Downtown East Park Has Raised $7 Million

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -  It's set to be an oasis in the center of the city.

Minneapolis's take on Central Park is closer to becoming a reality.

Mayor Besty Hodges announced Thursday a fundraising committee has raised a third of the funds they need to pay for Downtown East Commons Park.

The green space in two blocks from the new Vikings Stadium.

It will take over the space where the Star Tribune's old building stood and the green space around it.

City leaders say it will be a place to eat, conduct business, skateboard or play basketball.

"When you close your eyes and travel around the United States or the world, every great city that comes to mind has a great park," said Pat Ryan, co-chair of the fundraising committee for the park. "That's what Downtown East is going to add to Minneapolis."

The committee needs another $14 million.

They say the park will also be used for events during the 2018 Super Bowl.