Benson Park is a 70-acre regional park located at the developing edge of North Mankato. Today, the park is an open space asset oriented to passive uses such as walking, informal picnicking and bird watching. Much of the park, once used as agricultural land, is undeveloped, and therefore has yet to realize its potential as a primary community and regional destination.
In October of 2008 HKGi began the Master Plan efforts working with City staff members and the Park & Green Spaces sub-committee to define a long-term vision and development for Benson Park. The goal was to create an engaging, first-choice destination for families and children wanting a natural resource focused recreation experience. The plan expands the range of passive uses in the park, establishes native habitats and introduces educational and interpretive components to become a first-class regional park.