Saint Paul Parks and Recreation has a variety of programs, activities, and events for all ages to get out and enjoy a Saint Paul park, lake, trail, river or recreation center!
Youth summer programs
Choose from a variety of fun and safe summer programming options for youth. Register today as some camps and activities have limited spots remaining.
-
Summer camps and activities: Full and half-day camps for youth of all ages. Costs range from free up to $275.
-
Summer Rec Check: Free program for those entering grades 1-6 this fall on Monday-Thursday from 1-4pm at 23 sites.
-
Summer S'more Fun: $40/day for those entering grades 1-6 this fall on Monday-Friday from 7am-6pm at Highland Park Community Center.
|
Aquatics
All aquatics opening dates are based on weather permitting.
-
Phalen Beach: Phalen Beach will open for limited weekends starting May 29, and open for it's regular season June 11. The splash pad at Phalen Beach will open May 27.
-
Pools: Highland Park Aquatic Center will open for pre-season open swim June 3 - 5. That location, along with Como Regional Park Pool, will open for the regular season June 11. Great River Water Park will not be open during the summer, and may have adjusted hours over the coming weeks as staff transition to outdoor swimming locations.
-
Summer swimming lesson registration: Registration for summer swimming lessons at Como Regional Park Pool and Highland Park Aquatic Center is open.
-
Aquatics memberships: Summer aquatics memberships are available for purchase online.
|
Ahoy, matey! Sailing lesson registration open.
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. Skills include rigging, useful knots in sailing, terminology, "rules of the road" for sailors, and more.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Movies in the Park and Music in the Parks
Join us for some outdoor entertainment! All shows are free unless otherwise noted. Events are weather permitting and subject to change without notice. Visit the webpages below for full schedules, pre-show activities, and updates.
|
Fitness in the Parks
Fitness in the Parks is a free outdoor exercise program that brings a variety of fitness activities to many of Saint Paul’s beautiful parks. There is no registration required and classes are open to all fitness levels. All ages welcome and no experience is necessary.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Safe Summer Nights
Safe Summer Nights are designed to provide opportunities for police officers to become acquainted with residents of the neighborhoods they serve over a meal. These are free, public events and feature food, activities for children and ample opportunities for attendees to meet their Saint Paul police officers. All are welcome.
|
Summer Special Events
Cook outs, ice cream, and s'mores--that sounds (and tastes) like summer! Our recreation centers are hosting a variety of summer special events for the whole family to enjoy. All are welcome.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Paddleshare
Experience Saint Paul from the water! Schedules for the 2022 season with Mississippi River Paddle Share are now available. Paddleshare is a self-serve kayak sharing system in the Twin Cities metro area that lets you rent a boat and paddle to a destination downriver. This year, they are offering five routes (including kayaking on Pickerel Lake in Lilydale Regional Park). You can book up to 21 days in advance.
|
 (In case you missed it...)
Saint Paul named #2 parks system in the country
Last 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 #5. The ParkScore index measures park systems according to five categories: equity, access, acreage, investment, and amenities.
Safe, accessible, and sustainable outdoor space is vital to creating livable neighborhoods in a city that works for all of us. We are proud of the progress we have made around access and investment in Saint Paul, and the steps taken towards leveraging our effect on climate. We will continue to strive for improvement and to strategically invest in areas that have been historically underserved or are experiencing rapid population growth to further meet the needs of all who call our city home.
Learn more about the Trust for Public Land ParkScore index.
 |
|
Hiring for seasonal jobs
We have a variety of seasonal job openings, including Parks Worker I! Work outdoors and soak in the warm summer sun while helping to keep our park spaces and facilities in tip top shape.
View the full list of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation job openings below for more information on the positions.
|
Work for Saint Paul Parks and Recreation
We are hiring for many full and part time positions. Apply online today!
|
Arbor Day planting
Our Natural Resources team is seeking volunteers to plant trees on Friday, May 20 for Arbor Day. Volunteers will plant trees to help restore the tree canopy and bring beauty to our Saint Paul parks! Planting takes place at Margaret Park. We are taking registrations for small groups of 2-4 people. All ages are welcome!
|
Seasonal Updates
Our crews are working hard to begin opening seasonal amenities as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience while we transition these amenities for a busy summer season.
-
Sport Courts. Many outdoor courts, including basketball and tennis courts, are open. Staff are working to replace a few remaining nets.
-
Restrooms and drinking fountains. Many seasonal restrooms and drinking fountains are in the process of being opened and turned on. Port-a-potties are available at seasonal restroom sites until further notice.
-
Como Parking Lot Improvement Project. A three phase parking lot improvement project has begun in Como Regional Park. The south parking lot at Como Lakeside Pavilion is closed for construction and is expected to reopen in early June. Following completion of the south lot, construction on the north parking lot will begin. The north lot is expected to be closed for the month of June while construction is underway. The golf course lot will be closed for construction after Labor Day. Visit the Como Transportation Parking Improvements webpage for more details and a map of alternative parking locations. UPDATE: Due to this week's weather, the trail along the west lakeshore of Como Lake will not open this weekend as originally planned. The site requires additional clean up and repair after the storm. Please follow all detours currently in place. Thank you for your patience.
-
Mississippi River closures due to flooding: The Mississippi River continues to be closely monitored for the rising water levels. Currently, there are a few temporary closures in Saint Paul parks along the river.
|
Virtual auditions for Highland Park Community Center Theatre's summer musical
This year's show is "Matilda Jr: The Musical." Video auditions are being accepted April 29 - May 15. Auditions are open to ages 9-18 and no previous experience is necessary.
|
Adaptive Recreation activities for May and June
Adaptive Recreation provides a comprehensive recreational program for Saint Paul residents of all ages who have physical and/or developmental disabilities. Schedules for May and June programming are available now.
|
Toni Stone Invitational, June 11-12
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is partnering with the Minnesota Twins to introduce the Toni Stone Invitational: a weekend girls' baseball tournament powered by the Minnesota Twins. Girls ages 7 to 14 years old will be placed on teams within their age group and assigned to coaches to compete in this exciting inaugural event. Play with and against other girls in a positive, empowering environment in honor of legendary trailblazer, Toni Stone: the first woman to play professional men's baseball. There is a 3-game guarantee and player's registration fees include four tickets to a Twins game!
|
Volunteers needed to assist with our revamped fall tackle football league
In fall of 2022, Saint Paul Parks & Recreation will be revamping our tackle football program for ages 8-14. To help with this transition, we are in search of volunteers to serve in various capacities to help us further define a plan for implementation. Positions of leadership, coaching, equipment management, program promotion, player recruitment, and administrative support are all roles we are looking to fill. If you’re interested or just want more information, please fill out this survey and someone will be in touch. We look forward to announcing more information on this new revamp soon!
|
Reminders
-
Masks welcome, but not required: Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter has lifted the masking requirement for staff and visitors in City-controlled facilities. Face masks are welcome and will be available for anyone wishing to wear one. Visitors are still encouraged to maintain distance from others when possible, to wash hands frequently, and to stay home if feeling sick. Visit our COVID-19 Updates webpage for the latest information.
-
Dog parks. 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. Please do not allow dog to run off leash in other fenced in areas, such as tennis courts or skateboarding rinks.
-
Golf course updates. Stay up to date on golf course status' or reserve your tee time online.
-
Great River Water Park is now operating on spring hours. Please visit stpaul.gov/greatriverwaterpark for details.
-
Great River Water Park will be closed on the following dates:
- Saturday, May 21 - Sunday, May 22 (Closed for employee training.)
- Friday, May 27 - Monday, May 30 (Phalen Beach will be open, weather permitting.)
- Wednesday, June 1 - Monday, September 12 (Closed for the summer season. Please visit Highland Park Aquatic Center, Como Regional Park Pool or Phalen Beach.)
|
