The Commons Then
The Excelsior Commons has a rich history as one of the oldest designated Commons areas in the country. The 13-acre parcel overlooking Gideon’s Bay and Excelsior Bay was originally set-aside as a “public ground” in 1854 in the original village plat, to be owned by the public in perpetuity. Through the years, the Commons evolved into a large neighborhood park and public recreation space that was used during all four seasons for a variety of activities. As Excelsior evolved, the Commons remained a familiar public greenspace, home to a beach, lakefront park, baseball diamond, and sidewalk. Neighborhood festivals and annual events gravitated to the Commons as their natural focal point. For example, the large 4th of July celebration that is still a major regional attraction today can be traced as far back as 1870.
Over the years, the Commons has been adjacent to many other quasi-public spaces to create a regional draw that many generations have used. These spaces include a Pavillion, Amusement Park, charter cruises, and public boat docks, but historical photos suggest that the wide open lawn space, sandy swimming beach, and a tree-lined vista point have stayed relatively consistent over time. The baseball field has also been a mainstay, vintage images depict games being played there in the early 20th century. The ball field still hosts several games per week during the summer months. Structures added during the latter part of the 20th century include a bandshell, bathhouse, restrooms, and concession area. While those structures have served as important amenities in past decades, they are also identified as features that would benefit from renewal in both an aesthetic as well as functional perspective.
The enduring character of the Commons is what makes it special today and is also what causes Community for The Commons to be passionate about preserving and gradually improving the space.
Over the years, the Commons has been adjacent to many other quasi-public spaces to create a regional draw that many generations have used. These spaces include a Pavillion, Amusement Park, charter cruises, and public boat docks, but historical photos suggest that the wide open lawn space, sandy swimming beach, and a tree-lined vista point have stayed relatively consistent over time. The baseball field has also been a mainstay, vintage images depict games being played there in the early 20th century. The ball field still hosts several games per week during the summer months. Structures added during the latter part of the 20th century include a bandshell, bathhouse, restrooms, and concession area. While those structures have served as important amenities in past decades, they are also identified as features that would benefit from renewal in both an aesthetic as well as functional perspective.
The enduring character of the Commons is what makes it special today and is also what causes Community for The Commons to be passionate about preserving and gradually improving the space.
The swimming beaches have always been popular, at one time featuring slides. Today, there are two swimming beaches on the West end of the Commons. (courtesy of ELMHS)
The Commons Now
Today, the Commons is a community space and home to many annual events. Families use the Commons for gatherings and excursions. School groups use it for recreational days and picnics. Visitors to Excelsior often include a stroll in the Commons during a day that might also involve eating at local restaurants or enjoying a movie. Casual users can often be found playing catch or simply enjoying solitude on a lakeside bench. In the early morning, you might see people fishing from the shore, going for a run, or walking a dog through the park. The playground, beach, and baseball field are also popular areas for impromptu gatherings.
There are also several planned events each year in The Commons, ranging from concerts to local school functions to athletic events. Some annual events include: Art on the Lake, the Lake Minnetonka Triathlon, the Concours d’Elegance car show, one of the area’s most popular 4th of July Celebrations, and many other festivals and events.
Just as important as the festivals and events, the Commons is a place for rest, relaxation and serene lake views. Residents of Excelsior and neighboring communities find tranquility and solitude in the 13-acre park and its peaceful lakefront setting. The Commons provides a place to take a walk, for children to explore, and to enjoy the sights and sounds of the lake. On a lake with 125 miles of highly-developed shoreline, the Commons provides one of the only large expanses of public quiet spaces remaining on Lake Minnetonka.
The Commons continues to be a focal point for the Excelsior community and the entire South Lake Minnetonka region. With the ability to be both vibrant and peaceful, the Commons is a special place and one that Community for The Commons is committed to supporting for the long-term.
There are also several planned events each year in The Commons, ranging from concerts to local school functions to athletic events. Some annual events include: Art on the Lake, the Lake Minnetonka Triathlon, the Concours d’Elegance car show, one of the area’s most popular 4th of July Celebrations, and many other festivals and events.
Just as important as the festivals and events, the Commons is a place for rest, relaxation and serene lake views. Residents of Excelsior and neighboring communities find tranquility and solitude in the 13-acre park and its peaceful lakefront setting. The Commons provides a place to take a walk, for children to explore, and to enjoy the sights and sounds of the lake. On a lake with 125 miles of highly-developed shoreline, the Commons provides one of the only large expanses of public quiet spaces remaining on Lake Minnetonka.
The Commons continues to be a focal point for the Excelsior community and the entire South Lake Minnetonka region. With the ability to be both vibrant and peaceful, the Commons is a special place and one that Community for The Commons is committed to supporting for the long-term.
