What's Happening at Saint Paul Parks and Recreation

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What's Happening

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

Youth swinging a bat in a batting cage

Rice and Arlington batting cages reopen

The Rice and Arlington batting cages have reopened, with public health guidelines in place. Face coverings and advance reservations will be required. 

Rec Check youth with masks on around a table at El Rio VIsta Rec Center.

Rec Check after school program

Space is still available in our free Rec Check after school program. Rec Check is open to all youth grades 1-5 who live or attend school in Saint Paul. Register online today at stpaul.gov/reccheck.

Adult summer softball registration opening soon

Registration for adult summer softball opens Tuesday, February 16 for returning teams and Monday, February 22 for new teams. For full details, visit stpaul.gov/SummerSoftball.

Two smiling Right Track youth at computers.

Right Track youth jobs application now open

The 2021 Right Track youth jobs application is now open. Right Track brings together the City of Saint Paul, the Saint Paul Public Schools, local businesses, and community-based organizations to provide employment opportunities and professional skills training for youth. Learn more and apply online at stpaul.gov/righttrack.

Indoor pickleball courts now available

Pickleball courts are now available for indoor use at select recreation centers. Advance reservations and face coverings are required for all participants. Cost is $2 per session and payment will be collected upon arrival. 

Youth spring sports registration

Online registration for 10U, 12U, 14U and 18U level volleyball and futsal closed on January 31, but if you are still interested in participating please contact your local recreation center to inquire if roster openings are still available. Registration for 8U, 6U and 4U age level teams will remain open for online registration until further notice.

Great River Water Park  

Lap swim, water aerobics, and open swim have returned. 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. The last day the hill will be open will be Monday, February 15. For cross country ski trail updates, visit stpaul.gov/cross-country-skiing.  

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.

Senior strolls returns to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Senior Strolls is a special time set aside just for our 55-and-better aged friends. This is an opportunity to visit the Zoo and Conservatory for a leisurely walk before the crowds. Reservations are required for senior strolls and all other Como Park Zoo & Conservatory visits. Public health guidelines will be required, including face coverings and keeping a physical distance.

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. 

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

Fitness centers and walking tracks now open

Our fitness centers and walking tracks are now open. Advance reservations are 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.

Youth and adult wearing a mask and playing basketball in a gym.

March 26 no school days program

We are offering free half-day programs for days when Saint Paul Public Schools will not be in session. No-school day programs are open to grades 1-5 and run from 1pm-4pm. Public health guidelines will be required, including face coverings and keeping a physical distance.

Cold weather advisory

Subzero temperatures are expected this weekend. If outdoor activities are in your plans, we recommend the 3-layer principle:

  • Start with a base layer next to your skin that wicks sweat from your body.
  • Add an insulating layer to warm you up.
  • Lastly, wear a wind or water proof outer layer to block the wind and help you retain heat.

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