What's Happening at Saint Paul Parks and Recreation

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What's Happening

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

April Pools Day

April 1 is "April Pools Day"

Monday, April 1 is April Pools Day! It’s no joke –summer swimming lessons are now FREE for all Saint Paul youth – because in the land of 10,000 lakes, cost should never be a barrier to water safety skills.

Additionally, to celebrate April Pools Day, all swimming activities at Great River Water Park will be free on Monday, April 1.

Youth swimming lessons are open to Saint Paul residents only and registration will be available online at stpaul.gov/swimminglessons, by calling 651-642-0650, or in-person at Great River Water Park starting at 9am on Monday, April 1. Please note, registration is first-come, first-served. Participants who do not already have an account are encouraged to create one ahead of time at stpaul.gov/activityregistration.

April Pools Day Schedule
Amazing Race youth participant on slack line

Summer camp and activity registration opens April 1

Summertime is (almost) here! At least we can get excited to start planning for the summer. Summer camps and activities registration opens on Monday, April 1 at 9am. Offerings for all ages in arts and crafts, sports and fitness, outdoor adventures, nature exploration, games, technology and more! You will also be able to register for Summer Rec Check--it has everything you love about our school-year Rec Check but with a summer twist!

 

Youth playing basketball at open gym

Spring Break Week, April 8-12

it's almost Saint Paul Public Schools' spring break week (April 8-12) and we are offering a variety of activities!

  • Great River Water Park Open Swim 
    • April 8-12, 1:30-5:30pm
    • $7/person | $25/group of 5 | Ages 2 & under: Free
  • Open Gym
  • Rec Check and Rec Check Extended
    • Sign the kids up for Rec Check Extended at Battle Creek, Frogtown, Hazel Park, or Edgcumbe. Youth in grades 1-5 will participate in fun activities each day from 8:30am-5pm. Cost is $10/day. Or our free Rec Check program is also available at other select locations from 1-4pm. Spots are limited so make sure to register.

Visit the spring break webpage for other activities to be announced as they are finalized.

Youth softball pitcher

Summer sports registration extended to April 9

Free for ages 9 and up! Offerings include t-ball, machine pitch, softball, baseball, and lacrosse clinics. 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 has been extended through April 9.

(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. Join our team and join a community of people who love supporting local youth through sports!)

Youth Summer Sports registrationdeadline extended to April 9
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 a workshop for participants to create stencil designs that will be used as inspiration for the mural and decorative fencing in the new building. There is one workshop offering left (participants must attend both dates):

Workshop takes 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. 

Chloe the Sloth being held by a zookeeper at Como Zoo

An Insider's Look at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory 

Have you ever wondered what it’s like before hours at the Zoo and Conservatory? Find out in our Adult Program: An Insider’s Look!, Saturday, April 27 from 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. This behind-the-scenes experience will teach participants about Como's unique history and engage with zookeepers preparing for the day. Registration is required. 

Parks and Rec staff tiling landscape

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!

Spring Tot Time Party 2024 at North Dale Rec Center

Upcoming Events

More Events

Prom dresses hanging on wall

Prom Outfit Shopping

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

Citywide Spring Clean Up 2024
Train Like a Hero Flyer 2024

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

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. Review the full details of the proposal requirements and help spread the word!

River Learning Center RFP image
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.