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.

Indonesian dancers

Music and Movies in the Parks

Our Music and Movies in the Parks series is back! All shows are free unless otherwise noted. Events are weather permitting and subject to change without notice. For more details, visit stpaul.gov/MoviesInTheParks  and stpaul.gov/MusicInTheParks.

Watercraft Rentals

Experience Saint Paul from the water! Watercraft rentals are opening soon at many popular Saint Paul aquatic destinations. 

Kayakers on the Mississippi River
Two youth decorating gingerbread cookies

Summer camp and activity registration 

Summer camp and activity registration is now officially open! Register online today:

Como Regional Park Pool during summer taken from above.

Summer Aquatics Updates 

  • Summer aquatics membership sales are now open. Please note, family memberships will not be available this season, but a variety of membership options are available to meet individual needs.
  • We are preparing to open Highland Park Aquatic Center, Como Regional Park Pool, Phalen Beach, and our splash pads on June 12. Great River Water Park will not be open this summer. 
  • New twilight rate: Open swim is just $4 after 5pm!
  • New concession partner: Be Graceful Cafe will serve our outdoor aquatic centers and Phalen Beach from 12pm-6:30pm daily.
  • For full details on our summer aquatics program, including admission rates, amenities, open swim, lap swim, tot time, and water aerobics hours, visit stpaul.gov/aquatics
Two Parks Worker I staff on a soccer field in high visibility safety vests.

Saint Paul Parks and Rec is hiring. Apply online today: 

View all current City of Saint Paul job openings

Apply for Youth Commission

The Saint Paul Youth Commission is the place for young people to play a role in making Saint Paul a city that works for all of us. Working in partnership with adults, Youth Commissioners enhance their civic leadership skills, represent their peers from throughout the city, and serve as positive role models to their peers. Applications are due by June 30. 

Saint Paul Youth Commission Logo

Como Harbor Grand Opening

On June 3 at 10am, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open its newest exhibit, Como Harbor, the new seal and sea lion habitat. This exhibit redesign and overhaul features three different pinniped species: two gray seals, two harbor seals, and four sea lions, including Sparky.  

On June 3rd, 2021 at 10am, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open its newest exhibit, Como Harbor,

Highlights and Reminders

  • Fall youth sports registration for for tackle football, lacrosse, and soccer runs June 1-30. Save 10-25% when you register June 1-5.
  • The Hamline Park playground will be closed for construction until late summer while new play equipment, pathways, and safety surfacing is installed. 
  • A portion of Mississippi River Boulevard and the adjoining shared bike and pedestrian trail are now 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
  • 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. 
  • Dock and Paddle at Como Lakeside Pavilion and City House at the Saint Paul Municipal Grain Elevator are open for the summer season. Both feature indoor and outdoor dining with beautiful waterfront views. 
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