What's Happening

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

Youth Fall Sports Registration Opens June 1 Registration for youth fall tackle football, flag football, soccer and lacrosse runs June 1-31. Save big when you register early! June 1 = 25% off June  2 = 20% off June 3-5 = 10% off

Como Park Mini Golf Opens Saturday The Como Park mini golf course opens for the season on Saturday, May 29 with the addition of an all new 9-hole course. The original 18-hole mini golf course has also been renovated with fun new elements and landscaping. For hours, rates and full details, visit the Wheel Fun Rentals website.

Saint Paul Named #2 Park System in the Nation This week, Saint Paul was again named one of the best city park systems in the nation by The Trust for Public Land. We landed the #2 spot on the annual ParkScore index, with Minneapolis taking #3. The ParkScore index measures park systems according to five categories: access, investment, amenities, acreage, and—new for 2021—equity. Safe and accessible outdoor space is vital to creating livable and sustainable neighborhoods. We are proud of the progress we have made around equity and access in Saint Paul, but it is critical we continue to strategically invest in areas that have been historically underserved or are experiencing rapid population growth to further meet the needs of all children and families who call our city home. Learn more about the Trust for Public Land ParkScore index at www.tpl.org/parkscore.

NEW: Adult Cornhole League New for 2021, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is starting an adult cornhole league. Team registration opens June 1, with league play running late June through August. Games will be played at the Rice & Arlington Sports Complex. Fee is $50/team. Register online or call 651-558-2255.

Music and Movies in the Parks Bring along a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a starlit night of fun with friends and family. 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.

Summer camp and activity registration  Summer camp and activity registration is now officially open! Register online today: Swimming lessons Sailing lessons Summer camps Summer Rec Check Browse all activities

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.

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.  

Saint Paul Parks and Rec is hiring. Apply online today:  Parks Worker I  Lifeguard Official/Umpire Parks and Recreation Worker - Pool Admissions 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.

Highlights and Reminders

• Watercraft rentals are open or opening soon at many popular Saint Paul aquatic destinations. Visit the Wheel Fun Rentals - Como, Mississippi River Paddle Share and Phalen Beach websites for details. 

• 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, but expected to reopen in the coming weeks. 
• 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. 

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. 

Click here to subscribe to these updates or change your preferences.