What's Happening at Saint Paul Parks and Recreation

Parks Logo Landscape White

What's Happening

The latest news, events, and activities from Saint Paul Parks and Recreation.

View of the MN State Capitol from the Frogtown Community Center fitness room window.

Fitness Centers & Walking Tracks to Reopen

Our fitness centers and walking tracks will re-open on Monday, February 1. All fitness memberships will be activated on this date. Advance reservations will be required. Public health guidelines will be in place, including mandatory face coverings. If you do not have a fitness membership, please plan to purchase an annual membership or a day pass upon arrival. Annual memberships are $30/year for Saint Paul residents and $60/year for non-residents. A day pass is $3 for the fitness room and $1 for the walking track. Please review our full fitness center re-opening guidelines and procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants and staff.

Green Emerald Ash Borer beetle.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Updates

Forestry crews recently began 2021 removals of infested boulevard ash trees. Impacted residents have been notified directly, and all removals planned for this year can be viewed on an interactive map. Please visit stpaul.gov/eab for more information about the management of EAB infested boulevard trees in Saint Paul and what homeowners need to know about private ash trees on their property.

Youth Sports 

Spring sports registration for youth volleyball and futsal closes this Sunday, January 31. 

Pickleball  

Pickleball courts will be available for indoor use at select recreation centers starting Monday, February 1. Advance reservation and face coverings are required for all participants. Cost is $2 per session and payment will be collected upon arrival. 

Great River Water Park  

Lap swim, water aerobics, and open swim have returned. Swimming lessons will return in February. Advanced registration and payment are required. For hours, updates, and public health guidelines, visit stpaul.gov/greatriverwaterpark

Ice Rinks 

Ice rinks remain open, weather permitting. 12 ft. distance between skaters not from the same household and face covering usage is strongly encouraged on all rinks. Information on current rink status, locations and hours can be found at stpaul.gov/icerinks.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Advanced reservations are required for equipment rentals at Como Park Ski Center. For hours and updates, visit stpaul.gov/SkiComo. We are exploring grooming a cross country ski trail at Hidden Falls Regional Park if snow conditions permit. For cross country ski trail updates, visit stpaul.gov/cross-country-skiing.  

Right Track Youth Jobs

Due to unforeseen technical issues with our new application, the launch of our 2021 Right Track program will be briefly delayed. We anticipate resolution this week and will provide the new date as soon as soon as possible. Visit stpaul.gov/RightTrack for updates. 

Youth Programming

Registration for S'more FunRec Check and No-School Day youth programs are ongoing.

Adaptive Recreation

Adaptive Recreation programming is back. Call 651-793-6561 or 651-793-6634 or visit stpaul.gov/AdaptiveRec for full details, registration information and public health guidelines.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory  

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory has reopened as a one-way walking tour with public health guidelines in place, including face coverings and keeping a physical distance. Reservations are required.   

Free Meal Distribution

To address growing food insecurity in Saint Paul due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City has partnered with Youthprise, Arts-Us, and the Sanneh Foundation to provide free meal service to Saint Paul families in need. Visit stpaul.gov/freemeals for meal distribution information. 

Fluffy white dog laying on grass with the text #SaintPaulBARKS in yellow font.

#SaintPaulBARKS 

The Saint Paul Parks Conservancy is launching the #SaintPaulBARKS Facebook and Instagram photo contest to find an official doggie mascot! The winner receives bragging rights, a custom poster designed with their dog’s likeness in their neighborhood park, and the opportunity to be the official first dog to enjoy the future Lilydale Dog Park.

Looking for more fun things to do around Saint Paul? Check out our Rec Reimagined webpage for more programs and activities. 

2021 Updated outdoor guidelines

For updates and information on our COVID-19 response, visit stpaul.gov/parks-covid19