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.

Girl smiling with stencil art project

Help inspire future public art for the new North End Community Center

The soon-to-be North End Community Center is offering two workshops for participants to create stencil designs that will be used as inspiration for the mural and decorative fencing in the new building. There are two workshops to choose from (and participants must attend both dates within each workshop):

  • WORKSHOP ONE: Monday, March 25 and Tuesday, March 26, 6-8:30pm
  • WORKSHOP TWO: Monday, April 1 and Tuesday, April 2, 6-8:30pm

Workshops take place at the Right Track office (1022 Marion St), located across the park from where the new community center is being built. This is free to participate and open to ages 8 and up. Registration is required.

North End Community Center public art stencil workshop flyer_v2
River Learning Center RFP image

Requesting design proposals for the River Learning Center

The City of Saint Paul is now requesting proposals for a design team for the River Learning Center that can bring this gateway to the Mississippi through advanced design and construction. Proposals are due on May 15th, with a mandatory pre-proposal meeting on March 26th. Review the full details of the proposal requirements and help spread the word!

close up of a small frog on a leaf looking at the camera

"Hop Into Spring" at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Hop Into Spring this weekend with the opening of the 2024 Spring Flower Show, games, crafts, Blaze Sparky Shows, and special guests: Children’s Theatre Company! Participate in a “Seek & Find” around the zoo, see how far you can frog jump, and make a frog or toad puppet to take home! CTC professional Teaching Artists will also be leading 30-minute Story Theatre sessions for kids and their grown-ups . 

Additionally, if you are spring cleaning, search your drawers for old cell phones and bring them to Como where we will recycle them as part of the Gorillas On The Line challenge, an annual global mobile phone recycling challenge organized by the Gorilla SAFE engagement team with participants from across the country and around the globe.

While you're visiting, look for signs of spring in the Zoo Grounds & Conservatory that show the start of spring – such as buds on the trees, birds singing, bulbs blooming, animals shedding. Take a picture share your love for Spring & Como by posting your photos using #SpringatComo and #MyMMC.

Swimming lesson instructor and three youth in a pool

Summer registrations open April 1

Mark your calendars for upcoming summer registrations including summer camps and activities and summer swimming lessons registrations opening.

Summer camps and programs are available through our partner organizations at many parks and recreation sites across Saint Paul. Browse those offerings below. Registrations vary. Please contact the partner directly for more information. 

Until summer comes, enjoy these spring season events

(which may include some snow!)

2024 Spring egg hunts and celebrations flyer

Upcoming Events

More Events

Parks Worker 1 employee at Como Zoo

Come work with us! 

Many seasonal positions available!

Work outdoors this summer for Saint Paul Parks and Recreation! We have many full and part time positions available at parks, rec centers, pools, golf courses, athletic complexes, Phalen Park Beach, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory and more. Positions available for ages 15 and up. More positions will be added as those applications open, but browse the current list below. Apply online today!

Prom dresses hanging on wall

Prom Outfit Shopping

Looking for your perfect Prom fit? We are hosting two prom shopping events

Baseball player at home base swinging a bat

Summer sports registration open. Free for ages 9 and up!

Registration fees have been eliminated for youth sports 10U and up (ages 9+) at all recreation center sites. Please note that fees apply for ages 4U, 6U and 8U but all registered 4U, 6U and 8U participants will receive a free glove, courtesy of the Minnesota Twins!

Registration for all summer sports runs through March 31. 

(Psst: We're also looking for youth coaches and officials! Volunteer coaches should fill out the volunteer form (list which sport you'd like to coach in the comments) and someone will reach out to you, or call Municipal Athletics at 651-558-2255 to get connected. Officials should apply online. No experience is required. These are great opportunity for adults who want to stay involved with their favorite sport or a great resume builder for older teens and college students. Join our team and join a community of people who love supporting local youth through sports!)

Citywide Spring Clean Up: group of 4 girls with bags

Citywide Spring Cleanup

Celebrate Earth Day on April 20 from 9am-11:30am at the 38th annual Citywide Spring Cleanup! Help beautify the city by picking up litter in our parks and neighborhoods. No pre-registration is necessary. Kickoff sites located across the city. Stop by a kickoff site to check in and pick up bags and gloves. Stay updated by selecting "going" on our Citywide Spring Cleanup Facebook event and help us spread the word by sharing the event with your friends. 

Double rainbow over Highland National Golf Course

Golf Course Updates

Golf season is back and all Saint Paul golf courses are open! Book your tee times today. 

  • Como Golf Course 
  • Phalen Golf Course 
  • Highland Driving Range 
  • Highland National 
  • Highland 9 Hole 

Upcoming Activities

Two preschoolers at story time

Preschool & Family

FEATURED PROGRAM: Recreation for Preschoolers

Recreation for Preschoolers (for ages 3-5) encourages children to play, socialize, and grow from daily lesson plans that prioritize educational experiences and recreation. Daily activities includes free time, academic discovery areas, creative areas, circle time, art projects and large motor movement in the gym or outdoors. Children must be toilet trained (no diapers or pull ups). This program is available at Edgcumbe and Linwood Recreation Centers, with varying schedules and costs. Financial assistance is available. Summer registration is open and school-year registration for new families opens April 15. 

Two sisters holding basketballs and smiling_square cropped photo

Youth & Teen

Adult

Rondo Community Open Swim Sundays - Free - 12-5pm at Great River Water Park
Shrek the Musical Jr

Audition for Shrek the Musical Jr. 

Be a part of a great fairy tale adventure in 'Shrek the Musical, Jr.'! Open to all youth aged 7-18. Sign up for an audition the week of April 7-13 at the Highland Park Community Center Theatre. (There are only a few spots remaining, but video submissions are also being accepted.) No experience necessary. Everyone who auditions will be cast in a role.

Summer Choice Fair - Oxford Community Center - April 28, 12-3pm
Parks for All donation graphic

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.