth Ann Hofmeister & Thomas P Kelley

• Paul & Dawn Peanasky

• Jessica Kinser

• Faribault Charitable Gambling Committee

• Diane de Laet

• Father Henry Doyle

Phase one of the new park, which sits on 2.7 acres in the shadows of the historic Hwy. 60 viaduct, features a splash pad, park building/restrooms, green space, and many decorative touches. Due to delayed construction, the splash pad opening has been pushed to 2026; however, Faribault Parks and Recreation plans to offer a number of recreational opportunities at the new regional park this fall and winter, and Parks staff intends on flooding a temporary ice surface this winter, allowing user to access the warming house and concession stand.

The recreational opportunities and other general public use of the park and splashpad (outside of reserved, exclusive use for private events) will be free of charge for participation.

The City has been planning for the Viaduct Park for years, following the approval of three separate, yet correlated plans that have called for a bigger, regional park along the river near the downtown area. The City then convened a community task force to identify the desired amenities.

The City Councail has approved phase two amenities which include a refrigerated skating surface that would guarantee ice during winter months, while also providing ample opportunities for use during non-winter months.

The Faribault Foundation is also working to raise funds for the park, providing opportunities for businesses, organizations, families, and individuals to participate and be recognized as part of this important community project. Join the growing list of local companies, families and individuals who are part of Viaduct Park!