We'd like to announce...

Growing up in Saint Paul, Andy engaged extensively in City Parks and Recreation programs, relying heavily on recreation centers, park spaces, programs, and program workers as a source of support and guidance. In his 17 years with the City, he has served in an array of program and management positions, including Recreation Program Supervisor, Volunteer Coordinator, and most recently as Recreation Services Manager, overseeing our recreation center system and guiding front line staff during the pandemic.

WaterFest, June 4 at Lake Phalen

Stop by Lake Phalen on June 4 from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. for a fun-filled day at WaterFest! This free, family festival celebrating our clean lakes provides an opportunity for outdoor hands-on learning about clean water, wildlife, and land and water conservation. Experience activities on and around the water with canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and sailboat rides. Experience the water from land with fishing lessons and water games. Other activities include climbing walls, face painting, a Water Bar featuring water flights from our communities, performers, food trucks and lots more! Volunteers are also needed!

Work for Saint Paul Parks and Recreation

We are hiring for many full and part time positions. Apply online today!

• Parks Worker I (Seasonal/Temporary)
• Community Recreation Leader (Part Time/Full Time)
• Official/Umpire (Contract) (Learn more about being a Sports official or Youth sports coach.)
• Youth Field/Gym Monitor (Full Time) 
• Life Support Operator 
• Volunteer with Saint Paul Parks and Recreation

Next River Learning Center in-person community meeting

The City of Saint Paul and Great River Passage Conservancy are working with W Architecture to create a vision for the future River Learning Center – a mixed-use, river-focused space with a National Park Service headquarters at Crosby Farm Regional Park. This innovative community resource will serve as a national gateway to the Mississippi River with year-round learning and outdoor recreation experiences both on and along Saint Paul’s riverfront.

See initial design concepts for the River Learning Center and share your feedback at an in-person community meeting on Thursday, June 9, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Watergate Marina. Attendees are welcome to wear masks, though they are not required. Snacks will be provided.

Summit Master Plan public information session

Community members are encouraged to attend a virtual public information session on June 6th from 7:00 - 8:30pm for a project update and to review potential trail concepts. If you would like to attend, please register for the Zoom meeting. If you are unable to attend the meeting, a comment survey will be available on the website to share your feedback with City staff on potential concepts.

Upcoming sports announcements

• Fall sports: Fall sports registration will open June 1 (mark your calendars!)
• Toni Stone Invitational: Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is partnering with the Minnesota Twins to introduce the Toni Stone Invitational: a weekend girls' baseball tournament for ages 7-14. Registration fee includes tickets to a Twins game!
• Volunteers needed for 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. If you’re interested or just want more information, please fill out this survey and someone will be in touch. 

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.

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.

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.

• Movies in the Park
• Music in the Park (NEW! Lowertown Sounds schedule just announced!)

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. Currently, the south parking lot at Como Lakeside Pavilion is closed for construction and is expected to reopen in early June. Visit the Como Transportation Parking Improvements webpage for more updates on the construction timeline, parking lot and trail closures, and a map of alternative parking locations. Due to last week's weather, the trail along the west lakeshore of Como Lake is not yet opened. Paving is scheduled to continue into next week so 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.