What's Happening at Saint Paul Parks and Recreation

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Logo

What's Happening

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

Computer screen with a loading bar and "coming soon" written on it_new registration system

New registration software is coming

Next month, we will be making a transition to a new registration software. This is an exciting change as the new system, Rec Trac, will allow us to better connect our community to resources and create a more user friendly experience. Rec Trac will launch on Dec. 5, 2023 with many winter program registrations opening shortly after, including ski and snowboard lessons, swim lessons, and Winter-Spring activities. More details on this transition will be shared in the coming weeks. 

Youth with snowboards sitting on Como Park Ski Hill taking part in lessons.

Winter ski announcements 

With the transition to a new registration software, registration for 2023-2024 ski and snowboard lessons will open Wednesday, Dec. 6. Lessons begin Saturday, Jan. 6. Links to register online will be available soon. 

Skis hanging on wall

Until then, get ready to gear up at our Equipment Sale & Fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10am - 3pm This is a great opportunity to get your hands on some (extremely) affordable gear. There will be equipment for all ages and sizes. Most of the equipment has been generously donated by Afton Alps and Wild Mountain. Get there early to have your pick! All proceeds go to the Como Park Ski Center for student scholarships, hill maintenance (like our new snow machine), and new ski equipment. 

(Psst! We're still looking for ski and snowboard instructors! If you are experienced in downhill skiing, snowboarding, or cross-country skiing and want to share your skills with the community, consider working with Saint Paul Parks and Recreation this winter! For more information, contact Amanda Smith at 651-266-6488 or ParksWinterSki@ci.stpaul.mn.us.)

Become a ski instructor

Rice Park Tree Lighting Celebration

Join us tomorrow, Friday, November 10 at 5:30pm as Xcel Energy flips the giant switch on the holiday lights and 40' tree at the Rice Park Tree Lighting Celebration! There will be music performances, holiday photo ops, hot cocoa, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, Mayor Melvin Carter, and Vikings Legend Cris Carter as we count down to "lights on" in Rice Park.

Tree lights in Rice Park
Visit Saint Paul Power Play Hockey Passport logo

Explore Saint Paul with a "Hockey Passport"

Visit Saint Paul has launched a "Power Play Hockey Passport" to encourage visiting iconic Saint Paul hockey destinations. The trail highlights more than 20 places to see and experience all things hockey including ice rinks, murals, sports bars and more (with a chance to win prizes along the way!) View the destinations and get your passport now!

Local artists selling goods at Craft Fairs

We have TWO upcoming craft fairs on Saturday, Nov. 18. Get some early holiday shopping done and support local crafters and artists! 

Battle Creek Recreation Center: 10am - 2pm

Edgcumbe Recreation Center: 10am - 3pm

Scissors and buttons for Craft Fair
Halloween costume donations flyer
Adult Broomball face off

Adult winter sports registrations now open (or opening soon)

Stay active this winter! Adult Athletics team registration dates are listed below. Note: registration may close early if the league fills up before the deadline.

Youth basketball tip off with official

Hiring youth basketball officials, scorekeepers, and gym monitors (and we need volunteer coaches too!)

As we continue to have another record number youth basketball participants this season, we need officials, scorekeepers, gym monitors and coaches to support them! Positions available for as young as 16 years old. This is a great opportunity for adults who want to stay involved with their favorite sport! Watch these testimonials on why others love being a Saint Paul Parks and Recreation coach or official! Games begin this month so apply now! 

Sites around the city are still looking for a coach! Fill out the volunteer form (list in the comments you are interested in basketball) and someone will reach out to you. Or call Municipal Athletics at 651-558-2255 to get connected. No experience is required and is a great resume builder for older teens and college students! Games begin this month so inquire now!

Frogtown Park and Farm

Frogtown Park and Farm Survey

We will be releasing a competitive solicitation in November for future management of Frogtown Park and Farm and would like your ideas and experiences to influence that process. Please complete the survey to help shape the future of Frogtown Park and Farm. 

Park Security Officer standing in front of white Parks Security vehicle

Work for Saint Paul Parks and Recreation!

Apply online:

Upcoming November Events 

Winning youth team of downhill derby race with their medals

Program registrations

  • 2023-2024 Out-of-school time programs: Register for afterschool and no-school day youth programs.
  • Fall activity registration: Snow may be on the ground but we still have lots of fall activities before winter truly sets in! Sign up for dance and music, pickleball, martial arts, Zumba, cooking, drones and robotics, yoga, art, senior classes, skateboarding and more! Activities and events are available for all ages. Browse fall activities and events. *Mark your calendars: Winter/Spring 2023-2024 registration opens December 11.

Featured Activities

Group of students in cooking class at Hazel Park Rec

Youth & Teen Activities

Aquatics Teen Fitness flyer
Toddler on the grass

Preschool/Family Activities

Seniors eating donuts and coffee

Adult & Senior Activities

Adaptive Recreation participant holding up their turkey art

Adaptive Rec November and December programming

Adaptive Recreation provides a comprehensive recreational program for Saint Paul residents of all ages who have physical and/or developmental disabilities. Early winter activities include holiday crafts, archery, floor hockey, caroling and cookie decorating, and more! Call the Adaptive Recreation office at 651-793-6561 or 651-793-6634 to register for programs.

Parks for All Fundraiser

Give to the “Parks for All Campaign” today! Your donation can help make park programs available for all families. This fundraising campaign is a joint effort with the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy.

Parks for All donation graphic