Posted on: September 19, 2024 - 7:51am

At the September 17, 2024 City Council Meeting, the Council accepted a grant from GameTime towards the cost of new equipment. The remaining funding for the park will come from Park Dedication dollars received from new development in the City. The updates to the park will include the state of the art Dallas Dazzler 5-12 year old play structure which offers a unique inclusive interactive experience for all ages and abilities. The top level is over 12 feet high. The 2-5 year old play area offers an accessible experience for our youngest park users. The project also includes the addition of 3 new shade areas. At this time the City Council decided to not move forward with replacing the net climbing structure that was previously located at the park. Installation of the improvements will begin taking place May 19, 2025. The tentative plan is to hold a ribbon cutting event at the Splish Splash Summer Bash event in July of 2025. 

Why is the City Investing in an Upgraded Playground: The existing equipment was over it's useful life according to the manufacturers (originally installed in 2004) and replacement pieces were getting near impossible to find. One example was the large double slide piece was no longer manufactured and when the slide cracked in 2024 finding a slide that fit the existing platform was difficult and expensive. As the equipment is no longer manufactured pieces are no longer available.   

What did the City do with the Existing Playground Equipment: The City is saving as many existing equipment pieces from the park to be used on other playgrounds within the City as replacement parts, as they are of similar age and model. All benches and other park fixtures will remain in the park. 

Unlike what is shown in the preliminary pictures. The poured in place surfacing will be installed under the entire 2-5 play area, 5-12 play area, including the slide, and the swings. It will not be located under the new zip line or the location where the net climber was previously located

Dog Park  

Opened in May 2019, the park is located at 101 Isanti Parkway NW, just east of the Isanti Indoor Arena (BMX).  We hope you enjoy the park with your furry friends. Please remember to clean up after your dog each visit.

• Click here to view dog park rules sign
• Click here to view ORD 701 - Dog Park Rules

Archery Range

The City of Isanti officially constructed an archery range in 2022, providing a public recreational facility for archery enthusiasts within city limits.

Shooting Distances: The range offers varied shooting distances, from 10 yards up to 60 yards, accommodating archers of different skill levels.

Hours of Operation: The City of Isanti Archery Range is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Location: 101 Isanti Parkway NW 

Facilities: Designed to consist of 9 shooting lanes. A berm was created at the south end to serve as a backstop. Chain link fences were installed along the north and west sides to maintain a safety perimeter. An ADA accessible concrete path was extended to the range area, with additional paths to designate each lane for inclusive use. Two light poles were installed to enhance visibility for both the archery range and the adjacent dog park.

To view the Rules and Regulations (as per City of Isanti Municipal Code Chapter 230, Section 7) click here. 

Cambridge-Isanti Bike/Walk Trail

Opened in 2011, the Cambridge-Isanti Bike/Walk Trail is three a mile stretch that connects Isanti to Cambridge. The trail takes you on an adventure from City to City through wooded areas and prestine wetlands via a boardwalk. The trail beginning in Isanti at the edge of Bluebird Park, corner of Isanti Parkway NW and 3rd Avenue NW, and follow into Cambridge's Brown Park and other connecting park trails. The trail is perfect for a family run or bike ride without the worry of traffic or busy intersections.

• Click here to view a map
• Click here to view trail rules

Secure Your Perfect Day in Isanti – Book Today!

Note: Larger events or public tournaments may require a special event permit and a certificate of insurance.

Bluebird Park provides several key amenities that can be reserved to make your event a success:

• Bluebird Amphitheater: (Click here to review the Amphitheater Reservation Regulations and Terms)  

Host Your Event at the Bluebird Amphitheater!

Discover the perfect outdoor venue for your next special occasion at the Bluebird Amphitheater, located within Bluebird Park at 201 Isanti Parkway NW. This exceptional outdoor setting offers ample space and features to make your event truly memorable. 

Ideal For:

The Bluebird Amphitheater is a versatile venue suitable for a wide range of events, including:

• Community performances and concerts
• Ceremonies (such as weddings)
• Speeches and religious activities
• Festivals and fundraisers
• Private gatherings like family reunions and birthday parties

Availability & What's Included:

Rental Season: The Amphitheater is available for rent annually from April 1st to October 31st.

Rental Includes: Access to the main stage area, two attached dressing rooms, and the open grass space directly in front of the building (to the North).

Rental Fees & Deposits: To reserve your desired date, both the full rental fee and the refundable damage deposit are required at the time of application.

• Full Day Rental: (7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.): $350 + tax
• Half Day Rental: (4 hours or less): $150 + tax
• Nonprofit Half Day Rental: $100 + tax (if applicable)
• Refundable Damage Deposit: $250 (Required for all rentals)

Reservation Process & Guidelines: 

• Application & Payment: To secure your date, reserve your date throughout online portal more than 7 days in advance along with payment for both the rental fee and the $250 refundable damage deposit.
• Key Pick-up: For reservations requiring key access to the amphitheater, the key must be checked out at City Hall during business hours (generally M, W, F: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; T, Th: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM) up to two days prior to your event. Keys cannot be checked out on weekends.
• Hours of Use: Renters can access the amphitheater during standard park hours (6:00 AM - 10:00 PM). If extended hours are needed, specific approval from City Council is required. Evening events must conclude by 10:00 PM, with cleanup permitted until 11:00 PM.
• Event Clean-up: Renters are responsible for leaving the facility as clean (or better) than found. All trash, personal belongings, and signage must be removed from the site. The amphitheater must be locked upon departure.
• Key & Clean-up Form Return: The key, along with a signed Clean-Up Form, must be returned to City Hall within 48 hours after your rental (a drop box is available outside City Hall). The damage deposit will not be returned until the Clean-up Form has been received and a satisfactory inspection confirms no damage and proper cleanup.
• Location & Parking: The Bluebird Amphitheater is conveniently located in the NW corner of Bluebird Park. Ample parking is available in the park's parking lots. If additional parking is needed, neighboring business or recreational lots may be used with prior facility permission (renter is responsible for contacting these facilities for permission).

Directions (From intersection of Isanti County Road 5 and Hwy 65): Travel West on County Road 5 for approximately 1/2 mile until you reach 3rd Avenue NW (Isanti Primary School on the corner). Turn right (North) and follow the road up to the stop sign. Turn right at the sign, then right again into the park.

Ready to reserve your date? Visit our Parks Shelter/Facility Reservation Information page for the application and more details!

• Park Pavilion: (Click here to review the Park Shelter Reservation Policy). 
  • Ideal for: Birthday parties, family reunions, casual gatherings, and picnics.
  • Rental Fees for Park Shelters are as follows:
    • Isanti Residents: No charge
    • Non-residents or Businesses: $10
    • Nonprofit Organizations: $5
  • Amenities: Typically includes picnic tables and offers a covered, shaded space, perfect for enjoying the outdoors while being protected from sun or light rain.
  • Rentals should be reserved online. 
  • Electric: For electric service please select this as an option during your booking and the City will make sure the electricity is turned on for your event. 
    • Electric Deposit Fee: $50.
  • Renters should only utilize the pavilion during their reserved time. A schedule of renters for the week will be posted in the bulletin board outside of the pavilion.
• Basketball Court: Ideal for: Sports events, team practices, school field trips, or larger group activities needing designated court space. (Click here to review the Park Reservation Policy- Athletic Elements). There is currently no fee to reserve a basketball court. 
• Field Trips: Planning on taking your school group to Bluebird Park for an end of the year picnic or event? Schools love Bluebird Park as much as we do and we get a lot of field trip requests each year, so reserve your spot early by reserving your space online! There is no charge for field trips, but to help us manage park capacity and ensure a pleasant visit for everyone, field trips and large groups are kindly requested to make reservations.

Adhere to Park Rules & Additional Requirements:

• Park Rules: Renters are responsible for abiding by all City Park Rules and applicable City Ordinances (e.g., regarding noise, parking, smoking, pets).
• Trash receptacles and restroom facilities: Depending on the size of the event, the City may require Renters to provide additional restroom facilities and/or trash receptacles at their cost.  
• Events with Alcohol: Alcohol is prohibited on the premises unless specifically approved by the facility Parks and Recreation Coordinator as part of the Rental Agreement.
  • If alcohol is approved by the Parks, Recreation and Culture Manager to be served at the Event, it shall not be sold unless sold by a licensed caterer or provider with a valid liquor license and proof of required insurance coverage naming the City as an additional insured (see Liability Insurance section).
  • All beverages served must be from a non-glass container.
  • Security is required at Special Events serving alcohol. Obtaining and payment for security is the renter’s responsibility. Proof of security for special event must be provided to Parks, Recreation and Culture department at least 30 days prior to event.
  • If alcohol is permitted, service must end one hour prior to the end of the event.
  • If alcohol is served, the Renter must have adequate procedures in place to ensure that no one under the age of 21 is served alcohol and to ensure no one is served alcohol in an amount to cause intoxication.
  • If the Renter is found to have violated the alcohol policy as stated above or had not received prior approval for alcohol at the Event, the City shall immediately terminate the Event and declare the Renter in breach of the Rental Agreement.
• Certificate of Liability Insurance: A Certificate of Liability insurance is required for all Special Event rentals meeting the following requirements:
  • $1,000,000 minimum coverage per occurrence and $300,000 per claimant.
  • Certificate of Liability insurance copy is to be received by the Parks, Recreation & Culture department at least 30 days prior to the event.
  • The City shall be named as an additional insured on the Certificate.
  • The insurance policy must be issued by an insurance company licensed to do business in the state of Minnesota.
  • Insurance shall cover liability for injury, death and property damage, including coverage for alcohol-related claims.
• Cleanup:
  • Renters are required to return the park and its surrounding area back to its originating condition. This includes, but is not limited to:
    • Remove all personal belongings, decorations, and trash from the premises.
    • Use provided cleaning supplies to clear all debris, dirt or markings from the facility.
    • Confetti, glitter and rice are not permitted in the park. 
    • Fix any noticeable damage to the grass and or landscaping.
  • A portion of your damage deposit will be withheld if additional cleaning or landscaping services are required due to the usage of the above stated items at a rate of $35 per hour, for a minimum of 1 hour.
  • Rental items must be returned in their proper, working condition.
• Important Note: The City of Isanti cannot guarantee the availability of facilities in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as major component failures. In such rare cases, rental and deposit fees would be fully refunded.

For detailed information on availability, rental fees, specific policies, and to access application forms for the park pavilion, the Bluebird Amphitheater, or to inquire about field trips, please contact the Parks and Recreation Coordinator directly:

Phone: (763) 762-5754

Email: isantiparks@cityofisanti.us