Riverfront Park

Mankato, MN | Sports + Recreation

Overview

On the banks of the Minnesota River, Riverfront Park is an exciting and unique space formed through ISG’s partnership with the City of Mankato, where this former industrial site was converted into a much-needed gathering space for cultural and recreational activities.


Opportunity

A former industrial site provided the perfect location for a large-scale conversion project that would result in a much-needed outdoor park and events space.

Solution

Riverfront Park, located just north of downtown Mankato, is helping to rejuvenate the Old Town District and offers a critical link to the City’s commitment to urban planning. The park provides a new venue for festivals and concerts, improves access to the popular Sakatah Bike Trail, preserves open space for the community, and allows visitors to reconnect to the Minnesota River with access for kayaking and fishing. Educational kiosks dotted along the park highlight features including an artesian well, plus it identifies the local ecology, geology, and native plants of the Minnesota River Valley.

A new 1,240 sq. ft. Riverfront Pavilion, including public restrooms, a lobby, and a sheltered picnic area is the central commons area for the park and provides a convenient and user-friendly place to gather. The Pavilion—designed to echo Mankato’s past—blends in with the nearby historic buildings.

The Vetter Stone Amphitheater, a new musical venue within Riverfront Park helps to attract cultural events and festivals for the greater Mankato area including Rib Fest, The Arts by the River Festival, and The Riverbend Blues Festival. The family of the locally owned Vetter Stone quarry donated 1,500 tons of limestone for the project. The amphitheater’s tiered stone walls offer seating for 1,000 people with space for nearly 12,000 on the surrounding lawn. The tensile fabric shelter provides a great sound reflector and lighting backdrop for the stage shows.

Business Unit News

ISG Celebrates 50 Years of Business, Ready for 50 More

March 21, 2023 (Mankato, Minnesota) – ISG turns 50 years old in 2023. The firm of over 500 multi-disciplinary professionals, ranging from architects and designers to engineers, technologists, marketers, and project managers, now spans across four states across the upper Midwest with 11 offices.
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Environmental Firm to Host Southern Minnesota Lake Resources Conference

March 14, 2023 (Mankato, Minnesota) – ISG will host the inaugural Future of Southern Minnesota Lakes Conference on April 22, 2023, in Mankato, Minnesota. The conference will equip community members, lake associations, and lake stewards with the tools, approaches, and resources to care for the lakes of Southern Minnesota.
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