What's Happening

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

Help shape the future of Saint Paul Parks & Recreation

The City of Saint Paul is preparing a new Parks and Recreation System Plan - a comprehensive guide to physical improvements and changes to parks and recreation facilities such as parks, athletic fields, recreation centers and trails. The System Plan will balance investment in park facilities with available resources and will be the blueprint for a successful and sustainable future for Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. 

Take the community interest survey

Take the River Balcony programming survey  The City of Saint Paul and Great River Passage Conservancy are working with James Corner Field Operations to create a vision for the River Balcony – a proposed 1.5-mile promenade along downtown Saint Paul’s river bluff. We have heard from many people over several months about what they would like to see and do along the River Balcony. Now, we are seeking more information about programming opportunities to ensure that everyone feels welcome. If you weren’t able to join us for our June open house, please view the presentation here and complete this survey about programming along the River Balcony by July 22.

Recreation in Motion and Pop Up Recreation This summer, we are again offering two popular "pop up" programs--Recreation in Motion and Pop Up Recreation. These free programs travel to different locations around Saint Paul on a weekly basis. Recreation in Motion focuses on games, play, and being active. Pop Up Recreation is a video game and technology truck focused on teaching STEM skills.

NOW OPEN: Lilydale dog park The new Lilydale Regional Park off-leash dog park is now open! If you are traveling by car, park in the boat launch parking lot.  As a reminder, unless you are visiting an off-leash dog park, all dogs must be effectively restrained on a leash no longer than six feet in Saint Paul.

Swan boats at Como Lakeside Pavilion  Stop by Dock & Paddle for a bite to eat, then catch a ride on the brand new swan boats at Lake Como. These dreamy pedal boats light up at night to make the experience even more majestic!

Adaptive Recreation activities for July and August Adaptive Recreation provides a comprehensive recreational program for Saint Paul residents of all ages who have physical and/or developmental disabilities. Schedules for July and August programming are available now.

Adult fall sports registration Registration for Fall Adult Volleyball and Fall Adult Cornhole are now open! Volleyball players can register as individuals and be assigned to a team (or request a buddy to play together!) Cornhole is a team based registration, so grab some friends for this relaxed league of a favorite backyard game!

Free Summer Meals Through a partnership with Youthprise and Saint Paul Public Schools, free meals and snacks for youth 18 years of age and under are available at multiple sites around Saint Paul. This schedule will be available through August 19.

Summer Camps Summer is in full swing! If you haven't already, make sure to sign up for a Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Summer Camp. We're offering a variety of fun, safe, and structured full and half-day camps for youth of all ages. Costs range from free up to $275.  STEM camps (science, technology, engineering, and math, robotics) Sports and archery camps (Sanneh soccer, basketball, football, volleyball, disc golf, and more!) Martial arts camps (karate, taekwondo, judo, soo bahk doo, jiu jitsu) Art camps (painting, jewelry making, tye dye and more!) Games camps (board games, lawn games, puzzles) Dance and theatre camps (African & hop hop, ballet, tap, break dance, K-Pop, musical theatre, and more!) Outdoor adventure and canoeing camps (swimming, outdoor cooking, canoeing, and more!) Browse all summer camps or view the full camp grid on our summer camp webpage

We also offer... 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.

Looking for a summer job? We're hiring!  It's halfway through summer but we still have a variety of seasonal job openings, including Parks Worker I! Work outdoors and soak in the warm summer sun while supporting permit sites, and 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! Parks Worker I (Seasonal/Temporary) *DEADLINE APPROACHING Community Recreation Leader (Part Time/Full Time) Parks and Recreation Manager (Full Time)  Youth and Community Program Specialist (Full Time) *DEADLINE APPROACHING Strategic Program Specialist (Full Time) *DEADLINE APPROACHING Official/Umpire (Contract) (Learn more about being a Sports official or Youth sports coach.) Youth Field/Gym Monitor (Full Time)  Volunteer with Saint Paul Parks and Recreation

Summer events and amenities Movies in the Park Music in the Park Fitness in the Park Recreation in Motion and Pop Up Recreation Safe Summer Nights Aquatics Golf ExploraTots Mississippi Paddle Share

Reminders and Updates

• 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.
• Como Parking Lot Improvement Project. The first phase of the improvement project is complete (the south parking lot is open) and the second phase is underway in Como Regional Park. Currently, the north parking lot at Como Lakeside Pavilion is closed for construction and is expected to be completed soon. Construction will pause until after Labor Day when the Golf Course lot construction is scheduled to begin. 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. Please follow all detours currently in place. Thank you for your patience. 

• Saint Paul Youth Commission. Learn more about Youth Commissioner duties and projects. Applications are due July 31. 

• 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.

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