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With the Smith/Dodd intersection realignment completed last year, work is finally starting on the revamped and expanded Albert Park and Officer Scott Patrick Memorial.
What’s happening: West St. Paul is expanding Albert Park to create more of a pedestrian-friendly gathering space, as well as creating a permanent memorial for Officer Scott Patrick.
- When: Construction started October 1, and will be completed in 2027.
- Where: Smith and Dodd intersection in West St. Paul.
- Cost: $1.2 million for the two park spaces. The city did receive some federal funding for the project.
With Smith/Dodd construction work completed last year, why did the park work take so long to get started? “A few factors went into a delayed construction start, including detailed design efforts, MnDOT approval, and finalizing the agreement with the owners of Doddway Shopping Center which allows the expansion of the park space,” said West St. Paul Director of Parks and Recreation Eric Weiss.
Albert Park
- Space: The expanded space includes the former Dodd roadway as well as a portion of the Doddway parking lot.
- Features: Multiple seating elements, pergola, relocated obelisk, rock of Doddway, the smaller Albert memorial, and more. A key visible element will be large WSP letters that tie into the city’s new bolder branding. Some gardens will be mounded to created separation from traffic and help reduce noise.
- Smallest park: While Albert Park isn’t actually the smallest park, the city has a tongue-in-cheek plan to pursue that title. They hope to call the entire space Albert Plaza and designate a small portion of it as Albert Park in order to claim that title. The large WSP would have a double meaning as “World’s Smallest Park.”
- Redevelopment: There is no official update on a redevelopment plan of Doddway Center pitched in 2021. Currently there are only three businesses left in the shopping center and the property is for sale.
Officer Scott Patrick Memorial
Across the street from Albert Park is the place where Mendota Heights Police Officer Scott Patrick was killed in 2014. Now a temporary memorial at the site will finally be turned into a permanent space to honor Patrick.
- Family input: Patrick’s family led much of the design. They wanted a space that honors him, but also gives back to the community. They wanted something reflective, but not overly somber. Several elements reflect Patrick, including the color maroon, dragonflies, and things built from found objects.
- Park features: The space will include memorial panels, gardens, a swinging bench, badge plaque, seating, and more. There’s an attempt to create a buffer from traffic and adjacent parking lots. They also planned for the annual gathering so it can accommodate a larger group.
More:
- See additional images and proposed plan for the parks.
- Learn about the history of Albert Park.
- Get additional details from the City of West St. Paul.
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