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 swimming at Highland Park Aquatic Center

Summer Swimming Lessons

Summer swimming lesson registration will open on Saturday, May 1. We are preparing to open Highland Park Aquatic Center, Como Regional Park Pool, Phalen Beach, and splash pads on June 12. Great River Water Park will not be open this summer. For more details, visit stpaul.gov/aquatics

Sailing Lessons

Learn to sail on Lake Phalen this summer! Classes are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and enjoyable recreational sailing. Summer sailing lesson registration will open on Saturday, May 1.

Colorful Sunfish sailboats on Lake Phalen.
Youth wearing masks outdoors giving the thumbs up sign.

Summer camp and activity registration 

Summer camp and activity registration is now officially open! Browse and register for camps including arts and crafts, sports and fitness, outdoor adventures, nature exploration, games, technology and more at stpaul.gov/summerfun.

We are hiring for Parks Worker 1 positions. Apply at stpaul.gov/jobs

View all current City of Saint Paul job openings

Youth wearing masks and showing off a craft project

"Summer Blast" is now "Summer Rec Check"

Registration for Summer Rec Check, (formerly known as Summer Blast) is now open. Summer Rec Check still has everything you love about our previous Blast program, but with a new name! Activities include crafts, art, tennis, cooking, swimming, gym games, water fun, outdoor nature activities, outdoor play, fitness, kitchen science, field trips and more. A daily snack is provided. Space is also still available at some S'more Fun and Recreation for Preschoolers locations. 

Walk Up Vaccine Appointments at State Fair Through May 4, Daily through May 4, 10am to 6pm

Highlights and Reminders

  • Beginning May 10, a portion of Mississippi River Boulevard, and the adjoining shared bike and pedestrian trail will be closed to all bike, pedestrian and vehicle traffic for construction of the Mississippi River Boulevard Crossing project at Highland Bridge. The road and trail closure will be located between Ford Parkway and Magoffin Avenue, and is expected to reopen fall 2021. 
  • Seasonal public restrooms are now open. Eastside Heritage Park restroom is closed for repair. 
  • Public drinking fountains will remain off at this time.  
  • We are in the process of turning on decorative fountains and water features. Some features are in need of repair and will take additional time.  
  • Dogs must be effectively restrained on a leash no longer than six feet in all Saint Paul Parks, with the exception of our four off-leash dog parks
  • Dock and Paddle at Como Lakeside Pavilion is open. Current hours are 10am-9pm dailywith Happy Hour from 3pm-5pm. The Music in the Parks program will resume in June.  
  • Ready to get back into our recreation centers? Many sites are open for programs including dance, open gym, pickleball, batting cages, tot time, fitness rooms, walking tracks, open basketball, soccer and more, but advanced registration is required. 
  • Adaptive Recreation registration for May and June programming is now open. Call 651-793-6561 or 651-793-6634 or visit stpaul.gov/AdaptiveRec for full details, registration information and public health guidelines.
  • Golf at Highland National, Highland 9, Phalen, Como and the Highland driving range has resumed. Tee times can be made online. 
  • Outdoor sports courts and skate parks have reopened for the season. Use our amenities map to find an outdoor court near you. 
  • Youth summer sports registration for t-ball, machine pitch, baseball, softball and lacrosse closed on March 31. Those who still wish to register may contact a recreation center directly to see if space is still available. 
2021 Updated outdoor guidelines

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

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