Party for the Parks 2026
Theater Mu: Mu Stories series begins May 4th!
For Teens ages 14-18, Mondays - 5:30-6:30pm:
- May 4, 11, 18
- June 1, 8, 15, 22
Join Theater Mu to learn about theater and storytelling. Through games and exercises, you’ll learn how to create characters, tell your own stories, and act it all out. Practice new skills, gain confidence, and express yourself creatively! Also, earn a $75 stipend with active participation and attendance!
Register online and select "Sign in / Register" to get started. Call West Minnehaha Rec Center for assistance: 651-298-5823
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Pickleball and tennis courts open for the season
Staff have completed inspections and repairs at all tennis and pickleball sites. Torn or damaged nets were replaced as needed, and net heights were adjusted to ensure proper play standards.
All sites on the list have now been visited and are ready for use, provided no new issues have occurred since our visit.
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Twin Cities 2K Regatta at Lake Phalen
Saint Paul Aquatics is the proud water safety sponsor of the U of MN Twin Cities 2K Regatta at Lake Phalen this Saturday, May 2. Our lifeguards and staff are making sure the event is run safely for the enjoyment of public and participants for this historic Big Ten event. We invite you to join us at the lakeshore to cheer on the Gophers and experience the energy of competitive rowing. Your safety is our top priority, so please follow all posted signage and staff directions as we work together to keep Lake Phalen a safe and vibrant space for everyone. See you on the water!
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Park Pals & Paws - May 3, 11am-3pm
Summer Camps & Class Registration Open
Start preparing for summer fun! Register for summer camp and class offerings now
Saint Paul summer camps allow youth to spend the summer swimming, fishing, canoeing, dancing, playing sports and more. Full and half-day camps are available.
Browse More Summer Camps!
Registration open for Camp Phalen: Saint Paul City Day Campers
Find more Camp Phalen Summer Camp offerings
Partner Organization Summer Camps
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.
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Join us on Saturday, May 16, 1-2pm for a fun, free golf event for youth ages 6 & up. Learn the basics of chipping, putting and driving. All equipment will be provided.
Event is co-hosted by St. Paul Parks and Recreation and First Tee Minnesota at Highland National Golf Course.
Registration is required! Sign up today.
Free ice cream treats are provided for youth participants.
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Employers - there is still time to host a Right Track Intern!
Employers, have you considered hosting a summer intern? Right Track, the City of Saint Paul’s youth employment and training program, connects local businesses with motivated young people. Saint Paul youth bring fresh perspectives, energy, and a strong desire to learn and lead. By hosting a Right Track intern, you can support the next generation and gain valuable talent that can help move your organization forward.
We wouldn't be able to accomplish what we do without the support from our local businesses. This video message features Mayor Her and long-standing partner Dan Stoltz with Blaze Credit Union, on why they love hosting Right Track interns!
To learn more, reach out to RightTrack@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
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Water Quality Bike Safari - May 16
Arbor Month Volunteer Tree Planting in Newell Park!
Learn more about the event and register to plant trees today!
Speaking of Arbor Month...you may also be eligible to get a free tree! St. Paul residents living in qualifying areas of the city will be able to receive a free tree to plant in their yard. Find out if you’re eligible and learn about the tree offerings!
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Volunteers still needed for Soap Box Derby
We are currently looking for help for our 6th Annual Soap Box Derby. Volunteers will help youth ages 9-14 assemble a derby car at a recreation center and then race them at Hidden Falls Regional Park on June 2 (checkered flag will start waving around 4pm.)
Volunteers will attend 4-6 sessions (once per week) to build the car with the youth. Typically in the afternoon, but can be discussed with the staff at the center you’re assigned to. Derby car parts are provided, but if you have basic tools to assist (hammer, drill, wrench etc) that would be helpful! No advanced building skills are needed, just a willingness to lead and connect with youth!
Contact Courtney.John@ci.stpaul.mn.us with your interest. (If you can't commit to the build times but still want to help out, we'd love to have your help on race day!)
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Citywide Cleanup volunteer events
There is still time to join in on the cleanup fun! There are many events going on in the next few weeks.
Check out all Citywide Cleanup upcoming cleanup events!
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New in 2026! Summer Kick-off and Train Like A Hero - May 17
Spring Special Events
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Como Zoo & Conservatory Spring updates
Summer hours begin May 1: Como Zoo & Conservatory will be open daily from 10:00am-6:00pm, through Labor Day, giving guests more time to explore the gardens, see the animals, and enjoy the grounds.
Spring Flower Show Part II: Step inside the beautiful glass confines of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory’s Sunken Garden for Part II of the Spring Flower Show, May 1-June 7. This second display bursts with warm peachy-orange blooms accented by rich purples and blues.
Cafesjian’s Carousel begins its 2026 season on May 1, operating Thursday-Monday from 11:00am-4:00pm, weather permitting.
Sensory Friendly Morning: May 2, 9:00-10:00am: Designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, this special hour offers a quieter, less crowded zoo experience in a welcoming environment. (Sensory Friendly Mornings are on the zoo grounds only.)
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Blood Drive at Palace
Help save lives and donate blood with Red Cross at Palace Community Center on Friday, May 22, 2026 from 9am-3pm!
Participants get an exclusive Red Cross beach towel (limited quantity, must be 16+ to donate blood).
Sign up to donate today!
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Glove Giveaway at
Rice and Arlington Sports Complex - May 11
Apply for the Saint Paul Get Down Summer 2026 by June 1
If you are a Saint Paul music artist (of any genre) between 14 and 24 years old, we welcome your applications for the Saint Paul Get Down - Summer 2026 by June 1. Meetings will take place every Wednesday beginning mid-June from 5-7 where young artists will have the opportunity to:
- Participate in writing workshops
- Learn performance techniques
- Free studio time with free instrumentals
- Perform at five venues around St. Paul
- Open to professional musicians
- Learn the ins & outs of the music business and learn how to evolve as an artist
Seasonal Openings
Looking for summer work? We are still seeking workers for full-time and part time positions.
More roles will be added as those applications open, but current job openings are listed below.
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Zoo & Conservatory Attendant
To apply, complete an application and submit to ComoVisitorServices@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
Attendants provide excellent customer service, collect donations, assist in administering first aid, staff events and special exhibits, and serve as public educators teaching visitors about plants, animals, and conservation, both indoors and outdoors, at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.
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Lifeguard
To apply, contact: parksaquatics@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Monitor patrons in water, provide first aid, teach swim lessons and/or water aerobics, and teach water safety.
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Community Recreation Leader
To apply, submit an application via the online portal.
Work with youth at recreation centers leading games, activities, and off-site field trips, work citywide events at a variety of park locations, drive gaming truck to help community play on different gaming consoles, safely assist in harnessing community members at the climbing wall, and more.
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Park Worker I
To apply, submit an application via the online portal.
Positions at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, Highland National Golf Course or with the Operations/Maintenance team. Duties vary based on location but may include set-up/break down for daily events and rentals, custodial duties, lawn care, clean and operate equipment, and general maintenance of parks, grounds, and buildings. Higher pay rates for working nights/weekends and having a driver's license.
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Register for all things aquatics
Register online for swimming lessons! *Free for every Saint Paul resident under 18
Availability is limited for swimming lessons, but we save space in all swimming classes for the Saint Paul residents who are learning to swim.
Call Saint Paul Aquatics at 651-642-0390 or email ParksAquatics@ci.stpaul.mn.us to check for available space.
Register for other aquatics programs
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Open Gym Times
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Come work with us!
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Updates & Reminders
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Supporting Young People During Increased Federal Law Enforcement Activity: Young people are aware of what’s happening around them and may be carrying strong feelings, especially during times of community conflict like what’s been happening in the Twin Cities and across the state. Check out these additional resources on our website to help you feel more prepared to support them with care and confidence, including conversation starters and more.
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Immigration Resources: The City of Saint Paul has compiled a robust list of immigration resources, including information on knowing your rights and finding community-based support.
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Seeking coffee and food truck vendor applicants in summer 2026 and beyond! We have a variety of opportunities during lunch and dinner hours throughout the summer at both weekly recurring events and one-time special events.
- Specifically coffee trucks and vendors: .
- All food truck vendors: (*even if the listed dates don't work for you, we encourage you to fill this out as we are always adding new dates for summer events.)
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Fitness Center Memberships: Memberships cost just $30/year for adults who live or work in Saint Paul. Affordable daily passes are also available.
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Aquatics: For more information on winter and spring aquatics activities and programs, please visit Great River Water Park's webpage.
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Sprockets Community Newsletters: Want to keep with opportunities for teens throughout the summer, or youth friendly activities? Sign up for the Sprockets Community Newsletters Just for Teens and Youth and Family News.
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Saint Paul Youth Program Map: Sprockets is a network of many different after-school and summer programs in Saint Paul. Check out the map to find a variety of organizations where young people can get involved in great opportunities to explore, learn, and grow.
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Closures and Special Notices
- Planning a visit to a park or recreation center? Be sure to review the latest closures and important notices from Saint Paul Parks & Recreation on the Closures and Special Notices page.
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